Honoring Youth: A Time for Piety, Knowledge, and Service

Each year on August 12, the world celebrates International Youth Day — a moment to reflect on the vital role of young people in building a better present and shaping a more just and compassionate future.

At I.M.A.M., guided by the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut), we affirm that youth is not merely a biological stage of life — it is a sacred trust and a divine opportunity. It is a season of energy, clarity, and commitment that must be directed toward higher goals: spiritual growth, the pursuit of knowledge, and service to others.

The Quran presents the story of Prophet Ibrahim (p) as a model of youthful insight and courage, “They said, ‘We heard a young man talking about them — he is called Abraham.’” (21:60).

Another powerful example of devout and courageous youth is found in the story of the People of the Cave (Aṣḥab al-Kahf), “Indeed, they were young men who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance” (18:13).

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) placed great value on the righteous deeds and accountability of youth. He is reported to have said, “No servant will move on the Day of Judgment until they are asked… about their youth and how they spent it” (al-Majlisi, Biḥar al-Anwar, vol. 68, p. 180).

And Imam Ali (p) advised, “The heart of a youth is like an empty land — whatever is sown in it will be accepted.” (Nahj al-Balāghah, Wisdom 3)

Yet today’s youth face an array of complex challenges. Many grapple with questions of cultural and religious identity in a rapidly globalizing world. There is growing pressure to prioritize superficial education or training that yields quick financial returns, while the deeper pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is often undervalued.

Higher education itself is sometimes underestimated, either seen as irrelevant to real life or inaccessible. In many societies, young people blend multiple languages — often merging native tongues with technical, commercial, or digital jargon — which can disconnect them from their literary, ethical, and spiritual heritage.

Furthermore, issues surrounding marriage and family life present new barriers: delayed or avoided marriage due to economic, social, or cultural pressures has become a widespread concern. This hesitation may in turn affect young people’s ability to assume family, community, and leadership responsibilities.

And yet, today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Their moral formation, intellectual preparation, and spiritual grounding must not be delayed or neglected. Empowering young people means more than offering them opportunities — it means trusting them with responsibilities, equipping them with guidance, and walking beside them in their journey.

At I.M.A.M., we pray for youth across the globe — that they may be guided by faith, uplifted by knowledge, and inspired to contribute to the well-being of all humanity. Let us support them, listen to them, and invest in them — for indeed, they are not only the future of the ummah, but its vibrant present.