16/06/2026
What Youth Day Means to Us – A Reflection
Youth Day carries deep spiritual and moral significance. Islam teaches that young people are a trust from Allah, and their energy, idealism, and strength should be directed toward justice, compassion, and the betterment of society.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The feet of the son of Adam will not move away on the Day of Judgement until he is asked about … his youth – in what he spent it.”
(Tirmidhī)
This highlights the profound responsibility that comes with youth. The students of 1976 used their youth in pursuit of justice and truth – values that are central to Islam. Allah commands in the Qur’ān:
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.”
(Surah An-Nisā’ 4:135)
Islam also emphasises the importance of education, not merely as a means to worldly success, but as a path to understanding Allah’s creation and fulfilling one's duty to humanity. The first word revealed to the Prophet ﷺ was “Iqra” (Read), underscoring the sacred nature of seeking knowledge.
At the same time, Islam calls for mercy, gratitude, and service to the less fortunate. Spending time with underprivileged children, as mentioned in the article, reflects the prophetic example of caring for orphans and the poor. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The one who cares for an orphan and myself will be together in Paradise like this,” – and he held his two fingers together.
(Bukhārī)
Finally, Islam teaches that true change begins with inner reform and reliance on Allah, combined with sincere action. The youth of today are encouraged to be proactive, just, and patient, while always seeking Allah’s guidance. As the Qur’ān reminds us:
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
(Surah Ar-Ra‘d 13:11)
