Most
of us are in our twenties and late teens and this group are appropriately
called as young adults. We are not as naïve and foolish as the teens but not as
wise and smart as the adults. What we have is an abundance of energy,
potential, creativity and some common sense. We are in that awkward phase as
Britney said “I’m not a girl , not yet a woman ”. But from where I stand, we
are just a bunch of selfish people. “Why?”, you asked. It’s because we have so much energy and
potential but decided to do nothing positive about it.
When
I was volunteering to collect donations for Syrians and Philippines last week,
I saw a very sad reality. There were very little teenagers and young adults
that are willing to give some of their shopping money for the cold Syrians or
the hurricane-struck Philippines. Most of individuals who donated were
middle-aged or elderly. This is a very sad truth, indeed because I was one of
those people. I turned a blind eye and just walk straight ahead whenever I see
a person holding a donation bucket. I thought that my needs to buy that cute
jean are more important and urgent.
Most
of us spent our time and energy in trivial and childish things. Young adults are obsessed with fashion
trends, technology and entertainment. We tweet using the latest iPhone, toting an
800 Euros Chanel bag while talking about Miley Cyrus with friends. We have the
power and energy to build a nation but instead we build a ‘trendy wardrobe’. As-Syahid
Sayyid Qutb wrote in his book,In the Shade of Qur’an that he saw people acting
like a little kid.We have thoughts, ambitions, and interests of a child. We are
fascinated with petty and insignificant things that give little to no benefit.
We are, in fact acting like a little kid. Have we really grown up?
As
a fellow young adults who has recently reached a new age,I had to reflect and
answer a very important question, ‘What have I done in my life?’. I am not going to answer that question here
for you or even for myself but deep down we all know the answer. Let’s get back
to the basic of being the slave of Allah and Khalifah. That is our duty on this
earth and everything else is just distractions and tests.
20. Know that the life of this
world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another
and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain
whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see
it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is
severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the
worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion. (57:20)
A
Muslim is a person who cares for his relationship with God and relationship
with another human being. He is aware of his surroundings and the conditions of
other parts of the world. He is ready to help a person in need because he knows
that Islam encourages such selfless deed. He lives his life in the way of Islam
because that is the best way to live a life. He used his potential and energy
to the fullest in the cause of Allah because that is the only worthy cause. The
only way we can do all this is by understanding the duty of Khalifah and being
the slave of Allah. Get back to the basic and start there.
(Al- ‘Asr: 1-3) Muhsin Khan Translation
Faizah Kamal
