Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

3 July 2026 / 17 Muharram 1448H

Righteous Youth – A Shared Responsibility

Dear blessed congregation,

Let us have taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. Obey all His commands and abstain from all His prohibitions. May the blessed month of Muharram continue to drive us towards goodness in this world and in the hereafter. Amin, ya Rabbal 'Alamin.

Dear brothers,

Have we ever wondered: what is Islam's view of the youth?

To answer this question, let us reflect on a description of youth offered by a companion of Rasulullah s.a.w., Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri r.a., who was himself a young man when he embraced Islam. It is narrated that whenever Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri r.a. saw the youth coming to seek knowledge, he would say, "Welcome, O trustees of Rasulullah s.a.w."

The trustees of Rasulullah s.a.w. – those whom the Prophet s.a.w. frequently reminded and entrusted us with. This is the description given by a companion of Rasulullah s.a.w. to the youth, especially those who diligently seek knowledge and then share it for the benefit of mankind.

My dear brothers,

We know that the way young people perceive life is shaped by the environment created by the adults around them. It is therefore a sacred trust upon the shoulders of every adult, especially among the believers, to play a role in guiding the youth in accordance with divine guidance.

In this regard, the Quran is rich with exemplary stories, counsel, and supplications that are most fitting as a guide in nurturing the young. This includes the counsel of a righteous man to his son in Surah Luqman, verse 17:

Which means: "O my son! Establish prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and be patient over whatever befalls you. Indeed, that is of the matters requiring resolve."

Through the sirah of Rasulullah s.a.w., we also learn the best approach to shaping character and empowering the youth.

Look, for instance, at how the Prophet s.a.w. dealt with a companion named Zaid bin Thabit r.a. Zaid was also a young man at the time. And because of his age, Rasulullah s.a.w. did not permit him to join the Muslims in the Battle of Badr. Yet, the Prophet s.a.w. did not belittle his enthusiasm or dismiss him outright. Instead, Rasulullah s.a.w. recognised and valued his ability in reading and memorising, and recommended an alternative path of contribution for Zaid by learning and mastering the Hebrew language, the language of the Jewish people.

Having heeded the Prophet’s advice, Zaid bin Thabit r.a. went on to become the official scribe and translator of Rasulullah s.a.w., even at a young age. Such was the way of the Prophet s.a.w. With deep compassion and far-sightedness, he empowered and nurtured the potential of the youth around him.

In time, Zaid r.a. became a scholar who played a key role in the compilation of the Mushaf after the passing of Rasulullah s.a.w.

My dear brothers,

The examples presented earlier invite us to reflect and ask ourselves: what is our role in guiding the youth? When was the last time we became a source of inspiration that shaped the character of the next generation of believers?

Here, the khutbah proposes four things we can do:

First: Be a good example

Youth are keen observers. Often, they are more influenced by actions than by words. Simply instructing them to do good, to perform their prayers, to abstain from sin, is not enough if they do not see us doing the same. Let us therefore strive to be, first and foremost, a mirror of the believer's character that we wish to see in them.

Second: Guide with wisdom

This was the true approach of Rasulullah s.a.w. He did not nurture the souls of the young through scolding, ridicule, or nagging. Instead, he drew out the potential within each young person with gentleness and utmost love. Every mistake must be corrected, but take an approach that is constructive, seeing mistakes as part of the learning process.

Third: Place our trust in them

Let us not underestimate the capabilities of the youth. The sirah records how Rasulullah s.a.w. was willing to place great responsibility on the shoulders of Zaid bin Thabit r.a., as recounted earlier. If we find that our youth still lack certain skills, guide them to improve on those abilities. Give them opportunities to contribute, based on their interests and strengths, so that they feel valued. In time, it will be they who carry the trust of faith and the hopes of the community.

Fourth: Pray for our youth

Rasulullah s.a.w. always prayed for the wellbeing of the young people around him. Beyond just strengthening bonds and offering encouragement, our supplications are also a testament to our reliance and belief that Allah s.w.t. is able to grant goodness upon anyone He wishes.

Dear blessed congregation,

The effort to shape a righteous generation is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. Those who are more senior must play their part, and the young too must be open to receiving guidance. It is not a one-way relationship. Rather, it is a bond that is mutually beneficial and strengthening.

May Allah s.w.t. strengthen the love between us, guide our every step, and shower His mercy upon us all. Amin, ya Rabbal 'Alamin.

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