Imitating others is deeply ingrained in human nature. You’ll notice that a young child mirrors the actions and gestures of their parents, like a clear mirror reflecting the behaviors of those around them.
As a person grows older, their circle of imitation expands beyond parents, relatives, and neighbors to include those they trust, respect, or see as closer to human perfection. This admiration might be due to successful experiences, perceived excellence, or even a religious obligation from the Knower of the Unseen: “Those are the ones to whom We gave the Scripture and authority and prophethood. But if the disbelievers deny it, then We have entrusted it to a people who are not therein disbelievers. Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, so from their guidance take an example.” (Al-Anam: 89-90) “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” (Al-Ahzab: 21), and “There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Abraham and those with him.” (Al-Mumtahanah:4)
This desire to imitate can also come from a wish not to stray from one’s predecessors: “Rather they say, 'Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are in their footsteps [rightly] guided.' And similarly, We did not send before you any warner into a city except that its affluent said, 'Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are, in their footsteps, following.'” (Az-Zukhruf: 22-23)
Role models are those who embody our aspirations, proving that what we hope for is not just an illusion but something achievable. People differ in their talents and capabilities; some possess high aspirations and firm resolve, while others lack ambition and perseverance. Allah has displayed the spiritual, mental, and physical qualities of such exemplary individuals to demonstrate to humanity that reaching their status, or approaching it, is achievable through effort and dedication. Not everyone desires to be a leader; most people prefer to follow, adopting the vision and guidance of their trusted leader.
A child imitates their parents without conscious awareness, but a young adult chooses their role model with awareness and purpose, having set their goal and seeking a person who embodies that goal.
Role models are those embodying our aspirations, proving that what we hope for can be achieved.
If one seeks religion, morality, and knowledge, they will look for prominent figures in those areas. If seeking wealth, they will look to those who achieved prosperity. And if fame is the goal, they’ll find those celebrated worldwide.
Each goal has two potential paths: one legitimate, and one not. For instance, someone pursuing wealth may not care if they obtain it unlawfully; what matters is the wealth itself. They may follow others who succeeded through such means. Conversely, someone else may seek wealth but lawfully, admiring role models who attained it through hard work and lawful means.
This highlights that positive role models do exist, alongside negative ones. People are thus left to choose their path. Allah illustrates both types: regarding Prophet Ibrahimand his lineage, Allah says, “And We made them leaders guiding by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of zakah; and they were worshippers of Us.” (Al-Anbiya: 73) In contrast, about Pharaoh and his followers: “And We made them leaders inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection they will not be helped.” (Al-Qasas: 41)
Young people may struggle when identifying their goals and selecting their role models. Often, they choose unwisely, following a path only to realize later it was wrong. The worst cases involve seeking religious understanding from unqualified individuals who wear the guise of reformers and preachers but, in reality, lead others astray. Some youth, motivated by a desire for religiosity, may fall into the clutches of extremists or lax individuals or those employed to corrupt people in the name of religion.
It was narrated from Hudhaifah bin Yaman that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There will be callers at the gates of Hell; whoever responds to them they throw them into it.” I said: “O Messenger of Allah, describe them to us.” He said: “They will be from our people, speaking our language.” (1)
That if young people have the freedom to choose role models, they may not always have access to positive figures. At times, certain figures are hidden from view, while others are promoted.
Role models can be historical or present-day figures. Youth have a wide range to choose from, including past figures whose legacies are established and known whether positive or negative. There are also contemporary figures, living among us, whose outward appearances may deceive us into thinking they are good role models, though time might reveal otherwise. In this context, Abdullah ibn Umar said, “Whoever wants to take a path should follow the path of those who have died.” (2) Abdullah ibn Mas’ud explained, “For the living are not safe from fitnah (trials).” (3)
Though historical figures may be gone, they can never truly be erased. Their stories and legacies remain in sacred and literary sources, preserved for eternity.
Allah says, “And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations.” (As-Saaffat:78), an ayah referring to some prophets. This means: “We left him with an honorable mention in every nation, beloved by all.” (4)
The problem lies with contemporary role models, who are subject to manipulation and omission when conflicts arise between them and powerful figures in their society, including the political authorities controlling the state.
In times of political crisis, authorities may suppress dissenting voices, smear them, or even imprison them, denying them public platforms in media or literature. They elevate compliant individuals, distracting the masses from critical issues and showering these figures with wealth, effectively making them spokespersons for the regime. Such individuals may fall under the Prophet’s description, as narrated by Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman: “The Hour will not be established until the happiest of people in the world is Luka' bin Luka'.” (5)
Though good role models never fully disappear, they increase or decrease, but at the end times, the historic role models are what’s left for people. Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As reported: “I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "Allah does not take away the knowledge, by taking it away from (the hearts of) the people, but takes it away by the death of the religious learned men till when none of the (religious learned men) remains, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who when consulted will give their verdict without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray.” (6)
Thus, while some may attempt to erase good role models, they can only target the living among them. The legacy of deceased role models remains accessible for all time. This eternal legacy is a source of vitality for the Ummah, enabling it to rise from the ashes of its struggles and tribulations.
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- Ibn Majah - in “Kitab al-Fitan,” Chapter: “Isolation,” Hadith no. 3979. Authenticated by Al-Albani in Sahih Sunan Ibn Majah.
- Hilyat al-Awliya by Abu Nu`aym (1/ 305).
- Al-Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi (10/ 116).
- Tafsir al-Qurtubi (15/ 90).
- Jami` at-Tirmidhi - in “Kitab al-Fitan,” Hadith no. 2209. Al-Tirmidhi classed it as “Hasan Gharib,” and it was authenticated by Al-Albani in Sahih Sunan at-Tirmidhi.
- Sahih al-Bukhari - in “Book of Knowledge,” Hadith no. 100.
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