The ‘Youth of the Ummah’ – ‘YOU’ is the youth development initiative of Darul Ihsan Humanitarian Centre. ‘YOU’ conducts ongoing educational and orientation programmes in schools and campuses to develop learners’ potential and Islamic identity.

‘YOU’ held a special programme for students on the 4th of September 2019 at the University of KZN in Westville, Durban. The initiative has been dubbed “turn the tide” aimed at guiding learners on aspects of Muslim identity and ways to deal with the quantum of challenges.

A brief discourse was delivered by Moulana Ahmed Chohan (Hafizahullah) – the sterling discourse centred around key points, some of which are mentioned here,

1. Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam (3:19). The essence of Islam is submission to Allah Ta’ala. There are two aspects of note : The first is that of revelation (Wahi) and the second is reason (Aql). Ibn Qayyim (R) explains that by utilizing the faculty of reason with revelation, then the similitude is like the eye that sees with light. However, by utilizing reason without revelation, it is as if one is in a dark room, having no ability to see and thus have no ability to walk.

2. Immorality has led to epidemics and illnesses becoming widespread across the globe. This is the prophecy of Rasulullah ﷺ where it is stated: “And fornication never becomes prevalent among a people, to the degree that they practice it openly, except that epidemics become rampant among them which had never before existed in their ancestors.” (Ibn Majah)

3. Allah has created humanity with an innate characteristic of Haya (modesty). This is demonstrated by the incident, where after eating from the forbidden tree, Adam and Hawa (AS) had began snatching at the leaves of Jannah in order to cover themselves.

4. The place of Haya is the heart, and it shows out on our limbs, it is displayed through our actions. Rasulullah ﷺ said: "Have Haya for Allah as is due to Him." We said: "O Prophet of Allah! We have Haya', and all praise is due to Allah." He said: "Not that, but having that Haya' for Allah which He is due is to protect the head and what it contains and to protect the inner and what it includes, and to remember death and the trial, and whoever intends the Hereafter, he leaves the adornments of the world. So whoever does that, then he has indeed fulfilled Haya', meaning the Haya' which is due to Allah." (Tirmizi)

5. The reality of morality and modesty is defined by the illustrious scholar Mulla Ali Qari (R) who has defined it as: Your Lord should not see you in such a situation which He has prohibited you from.

‘YOU’ wishes all Muslim students the best in their academic endeavours and prays for their success in becoming true leaders of this Ummah.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk