Life on the Streets (Part 1)

Young people end up living on the streets for many reasons but the result is that the youth are forced to become someone other than their real selves, in order to survive. This is a tough heartless world but in the midst of it all people come their way; pass them by and give them a feeling of humanity; a feeling of tenderness; caring; that not all the world is dark and gruesome. Such people remind the youth of who and what they still are deep inside and what they can be.

Who are these people? Are they specially trained? Is it impossible for you and me to do anything for others? The qualification for reaching out is:

• The ability to care for others
• The ability to see beyond your own self and trivial concerns
• The ability to be grateful for what you have and
• The desire to share

Muhammad, the mercy for mankind (peace be upon him) established the principles on which humanity can raise itself from its degrading level and come to realize the beauty, goodness, and immense potential that lies beneath the surface of every single human being on this earth.

"Whoever of you witnesses anything that is wrong, let him correct it with his hand; and if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, let him abhor it in his heart. This reflects the weakest level of faith. " (Hadith – Muslim)

"He who alleviates the suffering of his brother from the afflictions of the world, Allah will alleviate his afflictions from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection. He who finds relief for one who is hardpressed Allah will make things easy for him in the Hereafter….." (Hadith – Muslim)

"Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler. If you survive until the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive until the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening. Take from your health for your sickness, and take from your life for your death." (Hadith – Bukhari)

"Do not become angry." (Hadith – Bukhari)

"There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm." (Hadith – Ibn Majah)

Look within yourself! Take a look at what you have in your life and imagine what life would be like if it was all taken away… Remember the young people who have been cast onto the streets for no fault of their own; perhaps they are victims of callous parents, misfortune, neglect, indifference, or a society that couldn't care less. Remember, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

Selma A. Cook is an Aussie Muslim writer who lives and works in Egypt.  She has written a number of books including: Buried Treasure (An Islamic novel for teenagers), The Light of Submission (Islamic Poetry). She has also edited and revised many Islamic books. She can be contacted at: youth_campaign@iolteam.com.