Qur'an and our youth:
How to bring the Qur'an close to their hearts.
As parents, educators and guardians, we are in a never-ending state of worry about our youth, constantly thinking:
Who are their role models? What type of company do they keep? How will they cope out there in the BIG world? Will they be able to maintain their Islamic identity against all odds? Who will they turn to when they are in trouble or need help and support?
It is NOT an easy task trying to nurture them, keep them safe and conscious of their Lord amidst other challenges in life especially in our technology dominated world where gaming and social media have taken over – with its distractions and many negative influences.
Your chief responsibility as the CEO in their upbringing is to guide them using the correct teachings of the Quran; as you aim to link the Qur’an and our youth.
Why the Qur’an?
The Qur’an is the best source of guidance for the whole of mankind – it educates, empowers and inspires. It is a companion and mentor-in-one; a fountain and treasure hold of knowledge and learning from which all knowledge springs.
Understanding and living the message of the Qur’an must be a priority for all families.
”This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:2)
The Qur’an lays down the core principles we need to follow if we are to succeed in both worlds. And the lifestyle of the Prophet  as described by his wife was the Qur’an – he lived it!
‘Aishah  said: The conduct of the Prophet  was entirely according to the Qur’an.(Muslim, in a long Hadith)
It is therefore compulsory to learn how to read the Quran, understand its message as well as the wisdom behind revelation
11 tips to help link the Qur’an and our youth
- Make it a habit to play the Qur’an (audio) in your car.
This is especially recommended while together with the youth. Choose reciters that are easy to follow along such asMisahry Al- Afasy and Shiekh Huzaify.Choose chapters s/he is familiar with and pause after some verses or entire chapter to reflect on salient points.
- Recite known chapters together.
Do this whenever you are with them for example while doing chores. You can open the chapter by reciting the first verse, while s/he reads the second and so on. Or recite all the verses together.
Do it with love and mercy; and not as a punishment or with anger. Make your sessions short, concise and qualitative so it is enjoyable and not draining.
- Let them see you reciting the Qur’an actively and with enjoyment.
Show your youth you love him/her and you love the Qur’an. Be a family where Qur’an is regularly recited and studied with joy and enthusiasm. Busy your tongue and fill your heart and soul with the light of Allah’s words.
- Discuss age appropriate lessons and critical issues for daily life.
For example, stories of the prophets, advice of Luqman the wise, the description of Jannah, reasons for existence etc. You can spend quality time as a family talking about these lessons and draw out action points to follow.
Teach him/her to consult the Qur’an and contemplate the meanings for guidance.You will be saving him/her from misguidance and going astray. And keeping within the limits of Allah .
- Be their teacher.
Listen for corrections – do it in a kind, gentle and encouraging way. Praise their effort while reciting whether they are struggling or fluent.
Create a consistent and structured revision schedule, as much as possible. For example, after fajr (morning) or maghrib (sunset) prayers. Even if they have a Qur’an teacher or attend Qur’an school, create time to support their learning at home.
- Study and follow the sunnah as a family.
Prophet Muhammad’s life  is the best example to follow. And a means of expressing love for Allah .
”Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Ali ‘Imran, 3:31)
Guide the youth to see him  as their top role model in life.
- Share your personal Qur’an journey.
Let them hear about the joy and challenges of learning the Qur’an through your firsthand experience. Let them understand that learning is a journey and struggles are what make us human.
- Share beneficial digital tools.
Depending on maturity and family rules, you can introduce them to Qur’an apps (such as Qur’an Majeed) and voice recording tools. If they have access to digital gadgets, they can reap the best reward from their usage. They can listen and practice in their free time.
- Encourage them to keep a Qur’an journal.
This is to encourage pondering and contemplation on the Qur’an verses (tadabbur), rather than focusing on recitation alone. Each can share/ discuss their reflections with the rest of the family members.
- Make your home a conducive learning environment.
Create a place where you can teach them and engage in quality activities; whether with siblings, relatives or visiting friends. You can facilitate competitions, quizzes and projects to boost their knowledge of the Qur’an especially during weekends and holidays.
- Have a sincere intention.
Make your goal that of taqwa. To help your youth gain closeness to Allah  through His Book, not to become a popular celebrity shaykh, living large. Supplicate to Him  to facilitate your effort and keep your intention pure.
Guide them to use their zeal, energy and mental capacity of youth to gain from this important Book.
What Qur’an can do for your youth
Reciting Qur’an with understanding is a means of fulfilling an Islamic duty in this world while earning the reader great rewards. It will also raise one’s status in this worldly life. For the next life, it will intercede on Judgment day; and it is sure path to Jannah, to be reserved company among the noble and obedient angels.
While in Madinah, the Prophet  once had to send a group to Yemen to teach them (new Muslims) about Islam. He chose Mu’adh ibn Jabal  as the group leader although he was young (likely in his early twenties). His knowledge of the Qur’an had made Mu’adh  a leader chosen by the Rasul  for such an important mission.
Prophet Muhammad  said, ”The most knowledgeable of my ummah in matters of halal (permitted) and haram (forbidden) is Mu’adh ibn Jabal.”
Now, not later… link the Qur’an and our youth!
Our youth have the right to be raised as God conscious Muslims. By motivating them to devote quality time, and attach both heart and soul to learning the Qur’an; you will earn some reward both in this world and even after your death and so will they. And the love of Allah  will be nurtured in their hearts. So, get linking the Qur’an and our youth.
Never relent on the opportunity of guiding our youth to the Qur’an.
The best gift we can give our youth, in preparation for adulthood is the right knowledge, understanding and training, that will connect them to Allah, through His Words. Ultimately, this will help them fulfill His rights and the rights of others.