The Power of the Youth
An Untapped Resource

Do you feel violated? Have you ever asked yourself that question? Life has changed so much in such a short time in recent history. Throughout history human change comes somewhat slowly but the 20^th century contained so much change. Some people call it development others call it environmental and social disasters – but anyway, things have changed but how have things changed for you? Are you being swept along by all these changes?

Our education, lifestyle, and thinking has been inundated by slogans and messages spread across the media. The youth often live on the edge of society and they often miss out on a good quality education and access to jobs. They often suffer from low self esteem because they have been made to think that their isolation is their own fault instead of the society's inability to accept and respect all its members. So the entity of the youth is being violated by slogans of racism, media taunts, generalizations, and the right of authorities to arrest and detain on suspicion – so young people are walking targets of derision.

Violation can take place not just physically but also through words, suspicion, threats, and undermining the individual's entity and identity. The idea of 'if you're not like the rest of us, you're no good' prevails.

On the one hand the society will say they stand for freedom, rights for all and so on whereas on the ground, the young people feel that many of their rights are not protected and that they, as individuals are not respected for their beliefs, cultural background and what they are able to contribute to society.

Often if a young person chooses to dare to be different; to have his/her own identity and course in life they run the risk of being labeled. They could be labeled a terrorist or an anarchist, but they will always be considered 'the other.' And with this comes the inner choice each young person must make. Will he/she prove their 'innocence' against these accusations (of being different) or steer their own course in life and live and contribute and add positively to society in their own way? If the individual wants to exonerate himself from being the guilty party he has to be willing to 'completely obey' the worldwide hegemony and willingly jump into the melting pot and thereby lose his individuality and personal entity and so the beauty of true diversity will be lost forever.

Remember Allah said in the Qu'ran that He made us into nations and tribes that we might know one another.

How boring life would be if we were all the same!

Young people today are under two levels of violation. The first one is that which affects the whole community of which he is a part. This applies to most of us. Things like wealth being monopolized, access being prevented and made conditional upon entering the melting pot for example, if a young Muslim woman wants to work in a certain career she has to 'remove her hijab'. If Muslim youth want to work at certain places it is not allowed for them to take time off to pray. These kinds of policies shackle the young people to contribute in a positive way.

There is also a kind of mass psychological pressure. It is a pressure to conform even though the catch cry of modern society is 'freedom.' It comes with a threat; if you don't conform – you won't be included. At the same time, there is still space for young people to have their voice and make positive changes in a positive way.

An extension of the violation of the youth is the way their awareness of themselves and life in general has been tampered with. It is becoming more and more difficult for Muslim youth to calmly and comfortably abide by religious standards and beliefs because these beliefs and standards have had their meanings twisted by use of taunts, bias, inaccurate definitions, and generalizations. So the young people are being made to understand that if they want the care and protection of the mainstream society they must submit and obey their concept of 'freedom' and 'morality'.

What a bind to be in! But the answer is…….. not violence, not revenge, not aggression, not isolation, not bigotry, and not prejudice against those who put forward this way of thinking – the answer is:

• Get your own life in order, meaning make sure your words and actions are according to the Quran and Sunnah. Make any necessary changes in order to do this vital first step.

• Ask Allah the Almighty to guide and direct you and your society to success in this life and the next and hope for goodness for yourself, your community, and those who appear to be your enemies today because tomorrow they could well be your friends and allies in justice and equality. Remember that Allah is Just and He loves justice.

• · Learn the ways of the society you are living in. Seek to develop yourself through gaining knowledge and expertise in practical skills so you can access the mainstream society and be a fruitful member. This might mean upgrading language skills, learning about computer and technology, taking a keen interest in what is going on in the world today. This of course, alongside gaining more and more knowledge and understanding of every field of Islamic studies and life.

• Get involved in your community. Spread a feeling of enthusiasm and dignity. Advise people to get their lives in conformity with Islam because Allah promises to change our condition (environment) when we change what is within ourselves.

• Get involved in charitable work and if there is nothing going on, then be the one to start and initiate some kind of program, activity. Consult with others who are wise and experienced in such things and get something going.

Remember, if society doesn't seem to want you or need your contribution don't take that as a final answer. Sometimes mankind doesn't know what he needs. So just get in there and be active – first by fixing up your own life, then by trying to have a positive effect on those around you. Be a voice in your country – a voice for justice, equality, and peace. Keep on being that voice and one day, for sure, you will be heard. Allah Willing.

• Caught Between Two Worlds

• What to Do When all You See Is Trouble and Strife

• Tips on How to Overcome Low Self-Esteem

• Make a Difference

** Latiefa Achmat is an Islamic counselor and social worker in Cape Town, South Africa. She can be contacted at youth_campaign@iolteam.com.