Youth is characterized by a flaming sexual desire and attraction to the opposite sex. Without the safeguard of legitimate marriage, one might resort to forbidden actions. This inclination can increase or decrease depending on the environment—whether conservative or loose—and one's level of religious commitment. However, bachelorhood remains a significant danger for youth, especially amid the temptations brought about by modern communication revolutions. These have breached walls, bypassed norms, created cultural patterns opposing our religion and values, and fostered sexual madness and unimaginable practices. In recent years, Arab youth have shown increasing interest in sex, searching for it on social media or storing related files on their phones, highlighting that sex is a pressing concern in their lives. This obsession might lead some down a path of sexual deviation in various forms, causing destructive effects on both individuals and society.

The Lesser Sin and the Greater Crime

Due to the decline in marriage rates in most Arab countries—for reasons we will discuss later—many youths resort to what they call the “lesser sin,” which is sex via the internet or “virtual sex,” as an accessible alternative to marriage. This ranges from chatting and forming relationships, which may transition from virtual to real, to virtual sexual relationships that might also become real. Those who fall into this sin often continue watching pornography, which causes psychological, behavioral, and physical harm, as well as societal damage. Watching such content is like drinking seawater—the more one drinks, the thirstier they become. These individuals also frequently engage in “masturbation,” which, if practiced excessively, leads to physical blockages, microbe transmission, potential failure to perform sexually upon marriage, as well as phobia, anxiety, depression, lack of concentration, self-loathing, and more. Among the challenges facing Arab youth are falling into obscenity and sexual deviations, or what they call the “greater crime,” with its means more accessible in the last two decades than ever before.

Sexual Deviance

Under the force of sexual drive and inability to marry, illicit relationships become common, leading to unusual forms of marriage contracts aimed at legitimizing adultery and evading religious prohibitions. Youth turn to deviant alternatives to satisfy their sexual hunger, resulting in psychological and nervous disorders, and increased social decay, leading to the lack of a partner and instability.

 In the Arab world, sexual crimes have risen significantly, becoming notable in public security records. Practices previously confined to the West are now heard of in our region. Surprisingly, studies in traditionally conservative Arab countries now warn of widespread deviance among teenage girls in schools and clubs, alerting to the emergence of even more harmful phenomena like homosexuality, fetishism, and pathological nymphomania, all influenced by Western deviant films available online. These issues result in crimes such as murder, rape, sadistic behaviors, and sexually transmitted diseases that threaten the future of youth and destroy their lives.

Marriage: Our Law and those Before Us

Allah, the All-Knowing, the Most Wise, prescribed marriage for His creation, making it a law for us and those before us among the prophets and messengers. Marriage is a worship for which a Muslim is rewarded: “There are three whom it is right for God to help:The slave whose master has agreed to let him buy his freedom when he wishes to pay the sum, the one who marries desiring to live a chaste life, and the one who fights in God’s path.” (At-Tirmidhi) Through marriage, one fulfills their desires, protects their private parts, lowers their gaze, and safeguards their honor, serving as a shield against psychological illnesses. A society with prevalent marriage is a healthy, strong, and supportive society. Marriage prevents sexual chaos, protects society from destructive diseases, and ensures the well-being of future generations.

Through marriage, Islam closes all paths leading to sexual deviation, commanding the lowering of the gaze and guarding of private parts, warning and threatening against fornication, and punishing those who engage in the actions of the people of Lot—extending to all forms of modern deviance practiced outside the bounds of lawful marriage. Allah says, “Do you approach males among the worlds and leave what your Lord has created for you as mates? But you are a people transgressing.” (Ash-Shu'ara: 165-166) The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “If you find anyone doing as Lot’s people did, kill the one who does it and the one to whom it is done.” (Abu Dawood)

Declining Marriage Rates in Arab Countries

Despite the sexual challenges faced by Arab youth, which necessitate swift action to marry them off, there has been a significant decline in marriage contracts across the region. This decline is due to economic crises, rising poverty rates, unemployment, and decreasing wages, as seen in Egypt, or due to high dowries, rising marriage costs, and the housing crisis, as in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. As a result, marriage has become a heavy financial burden that only those who can afford loans can bear. However, borrowing is a struggle only understood by those who have experienced it, causing many to abstain from marriage.

A study by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Justice revealed that 65% of marriage obstacles are due to high dowries, leading to increased marriages between Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis and higher rates of moral and occupational deviation. When official bodies intervened by increasing marriage loans and aid, dowries and marriage costs rose in response. Civil society organizations have tried to address this issue through collective weddings, but the efforts have been insufficient against the sharp rise in marriage costs.

Spinsterhood and Divorce Complete the Tragedy

The failure of marriage projects has caused unprecedented spinsterhood rates in Arab countries, with adverse effects on society as a whole. Gulf countries have seen significant increases in recent years, with rates reaching 70% in the UAE and 45% in Saudi Arabia, expected to rise further due to economic conditions and changing social structures. Similarly, divorce rates have notably risen, nearing half of all marriages in some countries (48% in Kuwait, 37% in Qatar), primarily due to financial constraints and burdensome material demands, including repaying loans and marriage aid spent on extravagant wedding ceremonies and engagement gifts. Consequently, young people avoid marriage out of fear of financial burdens, turning to trivial pursuits such as buying cars and mobile phones, spending hours in cafes, or resorting to drugs and alcohol.

Another worsening phenomenon is the “cheap woman,” where some women offer themselves for inequitable marriages, fearing the label of “spinster.”

Make Marriage Easier

It has become clear that the welfare of the nation depends on easing the process of youth marriage, protecting them from ruin, and seeking the pleasure of Allah, who made marriage a means of safeguarding private parts and preserving honor. Marriage also serves as a way for Muslims to form bonds, extending relationships and fostering love and kinship among them. It provides children, who are the adornment and delight of this world, and opens the doors to wealth and sustenance. Governments have a responsibility to assist young people in marriage, as instructed by Sharia, and families must ease the financial burdens associated with it, for blessings are found in those with lesser expenses. Society should return to consumption patterns that differ from the wasteful ones that have invaded and ruined our homes. The youth themselves bear a significant part of the responsibility; if they desire to avoid the temptations of sinful attractions, they should strive earnestly for marriage and commit to good deeds while avoiding evil. For those who seek chastity, Allah will grant it to them.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Read the Article in Arabic

Gen Z is considered one of the most prominent generations that grew up amidst unprecedented technological and cultural transformations. They were born in the era of accelerated globalization and digitization, making them more connected to technology and more open to the outside world.

However, this generation faces complex challenges, ranging from the pressure to adapt to rapid changes to the loss of traditional identity in the face of the overwhelming culture of globalization.

Between those who view them as pioneers of change and creativity, and others who see them as victims of market policies and global culture, Gen Z stands at a crossroads. This necessitates a deep understanding of their actual role in building the future. Are they the leaders of the next transformation, or has globalization placed them in a vulnerable position as passive recipients?

https://youtu.be/Dkqi3mZRUo4

Who is Gen Z?

Gen Z refers to individuals born between 1997 and 2012. This generation, raised in a digital environment from childhood, is the first not to know a world without the internet or smartphones. As a result, they are highly adept with modern technologies. According to an analysis by McKinsey & Company in 2020, Gen Z constitutes the majority of Africa's population and is expected to make up a quarter of the Asia-Pacific region’s population by 2025. In Canada, this generation represents 17.6% of the population, while in the U.S., they made up about a quarter of the population as of 2015.

By 2030, Gen Z is expected to constitute one-third of the global workforce, with consumer spending reaching $3 trillion. They are also 2.5% more efficient than millennials and 8% more efficient than Generation X. This generation tends to favor companies with environmental and social visions, as studies show that 73% of them prefer purchasing from companies that support environmental causes and contribute to innovation.

Additionally, Gen Z has grown up in a world dramatically altered by globalization, where cultures have intertwined, and markets have merged globally. They not only witnessed the digital revolution but also experienced the deep transformations brought about by globalization in communication, work, and education. In this interconnected environment, information has become available around the clock, giving Gen Z unprecedented opportunities to interact with various cultures. However, globalization has also introduced new challenges regarding identity and adapting to rapid changes in economic and cultural fields.

Gen Z and the Digital Revolution

Gen Z’s life has been intertwined with the internet and social media since their early years, making technology an integral part of their personality and thinking. Their relationship with technology has evolved to the extent that many of their daily activities, from learning and entertainment to work and social interaction, depend entirely on digital tools.

Technology has allowed this generation to access diverse sources of information and education, making them more independent in acquiring knowledge and forming opinions. It has also shaped their interests, giving them the freedom to choose what they follow and learn based on their individual preferences, away from the influence of traditional media.

For Gen Z, their digital identity is not just an extension of their real-life identity; sometimes, it holds even greater significance. They have grown up with virtual identities, allowing them to express themselves freely and form their own communities on digital platforms. This has given them more space for self-expression and social interaction. However, this close attachment to technology has also created challenges related to privacy, identity, and psychological stability.

The Struggle Between Identity and Integration

Globalization has had a negative impact on the cultural identity of Gen Z. It has led to a decline in cultural particularities and the dismantling of deeply rooted values and traditions in Islamic societies. Globalization has opened doors to the influx of ideas and practices from around the world, with Western cultures infiltrating traditional Islamic identity. This has resulted in the fragmentation of identity and the erosion of many values that form important pillars of the moral and social structure of this generation.

Music, movies, fashion, and Western philosophical ideas have become easily accessible, allowing Gen Z to adopt lifestyles and behaviors that do not necessarily align with Islamic culture. While globalization is often promoted as increasing openness and diversity, in reality, it immerses young people in a quagmire of mixed identities, leading to the erosion of loyalty to authentic Islamic identity and encouraging the adoption of lifestyles detached from local values and principles.

Globalization has deepened the psychological struggle for this generation between preserving their Islamic identity and being drawn toward globalization and its values. Many members of Gen Z often feel torn between their commitment to the customs and traditions of their Islamic nation and their attraction to the values of globalization, which encourage individualism and a departure from collective values and ethical principles. This conflict is clearly reflected in their attitudes toward issues of identity and culture, as many find themselves at a crossroads between adopting superficial Western values and holding on to their faith-based roots.

Some members of this generation face pressure from their families and communities to preserve their Islamic traditions, which serve as a fortress against moral collapse. However, they also feel that these values restrict their personal freedom and conflict with the material modernity offered by globalization. Studies indicate that this internal conflict can lead to a loss of belonging and a sense of being torn between Islamic identity and the values of globalization. Hence, there is a need to reinforce Islamic values and activate the role of religious and cultural institutions to help Gen Z resist these cultural challenges that threaten the stability of their Islamic identity.

Globalization has shown a profound impact on the identity of Gen Z, causing a fluctuation between holding on to Islamic origins and being influenced by global cultures. Facing this challenge requires enhancing awareness of Islamic identity and re-establishing religious values, which will protect future generations from drifting into cultural dependence

-------------------------------------------------------------

Ahmad, & Omar Abduljabbar Mohammed. (2023). "Generation Z: A New Social Segment with New Characteristics and New Theoretical and Methodological Challenges." Journal of the Future of Social Sciences, 12(1), 85-95.

Read this Article in Arabic

It's very likely that you will receive questions from your child or grandchild about Allah the Almighty, Jannah, Hell, death, resurrection, judgment, the Day of Resurrection, and other logical inquiries. Answering these questions provides the first building block in the faith foundation of children.

Many families make the mistake of avoiding these questions, giving illogical answers, or trivializing them, not giving them the necessary attention. This can negatively affect the child's perception of the Creator, His nature, the reality of existence, and the mystery of the universe.

Building the Tawheed (monotheism) in the youth starts from an early age before their minds and hearts are polluted with deviant ideas, false beliefs, and materialistic theories that corrupt the heart, negate the spirit, and mislead the mind, leading to atheism and irreligiosity.

When a child sees their parents praying, doing rukoo’, and sujood, this behavior is naturally imitated. However, the child internally questions, What are they doing? Why? What are they murmuring in their prayer? These are innocent and legitimate questions, and answering them plants the seed of faith and Tawheed in their soul, teaching them that there is a God to whom we pray, supplicate, and seek all good, and from whom we seek refuge from all evil.

Questions continue to come from a child trying to form a simple understanding of the things around them, compatible with their age and mental abilities. When they ask, Where is Allah? The answer would be: In the heavens, He is the God of the universe, the Creator, the Powerful, the One who brings down rain and moves clouds, the One who created your eyes, ears, hands, and feet. Enumerate the signs of Allah in the universe and the wonders of His power to reassure the child's heart that there is a Creator for this universe.

Your child may ask: I want to see Allah. Don't be upset, confused, or stutter, but honestly and confidently tell them: You will see Him, and I will see Him when we enter Jannah together as a reward for our good deeds in this world and our recompense in the Hereafter. Instill in them a longing for Jannah and its delights, where there is what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has imagined. Your child will listen intently when you talk about Jannah and its contents.

If they insist on seeing Allah, tell them that He sees and hears us. If we want to see Him, we should reflect on His ayahs: “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for a people who use reason.” (Al-Baqarah: 164)

Let them feel that Allah is with them, sees them, hears them, watches over them, and knows the secret and what is even more hidden. The Prophet used to teach his companions, including children, the foundations of faith. He said to Ibn Abbas, “O boy! I will instruct you in some matters. Be watchful of Allah (Commandments of Allah), He will preserve you. Safeguard His Rights, He will be ever with you. If you beg, beg of Him Alone; and if you need assistance, supplicate to Allah Alone for help. And remember that if all the people gather to benefit you, they will not be able to benefit you except that which Allah had foreordained (for you); and if all of them gather to do harm to you, they will not be able to afflict you with anything other than that which Allah had pre-destined against you. The pens had been lifted and the ink had dried up.” (At- Tirmidhi, who categorized it as Hadith Hasan Sahih)

Meditation Experience

When you take your child before sunrise or sunset for a meditation session, you open up new perspectives for them to contemplate Allah's signs. Who created the sun and the moon? Who brings the night and the day? Who created the earth and the mountains? Gradually, they will be convinced of the existence of a Creator for this universe, a Lord we worship, and there is no god but Him.

Let their mind think, reflect, understand, and be guided on its own when you answer their inquiries with questions that enlighten their mind and heart. Who created water? Who created air? Who made plants grow? In the hadith, the prophet says, “Reflect deeply upon the creation, but do not reflect upon the essence of the Creator.” (Al-Albani categorized as Hasan)

When you bring a small pot, have your child fill it with soil, plant seeds of wheat or corn, or other plant seeds, and water them. They will watch day by day how the plant grows, who brought the plant out of the soil, who gave it its green color, and who created the fruits, vegetables, trees, and flowers. They will be convinced that Allah is the Creator, and there is no deity but Him. They will feel what you recite to them from the Holy Quran: “Who created me, and He [it is who] guides me. And it is He who feeds me and gives me drink. And when I am ill, it is He who cures me. And who will cause me to die and then bring me to life. And who I aspire that He will forgive me my sin on the Day of Recompense.” (Ash-Shu'ara: 78-82)

I remember in my childhood when a small duckling I had died, my mother taught me to cover it with a piece of cloth and bury it next to the wall of the house. I cried over it, but I learned the meaning of death, and my mother taught me that humans also die, but the difference is that they will be resurrected again to be judged for their deeds. If they were righteous, they would go to Paradise; if they were wicked, they would go to Hell.

Do not avoid your child's questions or tell them to be quiet. Do not scold or mock them. Respect their mind and provide logical answers. Be a role model at home; let them see you pray, read the Quran, and supplicate to Allah. They will respond, explore, and discover what indicates the existence of Allah and faith in Him. Then, they will learn about Allah’s Messenger, peace be upon him, and the pillars of faith and Islam. This is how the doctrine of faith is instilled in the heart, soul, and mind of your child, so they grow up believing in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine destiny, both good and bad.

Be simple in your answers, suitable for your child's age. Relate the answers to tangible things your child understands. Use storytelling, drawings, and pictures, and take advantage of visual aids and modern tools to answer their questions and convey what you want to their heart and mind.

Ibn al-Qayyim said: “Whoever neglects teaching their child what benefits them and leaves them without guidance has committed a grave offense. Most children's corruption comes from the parents' neglect and their failure to teach them the obligations of religion and its practices, resulting in their loss as children and their lack of benefit to themselves or their parents as adults.”

-------------------------------------------------------------

Read the Article in Arabic

Since the dawn of time, children have been exploring space, finding new things, and picking up knowledge. Children have a natural sense of wonder, it is important to encourage this curiosity rather than to suppress the adventure. Stopping kids from being naughty can result in the inability to solve conflicts later in life by youth, so it is crucial to deal with them helpfully. First of all, we look at how kids think about sin and why it's important not to try to prevent it.

First of all, naughtiness is nothing but a natural part of the child's disposition.

Children are born to roam and explore the world around them; this normally leads to misbehavior. According to the most popular child psychologist, Dr. Stuart Brown, "Children are wired for curiosity and enthusiasm, and it's our job as parents to learn how to encourage and channel that enthusiasm" (Brown, 2012). This could have its inbuilt creativity and motivation completely subdued if it is held in tight reins.

Secondly, when the naughtiness of a child is suppressed, negative emotional effects may result.

Crushing children where they are foibles leaves them frustrated, angry, or humiliated. That may affect their emotional life in the long term. The American Psychological Association has revealed that "Suppressing emotions can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems" (APA, 2019). Children's feelings need to be recognized and validated; they shouldn't be smothered.

Thirdly, at times behavioral problems arise due to suppressed naughtiness.

If children's normal impulses are repressed, they might be driven to act out in rebellious or destructive ways in a vain attempt to express themselves. According to Dr. Alice Miller, "The more a child's natural behavior is suppressed, the more he will resist" (Miller, 1995). Within such parameters, parents may inadvertently be creating behavioral problems that prove hard to control by attempting to suppress naughtiness.

Consequently, the suppressed naughtiness of the child develops into low self-esteem.

It can lead to a sense of inadequacy or unworthiness, resulting in a low self-esteem evaluation. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "children who experience low self-esteem are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues" (NIMH, 2020). In this light, when parents accept and support this mischievous nature of children, they boost their self-confidence and self-esteem.

Fifthly, the naughtiness of children needs to be guided rather than simply suppressed.

Instead of suppressing the naughtiness, parents should teach children those skills which would enable them to express themselves appropriately. Teaching boundaries, empathy, and impulse control to children is a sure way of steering their natural exuberance and energy toward appropriate channels.

Sixthly, individuality is important.

Children come into the world with their unique individuality, including their nature, interests, and talents, so it is possible that suppressing naughtiness will stifle this and eventually cause a lack of self-expression. If children's individuality is embraced and celebrated, then parents can help them develop a sense of self and a sense of purpose.

Seventhly, what is called for is the appropriate balance between discipline and liberty.

While discipline is essential to teach children right and wrong, it would not allow any naughtiness at all; too much may suppress it, which can be balanced by giving the child some freedom. Parents will enable the child to have some space to explore and learn while teaching them boundaries.

Eighthly: Suppressed naughty behaviors resurface later in life.

Research shows that "unresolved childhood traumas and unexpressed emotions can resurface later in life, causing harm to the individual and those around them" (Abraham, 2019). Tracing mischievous behaviors in a child and bringing them to an end will prevent the development of problems into long-lasting ones.

Ninthly, causes of the naughtiness need to be identified and addressed.

Much naughtiness is an attention-seeking or acting-out behavior that can indicate emotional or environmental imbalances. Parents' awareness of the source of the problem might prevent further problems from happening if addressed effectively. As Dr. Daniel J. Siegel states, "The key to understanding and addressing naughty behavior is to understand the child's inner experiences and needs" (Siegel, 2012).

Finally, suppressing children's naughty tendencies can be harmful.

 So, by holding back creativity, curiosity, and self-expression, they might unintentionally cause a loss of motivation or a feeling of being without hope. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that "kids who are held back can start to feel helpless and without hope, which can lead to sadness and worry" (2018).

Naughtiness is a part of being a child and can be dangerous when suppressed. As a parent, one should encourage creativity, curiosity, and self-expression by embracing their naughtiness. One does not need to extinguish naughtiness but instead, channel or teach children the skills to express themselves appropriately.