Fatiha Nadeem, Bradford
Each year, International Youth Day reminds us of the potential young people hold, with this year’s theme serving as a reminder to the youth to play their role in applying the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations (UN) in 2015. These goals include No Poverty, Gender Equality, Climate Action and Quality Education, which will be our focus (1). Thus, in today’s world, where the soul absorbs what the screen sells, where technology and social media intersect and where artificial intelligence increasingly shapes what we see, think and believe, we need youth who are educated, morally grounded and driven by compassion. The future depends on it.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) states there shall be “inclusive and equitable quality education” for all by 2030, yet, we are far from meeting this target. According to the UN, 244 million children and youth are out of school globally and 617 million lack basic literacy and numeracy skills (2). Furthermore, in the UK, 11.5 million schoolchildren and full-time students were recorded in 2021, yet 18.2% of adults reported having no qualifications (3). This data just goes to show that access alone is not enough and reminds us that education must be meaningful, helping young people think and lead clearly.
Now, Islam places immense emphasis on education, not just for worldly success, but for spiritual and moral development. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stated, “It is the duty of every Muslim man and every Muslim woman to acquire knowledge,” teaching us that learning is a lifelong duty. He also exhorted to “seek knowledge even if you have to go to China,” (4) implying that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong obligation, one that transcends difficulty and personal circumstance.
This makes us think; our aim in education must not only be to achieve grades, but to build minds that can think critically and lead courageously.
Education without values is like a compass without direction. In a world full of noise and distractions, we must raise youth with a spirit of compassion, service, and strong moral values. These qualities help to build peace not just in homes, but across communities and countries.
His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be His Helper), the worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, stated during a virtual meeting in 2021: “Do not lose your own children while attempting to reform others. That should be our foremost concern.” (5)
This guidance is powerful. It reminds us that change starts at home. If we want a better world, we must raise children who know right from wrong, who care for others, and who stand up for justice.
But what can we do as women?
Well, we play a special role in building a better society. As mothers, teachers, and leaders, we have the ability to shape the values of the next generation. Their influence goes beyond the home, reaching into schools, communities and even global movements.
Islam greatly honours our role, showing us that parenting is much more than raising children, it’s about leading by example. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be his Helper) has often said in his addresses and discourses that we should instil confidence and courage in our children.
Thus, we as women, are key to promoting peace, fairness and kindness in society and bringing up youth with these qualities. Whether it’s fighting poverty, protecting the climate or standing up for equality, young people must be driven to make a difference, but to do so, they must be guided by faith, values and a sense of duty. Only then can our youth truly grow up to become morally grounded and driven by compassion and only then, true progress can be made.
As Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him), the Second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has stated, nations cannot be reformed without first reforming their youth.
So, let’s raise our children differently, but determinedly, youth who are resilient, compassionate and brave. Let’s nurture hearts that seek justice, minds that challenge inequality and spirits that serve with sincerity.
Because progress isn’t just measured in policies, it’s lived through people.
References:
THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development (1)
Goal 4 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2)
Education, England and Wales – Office for National Statistics (3)
Developing our children to bring about a better future: Islam’s advice on the upbringing of children (5)
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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