Our religion is family oriented and somewhere along the way we are starting to see a slippage in this practice. It is our responsibility as Muslim parents and educators to support and guide our youth in navigating the challenges they face. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of spiritual as well as mental and physical well-being and the impact it has on our spiritual journey. Ignoring the struggles faced by our youth can lead to dire consequences, both for them and for our community. It is not that we ignore them, it is the way in which we address them remains against our best interest. Islam requires us to take proactive steps to address these issues, in the process ensuring the happiness and success of our future generations. By relying on the wisdom and guidance of the Divine, we can support our youth and prevent their struggles from turning into disasters.

Both religious and secular approaches to addressing the issues facing youth can be important because they offer different benefits and perspectives.

Religious approaches provide comfort, hope, and a sense of purpose to youth who are struggling. They offer a way to connect with a Higher Power and a community of like-minded individuals who can provide support and guidance. Additionally, religious practices can help youth regulate their emotions and improve their overall well-being.

Secular approaches provide access to mental health services and resources, as well as education and support for individuals, families, and communities. Secular approaches are often informed by scientific research and can help youth understand and manage their mental health in a practical, actionable way. One way should not take away from the other, they should complement each other, with this in mind, sometimes chemical, social etc imbalances impact what we are going through.

Both religious and secular approaches have the potential to make a positive impact on youth, and different individuals may find one approach to be more helpful than the other depending on their needs, beliefs, and experiences. By providing access to a range of resources and support, we empower youth to make informed choices about their well-being and find the approach that works best for them.

It’s important to recognize that individuals may hold different beliefs and perspectives, and that both religious and secular ways must be used to complement each other without ever letting go of core religious principles, for doing so can create more harm for our youth. By working together and respecting each other’s views, we can create a supportive environment that helps youth thrive.

Religious Approaches religious centers should look more into is as follows:

1. Encouraging youth to turn to listening to the Quran, prayer and other practices for comfort and support.
2. Providing religious education and guidance to help youth understand and navigate their challenges.
3. Fostering a supportive community where youth can find comfort and guidance from their faith leaders and peers without judgement.
4. Encouraging the practice of compassion and kindness towards others, as these are central tenets of our religious tradition.

Secular Approaches:

1. Providing access to mental health services and resources, such as therapy, counseling, and support groups.
2. Implementing evidence-based programs in schools and other youth-serving organizations to promote positive mental health and well-being.
3. Fostering a supportive and inclusive community where youth feel valued and respected.
4. Encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health and well-being to reduce stigma and increase awareness.

Under ideal conditions, both religious and secular approaches should go hand in hand and have in them the potential to support and empower youth and give them direction. The important thing is to listen to the needs of young people and provide the resources and support they need to thrive in this world for a Supreme Hereafter.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.