THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN DEFENDING RELIGION | UNIVERSITY ISLAMIC CENTRE

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THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN DEFENDING RELIGION

YOUTH is a group that becomes a pillar and successor of the generation in a society. It must be acknowledged, this group has extraordinary ability, especially in terms of energy and thinking in doing various difficult and challenging things.

In general, youth is defined as young people between the ages of 15 and 40. Thus, today's youth are potential leaders in the future and are waiting for the time to fill the ranks of the country's leadership in the future. Therefore, any effort and initiative to further strengthen the needs, wishes, welfare and basic rights of this important group is very welcome and needs to be given serious attention by all parties. Even so, youth groups objectively have their own idealism and should not be influenced by any interested party. Therefore, they need to be firm and brave in expressing their wishes and views without taking sides and freely criticizing and giving opinions in all matters.

Undoubtedly, youth through their physical and spiritual strength has always been an important asset to the country. This is because the young generation, which consists of youths who have solid knowledge and piety, will also have strength from the point of view of reason, self-identity, integrity in carrying out responsibilities and high morals.

As we know, Islam as ad-Din is a complete way of life that covers all aspects of human life. It comes with the basic framework of aqidah (belief), shariah (laws and regulations) and akhlak (virtuous values â€‹â€‹and manners), which then comes with the five main goals of Islam that are used as a basis for life which we call maqasid al-shariah . One of them is Hifz ad-Din which is to take care of religion.

The principle of Hifz ad-Din requires us as Muslims to maintain the integrity of Islam and faith in ourselves and those around us and at the same time protect Islam from any internal and external threats. Therefore, it is everyone's duty to put the interests of religion first and even surpass all other interests. This is so because religion is the life guide of every people who want to achieve real success in this world and in the hereafter.

The responsibility of defending religion is an obligation for every Muslim. Whoever defends his religion, then Allah SWT will surely help him. Allah SWT says in Surah Muhammad:

Meaning: O believers, if you defend (religion) of God, God will surely defend you (to achieve victory) and strengthen your position.

Therefore, we who claim to be Muslims should be concerned about the Islamic religion, that is, by the way we study and practice the teachings of Islam and preserve and defend the purity of the Islamic religion from being insulted and despised by those who are hostile to Allah and His Messenger.

As an important group in a society, the youth should be given space and opportunities not only in developing the country but also play an important role in religious affairs. Those who are going to replace the leaders at every level whether family, community, organization or country should be formed with the best leadership elements and values. However, today's youth only some are literate to contribute in the development of religion while others are still complacent lulled by the pleasures of the world. Therefore, it is appropriate to empower the role of youth in defending religion for the common good through the following steps:

First, Muslim youth need to have a comprehensive view of life related to Islam itself. Such observations will create visionary youth who can play an appropriate and viable role. Islam should be understood and believed as a system of organizing mankind in building a noble and high civilization in accordance with its nature that conforms to universal human values. Islam needs to be lived not as a reaction to the destruction of the current secular civilization, even in the beginning it was sent to give mercy to the entire human race including non-Muslims. The principles of Islam in organizing and developing society are compatible with human values â€‹â€‹that allow it to deal with changes in the way of life and different places. Based on the spirit of truth, justice and love, the Islamic approach will always be appropriate and viable.

Second , building moral integrity among all levels of Muslim society, especially the youth. The high morals of the youth will be the basis of their struggle and life's ambitions towards achieving the greatness of Islam. It gives birth to a person's sincerity and emotional attachment to the struggle of Islam. Ethics cannot be understood as honest and straight individual behavior. It should be seen in a broader framework that involves the struggle towards the sovereignty of the value of truth in all aspects of life activities. It also covers the efforts and increase of worship as well as having the nature of kindness to other fellow human beings in going through the affairs of life.

The culmination of moral appreciation is that members of the community will strive to implement the values â€‹â€‹and spirit of justice in the organization of community and national life. The average Muslim understands and still considers that having noble morals will shape the individual into a straight and honest person in leading his life and work without causing much harm to society. Such a limited understanding will only form individuals who build their own behavior and do not want to play a role in improving and developing the morals of society. Therefore, as a person who is a social individual, such an attitude does not fit the role of a positive Muslim. Therefore, it is very necessary for Muslims, especially the youth, to play a greater role in society.

At this time, the average would agree that the morals of Muslim youth, especially in Malaysia, need to be improved for positive change in order to develop the country. The practice of corruption, cheating, oppressing, slandering and having some other despicable qualities, needs to be scraped and eliminated. These traits are an obstacle to all forms of progress.

This will not happen if each of the young people adhere to religious teachings because religion will shape the identity of young people to become better and able to determine between right and wrong as well as good and bad. An Islamic figure once advised:

"If you want to see the future of a country, look at its young generation".

These words prove that young people, especially Muslim youth, are capable of giving great benefits to religion and the country.

In conclusion, today's youth need to position themselves as initiators, movers and builders of a superior Islamic civilization, respected and respected by the world community. If this group takes the initiative to change for the better, then a brilliant generation will be born that will raise the dignity of religion and national sovereignty to the highest and best level. So, rise up young people and take every opportunity provided to advance yourself and then become a useful group of Muslim youth who can contribute to the development of religion, the country and the progress of the ummah.

Date of Input: 24/07/2024 | Updated: 24/07/2024 | asmunir

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