The Youth of Today.
Social networking forums, websites, video and online games are extremely profitable for service providers but at what physical, neurological, social, economic, moral and spiritual costs to our children?
We now have a generation of disoriented, disaffected, troubled, disengaged and dissatisfied Muslim young; who appear to have no Deeni inclination or true ambition to excel in life in any field and whom we are about to lose. The live for now, credit card generation appears in slumber, mesmerized into a constant state of adolescence; disrespecting parents yet dependant upon their support and finances, drifting aimlessly from one fad, gizmo, video game, designer wear to another; lacking in motivation, self-discipline, restraint, self-esteem, and self-belief, constantly underperforming and idle. Their GCSE, A-level and Degree results are no reflection of their aptitude, competence, common sense, intelligence, entrepreneurship, ability to earn a living, support a family or contribute to humanity. What use will such a generation of Muslim youth be to society or to prospective spouses looking for partners and parent for their children? Too many Muslim households are shaking their heads in dismay and disbelief; too many Muslim parents are at loss to explain their children`s behaviour.
Affluence and a perceived automatic entitlement to rights (huqqoq) without any sense of reciprocating obligations seems to be the order of the day in a community which is living upon the fruits of sacrifices, graft, savings and investments made by the first and second generation of immigrants and pious half a century ago and the State Welfare System. Muslim`s are spending between 30-150 hours a week upon internet and online video games; this is more than the traditional working week which their grandparents spent in mills and factories for a pittance.
How may any community whose youth spend so much time a week on fantasies ever hope to prosper in any avenue of human endeavor? Nations and communities who have become Imam`s (leaders) in knowledge, science, technology and commerce have always done so through hard work, graft and study. Relates Allama Iqbal :
`Mature thinking of the nation`s preacher has gone,
The Muslims natural panache has gone, fiery speeches have gone.
The ritual of Adhan has remained whilst spirit of Bilal رضي الله عنه has gone.
Philosophy has persisted the teaching of Ghazzali رحمة الله عليه has gone.`
(Ashrafs tranquil eye pg 58-59)
