Breaking TV records and following special attention by Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, in parliament, TV show ‘Adolescence’ highlights the many social challenges of today’s western world and how the lack of a spiritual guide can have such vast repercussions on some of the most vulnerable and yet signifcant members of our society: adolescents. It is during this period of time that they are most infuenced and forming habits and views that will follow them for the rest of their lives.

The show covers relevant and heavy subject matters such as online radicalisation, toxic masculinity, mental health, social media and its impacts, misogyny and changing family dynamics. Regardless of how extreme the problems raised may feel to us, it is the reality our youth are facing and we must quickly adapt to equip them with the tools to combat these challenges. As Muslims, it raises the question of who we are letting nurture and raise the future of our ummah? If not us, then who? Schools, social media, peers and madrasahs. We understand that the solution lies in Islam but then comes the issue of how we are portraying the religion. Rather than a bunch of rules, do’s and don’ts and inherited practices, we must deliver the message of Islam the way it was meant to, to allow it to embed – via the heart. The beauty of Islam lies in the why, in the curiosity it inspires and the understanding of the guidance. Only when we encourage our youngsters to connect personally with the Quran, revere in the Messenger (saw) and his companions, can we expect them to follow. Teach them to ask why they believe a certain way and follow certain practices. Encourage open conversation and debate, for open – mindedness is crucial to accepting the wider thinking that comes with Islam.

Additionally, yielding a strong safety net is key. This begins within the home and should be complemented with strong Islamic & Quranic education. For whatever is nurtured and prioritised during this period is what will inevitably follow into adulthood when time becomes more scarce. Knowing this, as parents, siblings and a community, this is where our focus should be, working to instil the understanding that not only are there countless opportunities but also distractions. Where Shaytaan can’t lead us into wrongdoing, he lures us into the trap of procrastination and time-wasting. Understanding this is the frst step in establishing boundaries when it comes to anything that may interfere in our relationship with Allah and our values as believers. So we can see how the signifcance extends beyond our life in this world. This is refected in a narration from Ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:

“The son of Adam will not be dismissed from before his Lord on the Day of  Resurrection until he has been questioned about fve things: his life and how he  spent it, his youth and how he used it, his wealth and how he earned it and how he  disposed of it, and how he acted upon what he acquired of knowledge.” (Narrated by  At-Tirmidhi, 2422; classed as sound by Al-Albani in Sahih At-Tirmidhi, 1969).  

Naturally, during teenage years, the infuence of peers evolves to become so much greater. As a community, what we can do is create an environment where the youth are able to feed goodness of of each other and discourage one another from wrongdoing. Creating a sense of belonging in a society where we can be made to feel ‘diferent’ can be immensely grounding for our youth. At the crux of this is raising young people to have a strong sense of identity in who we are as Muslims and our values. Islam teaches a valuable lesson in balance when it comes to the process of integrating within society: in the process of integration, don’t dilute your values and in the process of preserving your values, don’t isolate yourself. It is only then when we are comfortable in ourselves and our purpose, that we are able to move forward in our dawah goals as ‘khalifatullah’ -‘representatives of Allah’.

Ya Allah, guide our youth with your Noor, protect their hearts from confusion, their minds from doubt and their steps from misguidance. Strengthen them with faith, surround them with virtuous company and make them beacons of righteousness in their communities. Grant them success in both this world and the Hereafter, and make their transition into adulthood a journey of purpose, peace and piety.

Ameen.