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Islan and Lack of Islamic Knowledge in Youth
Islan and Lack of Islamic Knowledge in Youth
Islan and Lack of Islamic Knowledge in Youth
SECTION A
ISLAMIC STUDIES ASSIGNMENT
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Preface:
This article contains a content on the lack of Islamic knowledge among
young people and its implications. The article enlights that Islam
encourages the importance of seeking knowledge, but many young
Muslims are not well-informed about their faith. This lack of islamic
teachings can lead to misunderstandings, misconceptions, and
misinformation, In some cases, Islamic education may not be
prioritized or may not be easily accessible, which can lead to a lack of
knowledge about Islam, islamic practices, and beliefs. The article
contains the points behind this lack of Islamic knowledge, including
limited access to Islamic education, a busy lifestyle. It stress the need
for sources and support to help young Muslims learn about their faith,
including access to reliable resources of information realated to Islamic
education through schools and community centers, and a supportive
environment for discussions and questions. To encounter these
challenges, it is essential to provide young Muslims with access to
sources of Islamic knowledge and education. This can include providing
Islamic education in schools,collages, offering classes or workshops at
community centers or mosques, and encouraging the use of reliable
online resources. It is also diifficult and crucial to create a supportive
environment that encourages discussion a about Islam, so young
generation feel comfortable seeking guidance and knowledge about
their faith. By addressing this issue, we can help ensure that the next
generation of Muslims is well-informed and equipped to represent their
faith accurately and positively.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. INTRODUCTION:
▪ ISLAM
▪ YOUTH
▪ RELATION OF YOUTH WITH ISLAM
2. REASONS: WHY TODAY’S YOUTH IS GETTING AWAY
FROM ISAM AND ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE
• 1. LACK OF RELEVANCE AMONG YOUTH
• 2.LACK OF ACCESSIBILITY
• 3.LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF ISLAM IN YOUTH
• 4.THE PRESSURE OF TIME
• 5. PEOPLE THINK ISLAM IS NOT USEFUL IN THEIR LIFE
• 6.SECULARIZATION
• 7.CULTURAL CONFLICTS
• 8. RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS LACKNESS
• 9. THE RISE OF MODERNITY
• 10. RISE IN ISLAMOPHOBIA
• 11. THE IMPACT OF MEDIA AND POPULAR CULTURE:
• 12. YOUTH FINDING LIBERTY IN OTHER RELIGION
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• 8. UNABLE TO PERFORM RELIGIOUS OBLIGATIONS:
• 9. GUILT AND REGRET OVER ABANDONING THE FAITH*
• 10. ISOLATION AND LONELINESS:
• 11. LACK OF SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION
4. SOLUTIONS TO OVERCOME THE LACK OF ISLAM
AND ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE IN YoUTH:
• 1. PROVIDING ACCESS TO ISLAMIC TEACHINGS:
• 2. ENCOURAGING YOUTH TO READ THE QURAN:
• 3. ORGANIZING ISLAMIC EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
• 4. ENCOURAGING MENTORSHIP AND GUIDANCE FROM
KNOWLEDGEABLE INDIVIDUALS
• 5. PROMOTING OPEN DIALOGUE AND DISCUSSION:
• 6. READ ISLAMIC LITERATURE AND BOOKS:
• 7. ENGAGING IN COMMUNITY SERVICE:
• 8. ATTEND ISLAMIC LECTURES AND CLASSES:
• 9. JOIN AN ISLAMIC STUDY GROUP
• 10. KEEP ON MAKING DUA TO ALLAH SUBḤANAHU WA
TA'ĀLA (GLORIFIED AND EXALTED BE HE) TO HELP YOU
ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE:
• 11. TIME MANAGEMENT
5. CONCLUSION
6. REFERENCEs
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TOPIC:
LACK OF ISLAM AND ISLAMIC
KNOWLEDGE AMONG THE YOUTH
INTRODUCTION:
ISLAM:
Islam is religion founded by the prophet Muhammad in the 7th
century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. Muslims believe in Allah
and follow the teachings of the Quran. which they believe to be
the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad.
YOUTH:
The definitin of youth can vary depending on the context.
Generally, youth refers to the Period of life between childhood
and adultage, when a person is developing physically. In many
societies, youth is the age from 15 to 24 years of age. It is also
significant to note that youth is not just defined by age but by
the unique experiences that young person faces during the
period of their life.
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follow Islamic teachings Overall, the relationship between today's
youth and Islam is complex and varies greatly depending on the
individual and their cultural and social context.
In recent era, it is observed that today Muslim youth is getting away
from Islam and involving themselves in activities that are prohibited in
Islam.
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▪ a lack of understanding of how Islam applies to modern-day
issues.
▪ OR a belief that Islamic teachings are outdated and not
applicable to contemporary society.
2. Lack of Accessibility:
With the rise of technology people have access to an amount of
information at their fingertips. Islamic knowledge is not always as
accessible as it could be due to a lack of quality translations and
resources. This can results to a lack of understanding of the Islamic
faith.In recent times, youth have struggled to access accurate
information about Islam due to the ever-growing spread of
misinformation.
▪ This has result in a lackness in faith and understanding among the
teen, leading to a disconnect between their generation and the
teachings of Islam.
▪ One of the primary sources of misinformation is the internet,
which is filled with biased news sources and extremist opinions.
▪ As a result, youth are bombarded with false and inflammatory
statements about Islam.
▪ This problem of access to accurate information has created a
widening gap between the youth and their Islamic faith, leading to
a feeling of distress.
3.LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF ISLAM IN YOUTH:
One of the reasons why some young people may have a lack of
understanding of Islam is due to a lack of access to quality Islamic
education. Many young people may not have access to Islamic schools or
teachers who can provide them with a comprehensive understanding of
Islamic teachings.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:171), which states:
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َ َو َمث َ ُل ٱلَذِينَ َكفَ ُروا َك َمث َ ِل ٱلَذِي يَ ۡن ِع ُق ِب َما َّل يَ ۡس َم ُع ِإ َّل ُد
عآء َونِ َدآء
َعمۡ ي فَ ُه ۡم َّل يَعۡ ِقلُون ُ صم بُ ۡكم بُ ۡكم ُ
The example of those who disbelieve is like that of one who shouts at what
hears nothing but calls and cries cattle or sheep – deaf, dumb and blind, so
they do not understand.
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have access to accurate information about the religion, and that they are
exposed to a variety of interpretations..
ار َ َعذ
ِ اب ٱل َن َ سن ًَۭة َوقِنَا
َ اخ َرةِ َح َ َو ِمن ُهم َمن َيقُو ُل َر َب َنا ٓ َءا ِتنَا فِى ٱلدن َيا َح
ِ َٔسن ًَۭة َوفِى ٱلـ
"And among them are those who pray, 'Our Lord, give us good in
this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the
punishment of the Fire.'"
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• The demands of the day can be so difficult that they forget to focus
on the significance of their faith, and they may skip important
prayers or rituals.
it is important for Muslim youth to remember that being a Muslim
means constantly struggling to find balance in their lives. It can be hard
to manage their time, but with proper schedule and dedication, they can
remain intact to their faith and religion while enjoying the activities they
love.
5. PEOPLE THINK ISLAM IS USELESS IN ONE’S LIFE:
A big misinformation about ISLAM exists, and unfortunately, many
people believe it is of no use to them. A survwy reveals that this belief is
generally unfounded and based on several misunderstanding this is
because people may have been exposed to bad stereotypes about Islam
through several resources. These stereotypes often show Islam as a
violent religion, which is not true.
▪ Another main reason why people may not consider Islam useful is
that they may not understand the role islam that how it can
contribute in providing guidance. They do not understand the
outcomes of practicing the religion(islam). Islam encourages
individuals to live a balanced livf, both physically and mentally. It
promotes good health practices such as regular exercise, proper
nutrition and rest while prohibiting harmful behaviors such as
smoking and excessive drinking.
The generality of misinformation and negative stereotypes about Islam
in the media can contribute to a lack of understanding among muslim
youthh. This can mislead to a distorted or incomplete view of Islam and
itss teachings.
6. SECULARIZATION:
In recent years, secularization has seen an upgrade in popularity among
youth. This is huge because many young people have become more open
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to different religions and have become more attachhed to diverse
ideologies. As such, many young people have hold the notion of
secularization and have take it as a valid way of life.
“Secularization is the process by which religion is removed from public life and is
replaced by other forms of non-religious beliefs and values. This shift in
attitudes has been especially prominent among those aged 18-29, with
approximately one-third of this age group claiming to have no religious
affiliation. This has led to the emergence of secularism, which is the belief that
religion should not play an important role in public life.”
7.CULTURAL CONFLICTS:
Muslim youth that is growing up in Western societies may experience
cultural conflicts between their religion and the dominant culture of their
country. This may direct some of the youth to distance themselves from
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religion Islam, as they struggle to adapt their cultural identity with their
religion.
In such type of situation,
▪ some young Muslims may choose to away themselves from their
faith in order to fit in with their peers.
▪ This can result in a lack of understanding of their faith, which can
lead to further misconceptions.
▪ In Addition, some may feel that they have to choose between their
religion and their culture, and this can lead to feelings of guilt and
a sense of being pull apart between two worlds.
And cultural conflicts can be hard and confusing for young Muslims
growing up in Western societies. However, with the good support and
perfect resources, these conflicts can be resolved, allowing Muslim
youth to find the balance between their religion and the dominant
culture of their respective country.
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or capacity to provide meaningful support and guidance, or they
may not be able to see the importance of connecting with youth.
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For example:
• more and more young Muslims are challenging traditional norms
and practices, such as the wearing of the hijab and the practice of
arranged marriages. They are also exploring alternative forms of
Islamic practice, such as Sufism and the Salafi movement.
• Additionally, young Muslims are more likely to engage in political
discussions and activism, often advocating for the rights of Muslim
minorities or speaking out against policies which they view as
oppressive.
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❖ They fear that they may be subjected to discrimination and abuse,
or even violence if they do so. This in turn has led to many young
Muslims feeling isolated and alienated in their own communities.
❖ The rise of Islamophobia has resulted in an increase in hate crimes
against Muslims. This has had a damaging effect on the mental
health of many young Muslims, who feel unsafe in their own
countries.
❖ This can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger, and can
even cause them to become disaffected and disengaged from
society.
❖ Also resulted in a lack of religious freedom for some Muslims.
This has been especially noticeable in some countries, where Muslim
minorities have been targeted and their rights have been denied. This has
had a particularly negative effect on young Muslims, who are often
unable to practice their faith freely without fear of discrimination or
persecution.
The media has become one of the most powerful influences on the
mindsets of young people today. it has become increasingly easier for
young people to consume a constant stream of information and imagery
that can shape their opinions and beliefs.
• the media has had a negative impact, depicting Islam as a religion
of violence and intolerance. This negative image is perpetuated by
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news stories that focus on radical Islamists, extremists, and
terrorists, which can lead to negative preconceived notions about
Muslims and the religion of Islam.
• The media can also be a powerful tool to challenge anti-Muslim
sentiment and bigotry.
• By highlighting stories of ordinary Muslims dealing with the same
issues that any other group would face, the media portray that the
lives of other people are easy as compared to Muslims who practice
Islam.
The concept of liberty is something that has been long debated among
the Islamic community. It is widely believed that the youth of today are
seeking more freedom from traditional values, and this is seen as a threat
to the traditional interpretations of Islam.
▪ The idea of freedom has become increasingly important to many
youth in the Islamic world. They are beginning to challenge the
standards of the past and look for ways to express themselves in
more modern and liberal ways.
▪ This is seen as a rebellion against the traditional values that have
been in place for centuries. The youth are embracing concepts such
as freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and freedom of choice.
▪ They seek to find their own paths and express themselves in their
own unique way, which is often seen as going against the traditional
values of the Islamic faith.
The fact that the youth are seeking more freedom has caused some to
become alarmed, believing that the youth are going too far and
becoming too westernized. This is seen as a danger to the Islamic faith,
as it could lead to the youth abandoning the religion altogether.
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Problems that youth is currently facing
while getting away from Islam:
In the modern world, a growing number of the world's youth are
turning away from the Islamic faith. There are many potential problems
that can arise from cutting ties to the Islamic faith. In Islam, getting
away from the religion or abandoning its practices can have various
consequences, both in this life and the afterlife. If an individual is
getting away from Islam due to a lack of Islamic knowledge, then they
will for sure involve themselves in activities that are contrary to the
teachings of Islam and include themselves in sins. Here are some of the
potential consequences:
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Abandoning Islam can also have negative effects on one's mental
health, including feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression. This is
because leaving the religion can lead to a loss of a support system and a
sense of community. Someone who feels completely lost and alone in
the face of a crisis would probably feel helpless and depressed. But
someone who feels supported by a compassionate God who genuinely
cares, who listens to desperate pleas, and who grants generous help,
has a better chance of getting back on track much faster because there
is a strong helping hand to reach for while dealing with life’s troubles.
(Islam Online Archive, n.d.)
“And for those who fear Allah, He always prepares a way out, and
He provides for him from sources he never could imagine. And if
anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is Allah for him. For Allah
will surely accomplish His purpose: verily, for all things has Allah
appointed a due proportion.”(Quran, 65: 2-3)
3.SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES:
Leaving Islam can also have social consequences, including rejection or
discrimination by family and friends, as well as a sense of isolation from
the wider Muslim community.
4.PUNISHMENT IN THE AFTERLIFE:
According to Islamic belief, those who abandon the religion or reject its
teachings may be punished in the afterlife. The punishment can range
from reduced rewards in paradise to eternal damnation in Hellfire.
"Indeed, those who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward
them - the gates of Heaven will not be opened for them, nor will
they enter Paradise until a camel enters into the eye of a needle.
And thus do We recompense the criminals."
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[Quran 7:40]
[al-Maidah 5:72]
" Indeed, those who abuse Allah and His Messenger - Allah has
cursed them in this world and the Hereafter and prepared for
them a humiliating punishment." [Quran 33:57]
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consuming pork, or engaging in adultery. However, it is true that learning
about Islam and understanding its teachings can help individuals make
better choices and avoid engaging in Haram activities. Islam provides
clear guidance on what is considered Halal (permissible) and Haram
(forbidden) and emphasizes the importance of leading a pure and
righteous life.
And it may be that you dislike a thing that is good for you and that
you like a thing that is bad for you. God knows but you do not
know.
Quran 3:160
َ ش ِإ َّل اللَ َم َم ِإ َن َربَكَ َوا ِس ُع ال َمغ ِف َرةِ ه َُو أَعلَ ُم ِب ُكم ِإذ أَن
شأ َ ُكم ِ الَذِينَ َيجتَ ِنبُونَ َك َبا ِئ َر
ِ اْلث ِم َوالفَ َو
َ اح
َ ُون أ ُ َم َها ِت ُكم ۖ فَ ََل تُزَ كوا أَنف
س ُكم ۖ ه َُو أَعلَ ُم ِب َم ِن اتَقَى ِ طُ ُض َو ِإذ أَنتُم أ َ ِج َنة فِي ب ِ ِمنَ اْلَر
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Ramadan, and performing Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). Neglecting these
obligations or intentionally failing to perform them is also faced by youth
that gets away from Islam due to a lack of knowledge.
"So woe to those who pray, [But] who are heedless of their prayer
- Those who make show [of their deeds] And withhold [simple]
assistance." (Quran 107:4-7)
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others. This can be especially difficult for those who have always been
part of a strong Islamic community, as they may struggle to form
connections with other individuals who are not part of that faith.
Allah wishes to accept your repentance, but those who follow their
lusts, wish that you (believers) should deviate tremendously away
from the Right Path.
Allah wishes to lighten (the burden) for you, and man was created weak
(cannot be patient to leave sexual intercourse with woman)”
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[an-Nisa’ 4:26-28
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The Prophet said:“
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This can include conferences, workshops, and community service
projects that focus on Islamic teachings and values.
And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and
aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty." (Quran 5:2)
(Al-Ma'idah)
(Quran 5:2)
This verse highlights the importance of cooperation among Muslims in
doing good deeds and engaging in activities that promote righteousness
and piety. It encourages Muslims to work together in a spirit of unity
and harmony to achieve common goals that benefit the community as
a whole. This principle can be applied to the organization of Islamic
events and activities, as Muslims are encouraged to come together and
cooperate in organizing events and activities that promote the values of
Islam and benefit the community.
▪ There are many examples of the hadiths of the Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) organizing and participating in
various activities and events with his companions, such as charity
drives, community gatherings, and religious festivals. These
examples serve as models for Muslims to follow in organizing
their own events and activities in accordance with the principles
of Islam.
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Islam can help individuals learn about the religion and navigate any
challenges they may face.
▪ And for Muslims prophet saw is the mentor who has shown us
how to spend life in accordance with the teachings of Islam and in
the way that Allah had told us.
ۡ ۡ ِ ۡ ۡ ۡ ِ ۡ ه ِ ۡ ِ ۡ ۡ ِۡ ه
ؕاّللُ َويَـغ ِف ۡر لَـ ُك ۡم ذُنـُ ۡوبَ ُك ۡم
ٰ اّللَ فَاتَّبعُوِن ُُيبب ُك ُمٰ قُل ان ُكنـتُم ُُتبُّـو َن
اّللُ َغ ُف ۡوٌر َّرِح ۡي ٌم
َٰو ه
(O Messenger!) Tell people: 'If you indeed love Allah, follow me, and
Allah will love you and will forgive you your sins. Allah is All-
Forgiving, All-Compassionate.'
(Quran 3:31))
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Surah [16] An-Nahl : 125
They ask you what they should spend (in the Way of
Allah)? Say: “Whatever you spend of good (in the Way of
Allah) must be for the parents and the near of kin and the
orphans and the needy and the stranded, and whatever
you do of good, truly, Allah knows it well”.
(Quran 2:215)
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8.ATTEND ISLAMIC LECTURES AND CLASSES:
Attending lectures and classes led by knowledgeable scholars can help
individuals learn about various aspects of Islam and gain a more
comprehensive understanding of the religion.
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ۡ ِۖ عَ يب َد ۡع َوة َ ٱلدَاعِ ِإذَا َد ُ يب أ ُ ِج
ۖ عنِي فَإِنِي قَ ِر َ سأَلَ َك ِعبَادِي
َ ِإذَا
َ ان فَل
ي
ُ ۡست َ ِجيبُوا ِلي َو ۡليُ ۡؤ ِمنُوا ِبي لَ َعلَ ُه ۡم َي ۡر
َشدُون
And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am
near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So
let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be
[rightly] guided.
(Quran 2:186)
O Allah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and
laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts, and from being
overpowered by men. O Allah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow,
weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts, and
from being overpowered by men.
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Regular prayer and reflection can help individuals develop a stronger
connection with Allah and deepen their understanding of Islamic
teachings and values
11. TIME MANAGEMENT.
Proper time management is crucial for young Muslims to maintain their
Islamic practices and acquire knowledge. They often have to juggle
several responsibilities, including school, work, family, and social
obligations, which can make it difficult to prioritize their religious
duties.
“There are two blessings which many people lose: (They
are) health and free time for doing good” (Bukhari).
However, by developing effective time management skills, they can
allocate sufficient time for activities such as prayer, Quran reading, and
attending religious classes or events. They can also integrate Islamic
practices into their daily routines, such as listening to Islamic lectures
during their daily commutes or reading a few verses from the Quran
every morning. Through efficient time management, young Muslims
can avoid neglecting their religious.
١ َوٱلعَص ِر
٢ سـنَ لَ ِفى ُخسر ِ ِإ َن
َ ٱْلن
ت
ِ صـ ِل َحـ ۟ ُع ِمل
َ وا ٱل ۟ ُق ِإ َّل ٱلَذِينَ َءا َمن
َ وا َو ِ صو ۟ا بِٱل َح
َ َوت َ َوا
٣ صب ِرَ صو ۟ا ِبٱلَ َوت َ َوا
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By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have
believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth
and advised each other to patience.” (Quran, 103: 1-3).
In conclusion, the lack of Islamic knowledge among youth can have
negative consequences on their spiritual and mental well-being and
their ability to live in accordance with Islamic teachings. However, there
are several effective solutions that can be implemented to address this
challenge. By promoting access to resources such as the Quran, Islamic
lectures and classes, and community engagement, as well as seeking
guidance and mentorship from knowledgeable individuals, we can
provide youth with the tools and knowledge they need to deepen their
understanding and connection with Islam. We must continue to
prioritize the acquisition of Islamic knowledge among youth and work
to create an environment that fosters their spiritual growth and
development.
CONCLUSION:
Islam is a religion of peace and harmony, and its teachings are very
important for the youth of today. It is important for the youth to have a
good understanding of Islamic teachings and to live according to them.
It is a commonly recognized problem that many Muslims around the
world lack adequate knowledge about their faith. This lack of
knowledge can have serious consequences.
The lack of Islamic knowledge in the youth of today is a cause for great
concern.
▪ It has far-reaching consequences on the ability of the next
generation to be competent in the faith and to uphold its ideals.
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▪ Islamic knowledge is essential to be a successful and faithful
Muslim, and without it, an individual's commitment to and
practice of their faith may suffer greatly.
To address this problem, efforts are being made to improve access to
Islamic education and resources
▪ both in traditional settings like mosques and Islamic schools and
through online platforms.
▪ Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on promoting critical
thinking and a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings, which
can help combat extremism and promote greater tolerance and
respect among Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
▪ It is vital that religious communities and mosques take it upon
themselves to ensure that the youth of today have access to
Islamic education.
▪ This can be done through various activities such as special
classes, forums, seminars, camps and online resources to teach
Islamic fundamentals, including Quranic studies, hadiths, history,
philosophy, and other related subjects.
▪ Furthermore, parents should ensure that their children have
access to age-appropriate Islamic books and resources.
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By addressing this issue, we can help ensure that the next generation of
Muslims is well-informed and equipped to represent their faith
accurately and positively.
Investing in Islamic education and knowledge for young people is an
investment in the future of the Muslim community. By ensuring that
young Muslims have a deep and accurate understanding of their faith,
we can help them navigate the challenges of the modern world with
confidence, knowledge, and a sense of purpose.
REFERANCES:
Here are some references that discuss the issue of the lack of Islamic knowledge
among young people:
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3.Ahmed, S., & Bukhari, S. S. (2021). Online Islamic Education in the Era
of Covid-19: A Case Study of Pakistan. Educational Research and
Evaluation, 1(1), 10-18.
This article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Islamic education in
Pakistan. It highlights the challenges facing young people in accessing Islamic
education during the pandemic.
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