Seyed Hashem Moosavi
This week’s article is dedicated to discussing young people and the presence of spirituality in their lives, on the occasion of the blessed birth anniversary of Hadhrat Ali Akbar, the noble son of the Master of Martyrs, Aba Abdallah Al-Hussain (peace be upon them), which is also recognized as Youth Day.
Definition of Spirituality
Spirituality refers to a set of beliefs, feelings, and inner experiences that help an individual find meaning and purpose in life. It is a pathway for better self-awareness, searching for life’s purpose, connecting with a higher truth, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world. Spirituality can manifest in the form of religion, moral beliefs, philosophical reflections, inner experiences, or even an appreciation of beauty and harmony in nature and human relationships. Ultimately, its goal is to help individuals find meaning, moral growth, and a life filled with love and peace.
The Importance of Spirituality in Human Life
Spirituality is one of the fundamental aspects of human life that influences various individual and social dimensions. This aspect of life, being accompanied by values such as honesty, kindness, forgiveness, and empathy, has a profound impact on psychological well-being, ethics, social relationships, and even physical health.
Maintaining a spiritual outlook and connecting with a higher power – whether through prayer, meditation, inner experiences, or other spiritual practices – can help individuals build resilience in the face of crises and hardships, find a higher purpose in life, and ultimately attain greater satisfaction and inner peace.
Challenges and Opportunities for Youth in the Realm of Spirituality
In today’s modern world, young people face multiple challenges on their spiritual journey. The dominance of consumerist culture, the rapid expansion of technology, excessive dependence on social media, and the modern world’s focus on materialism, hedonism, and economic success often lead many young people to prioritize material values over spirituality, neglecting their spiritual and moral growth. In some societies, cultural and social changes have resulted in a distancing from religious and traditional teachings, leading to a decline in young people’s inclination toward spirituality. Some view religion and spirituality as outdated and incompatible with modern life, causing them to turn away from it.
However, despite these challenges, there are numerous opportunities for deepening spiritual beliefs and values. Easy access to religious and spiritual resources, conscious use of technology, an increasing tendency toward spirituality, a return to ethical values, participation in social activities, and the search for meaning in life are some of the ways that can help strengthen spirituality in young people.
The Role of Spirituality in Shaping Youth Identity
Identity refers to an individual’s understanding of themselves and their place in the world. This concept includes a person’s values, beliefs, emotions, and goals, which develop over time.
Identity formation is one of the most important and complex stages of life, especially during youth. During this period, individuals, faced with multiple challenges in defining themselves and determining their life goals, strive to establish their identity and values.
Seeking answers to life’s meaning and embracing spirituality can play a crucial role in this process, helping young people develop a healthy, stable, and meaningful identity.
Below are some key aspects that spirituality contributes to the formation of youth identity:
- Self-Awareness: Spirituality encourages young people to deeply reflect on themselves, their values, talents, and interests. This self-reflection helps them recognize their strengths and weaknesses, leading to better self-understanding and reducing confusion in facing life’s challenges.
- Purposefulness: Discovering the meaning of life gives young people a sense of direction and motivation. When they understand what they are striving for, they become more determined in achieving their goals. The Holy Qur’an, in helping to understand the purposefulness of life, explicitly states the objective of creation: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”[1]
Furthermore, it reproaches those who fail to grasp the higher truth and the purposeful nature of existence: “Did you then think that We created you aimlessly and that you would not be returned to Us?” [2]
These verses, along with numerous narrations, strongly emphasize that life must have a purpose and that our actions in this world impact our hereafter.
- Identifying Core Values: The search for life’s meaning often leads to the discovery of fundamental values such as love, justice, freedom, truthfulness, kindness, creativity, and spirituality. These values serve as a framework for decision-making and life choices.
- Increased Responsibility and Ethical Awareness: When young people attain a deep understanding of life’s meaning, they become more responsible toward themselves and society. They realize that their lives matter and that they can positively impact the world around them. Spiritually grounded youth are more sensitive to moral and social issues, reducing risky behaviors and increasing positive contributions to society.
- Flexibility: The search for life’s meaning is a lifelong journey, and answers may evolve over time. This process helps young people develop resilience and adaptability, enabling them to find new meanings in life amid changing circumstances.
Verses 5 and 6 of Surah Al-Inshirah highlight the necessity of being flexible in the face of life’s challenges: “For indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
Additionally, the Qur’an underscores the importance of embracing change, enduring life’s difficulties, and trusting in divine wisdom: “But perhaps you dislike something while it is good for you, and perhaps you love something while it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you do not know.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:216)
Strategies for Strengthening Spirituality in Youth
- Promoting Spiritual and Ethical Values in Families and Schools: Parents and educators play a crucial role in introducing young people to spirituality and moral values.[3]
- Encouraging Religious and Ethical Reflection: Encouraging deep study and contemplation of spiritual matters can help young people develop a strong belief system.
- Encouraging Spiritual Practices such as Prayer, Meditation, and Service to Others: Engaging in acts of worship, reflection, and altruism strengthens a young person’s spiritual outlook.[4]
- Creating Healthy and Spiritual Environments for Positive Growth: Providing a community that fosters kindness, empathy, and ethical values enhances the spiritual development of young people.
- Introducing Inspirational Role Models: Familiarizing young people with individuals who lead meaningful lives based on human and spiritual values can be instrumental in shaping their worldview.[5]
- Supporting and Respecting Young People in Their Search for Spirituality: Each individual’s spiritual journey is unique. Providing guidance, encouragement, and a supportive environment can assist young people in discovering their own meaningful path in life.
Conclusion
Spirituality plays a fundamental role in shaping identity, fostering purpose, and promoting ethical growth in young people. Despite challenges such as materialism and the erosion of religious values, various opportunities exist for strengthening spiritual beliefs through education, role models, and supportive communities. Spirituality helps young people develop self-awareness, responsibility, and resilience, leading to a meaningful and elevated life. The support of families, communities, and educational institutions is essential in fostering a generation that is conscious, ethical, and steadfast in human values.
[1] . “وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ” Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:56
[2] . “أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ عَبَثًا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا تُرْجَعُونَ” Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:115
[3] . “وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَاصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَا“ “And enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast in its observance.” Sura Taha. V.132.
[4] . “وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ” When My servants ask you about Me, [tell them that] I am indeed nearmost. I answer the supplicant’s call when he calls Me. Sura Baqara. V.186.
[5] . “لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ” There is certainly a good exemplar for you in the Apostle of Allah. Sura Ahzab. V21.