Surat al-Kahf is a key surah with many lessons. It is the sunnah to recite it every Friday. We have reflected on different aspects of this surah on many occasions, but our focus here is on young people.
The very first story in Surah al-Kahf is the story of young people, who retreated into the cave, after which the surah itself is named. Both the prominence of the theme and the name of surah point to the importance of youth in Islam.
In the seerah, the Prophet ﷺ gave special attention to the youth. He nurtured them, guided them, and trusted them. He gave them responsibility when they showed enough maturity. Among them were ʿAli ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) and al-Arqam, who was around sixteen years old. Later, in Madinah, many of the companions were young. The first teacher the Prophet ﷺ sent to Madinah was a young man, Musʿab ibn ʿUmayr.
When you look through the seerah, you see the Prophet ﷺ speaking to young companions again and again. Young people are the future and are also often the starting point of change. Youth carry energy and passion, and they are the heart of change. But this energy needs direction and must be combined with the wisdom of elders. Without guidance, energy can be wasted or even dangerous.
Let’s look at how the Prophet ﷺ interacted with the youth to see what we can learn from his example.
1. Give practical guidance
The Prophet ﷺ addressed young people directly and gave them practical guidance. For instance, he taught them how to manage their desires in a halal way. He encouraged marriage as a means of protecting their chastity. When speaking to ʿAbdullah ibn ʿAbbas (may Allah be pleased with him), he would address him gently, saying, “O young man” or “O my son”.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“O young people, whoever among you can afford it, let him marry, for it lowers the gaze and guards chastity. Whoever cannot afford it, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
On one occasion, three young men came to the mosque to ask about the Prophet’s worship. They spoke to ʿAisha (may Allah be pleased with her), and when they heard about his practices, they thought it was not much. They said that since he was a prophet, his sins were forgiven, but they needed to do more.
One said he would pray all night without sleeping. Another said he would fast every day. The third said he would never marry.
When the Prophet ﷺ heard this, he addressed the people and said that he was the most God-fearing among them, yet he prayed and slept, fasted and ate, and married. He made it clear that Islam does not promote celibacy or extreme behaviour. Balance is essential. Desires are not removed; they are fulfilled in a halal way. He ﷺ taught that the body has rights, the soul has rights, and the family has rights.
أَنَّ عَبْدَ اللَّهِ قَالَ دَخَلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم حُجْرَتِي فَقَالَ ” أَلَمْ أُخْبَرْ أَنَّكَ تَقُومُ اللَّيْلَ وَتَصُومُ النَّهَارَ ” . قَالَ بَلَى . قَالَ ” فَلاَ تَفْعَلَنَّ نَمْ وَقُمْ وَصُمْ وَأَفْطِرْ فَإِنَّ لِعَيْنِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا وَإِنَّ لِجَسَدِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا وَإِنَّ لِزَوْجَتِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا وَإِنَّ لِضَيْفِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا وَإِنَّ لِصَدِيقِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا وَإِنَّهُ عَسَى أَنْ يَطُولَ بِكَ عُمُرٌ وَإِنَّهُ حَسْبُكَ أَنْ تَصُومَ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ ثَلاَثًا فَذَلِكَ صِيَامُ الدَّهْرِ كُلِّهِ وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا ” . قُلْتُ إِنِّي أَجِدُ قُوَّةً فَشَدَّدْتُ فَشُدِّدَ عَلَىَّ . قَالَ ” صُمْ مِنْ كُلِّ جُمُعَةٍ ثَلاَثَةَ أَيَّامٍ ” . قُلْتُ إِنِّي أُطِيقُ أَكْثَرَ مِنْ ذَلِكَ فَشَدَّدْتُ فَشُدِّدَ عَلَىَّ . قَالَ ” صُمْ صَوْمَ نَبِيِّ اللَّهِ دَاوُدَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ ” . قُلْتُ وَمَا كَانَ صَوْمُ دَاوُدَ قَالَ ” نِصْفُ الدَّهْرِ ” .
The Prophet ﷺ trained his companions carefully. He spoke to them often, gave them responsibility, sent them on missions, and monitored their growth. One example is Usamah ibn Zayd, whom he appointed as a leader at a young age. He had been raised in the Prophet’s ﷺ home, as his adopted son.
2. Trust young people with responsibility
The example of Usamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) teaches us something very important about how the Prophet ﷺ worked with young people. He did not only advise them or speak to them kindly; he trusted them. Trust was a key part of their upbringing.
Usamah was not given leadership on a whim or out of nepotism. As he had been raised close to the Prophet ﷺ, he had observed his character, learned from his behaviour, and been under his special guidance and care. Just as a needle is magnetised by being close to a magnet, he naturally imitated the Prophet ﷺ, without even realising it, in the same way that children pick up the habits and manners of those they live with. Therefore, by the time he was appointed as a commander, he was ready. It was not because of his age or lineage, but because of his character and training.
This teaches us that responsibility should not be delayed simply because someone is young, nor should it be given without preparation. The Prophet ﷺ showed that when young people are nurtured properly, guided consistently, and held accountable, they are capable of carrying great responsibility.
Youth do not rise when they are constantly doubted or sidelined. They rise when they are trusted, supported, and given space to grow under wise leadership.
3. Inculcate a strong relationship with Allah
A central part of how the Prophet ﷺ nurtured young people was by giving them a firm foundation in their relationship with Allah. He taught them that taqwa is the basis of one’s protection, stability, and direction. Without taqwa, one is weak and susceptible to temptations, false notions and peer pressure.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
قَالَ كُنْتُ خَلْفَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمًا فَقَالَ “ يَا غُلاَمُ إِنِّي أُعَلِّمُكَ كَلِمَاتٍ احْفَظِ اللَّهَ يَحْفَظْكَ احْفَظِ اللَّهَ تَجِدْهُ تُجَاهَكَ ”
Taqwa is when your obedience comes from conviction that you are accountable to Allah. It is living with the consciousness that Allah sees you, knows you, and is close to you. When a young person has a close relationship with Allah, they develop an inner compass that guides them even when no one else is watching.
This kind of awareness keeps them safe in times of confusion, gives them the strength to resist temptation, and protects them.
4. Discuss – do not force
The Prophet ﷺ did not teach young people through anger or force. One well-known incident shows this clearly. A young man once came to the Prophet ﷺ and openly asked if he could be allowed to commit zina. The companions were shocked and became angry, but the Prophet ﷺ told them to leave him alone.
Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
عَنْ أَبِي أُمَامَةَ قَالَ إِنَّ فَتًى شَابًّا أَتَى النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ائْذَنْ لِي بِالزِّنَا فَأَقْبَلَ الْقَوْمُ عَلَيْهِ فَزَجَرُوهُ قَالُوا مَهْ مَهْ فَقَالَ ادْنُهْ فَدَنَا مِنْهُ قَرِيبًا قَالَ فَجَلَسَ قَالَ أَتُحِبُّهُ لِأُمِّكَ قَالَ لَا وَاللَّهِ جَعَلَنِي اللَّهُ فِدَاءَكَ قَالَ وَلَا النَّاسُ يُحِبُّونَهُ لِأُمَّهَاتِهِمْ قَالَ أَفَتُحِبُّهُ لِابْنَتِكَ قَالَ لَا وَاللَّهِ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ جَعَلَنِي اللَّهُ فِدَاءَكَ قَالَ وَلَا النَّاسُ يُحِبُّونَهُ لِبَنَاتِهِمْ قَالَ أَفَتُحِبُّهُ لِأُخْتِكَ قَالَ لَا وَاللَّهِ جَعَلَنِي اللَّهُ فِدَاءَكَ قَالَ وَلَا النَّاسُ يُحِبُّونَهُ لِأَخَوَاتِهِمْ قَالَ أَفَتُحِبُّهُ لِعَمَّتِكَ قَالَ لَا وَاللَّهِ جَعَلَنِي اللَّهُ فِدَاءَكَ قَالَ وَلَا النَّاسُ يُحِبُّونَهُ لِعَمَّاتِهِمْ قَالَ أَفَتُحِبُّهُ لِخَالَتِكَ قَالَ لَا وَاللَّهِ جَعَلَنِي اللَّهُ فِدَاءَكَ قَالَ وَلَا النَّاسُ يُحِبُّونَهُ لِخَالَاتِهِمْ فَوَضَعَ يَدَهُ عَلَيْهِ وَقَالَ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ ذَنْبَهُ وَطَهِّرْ قَلْبَهُ وَحَصِّنْ فَرْجَهُ فَلَمْ يَكُنْ بَعْدُ ذَلِكَ الْفَتَى يَلْتَفِتُ إِلَى شَيْءٍ
A young man came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he said, “O Messenger of Allah, give me permission to commit adultery.” The people turned to rebuke him, saying, “Quiet! Quiet!” The Prophet said, “Come here.” The young man came close and he told him to sit down. The Prophet said, “Would you like that for your mother?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you.” The Prophet said, “Neither would people like it for their mothers. Would you like that for your daughter?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you.” The Prophet said, “Neither would people like it for their daughters. Would you like that for your sister?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you.” The Prophet said, “Neither would people like it for their sisters. Would you like that for your aunts?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you.” The Prophet said, “Neither would people like it for their aunts.” Then, the Prophet placed his hand on him and he said, “O Allah, forgive his sins, purify his heart, and guard his chastity.” After that, the young man never again inclined to anything sinful. (Musnad Ahmad)
By remaining calm and respectful and with open dialogue, the Prophet ﷺ helped him understand that desires must be judged by the same moral standards we expect for those we love. Within minutes, the young man understood, without being shouted at, humiliated, or rejected.
This incident shows that the Prophet ﷺ addressed young people with empathy and wisdom. He did not deny their instincts, but he guided them to think responsibly. He taught through conversation, not punishment.
5. Prepare youth for the Hereafter
The Prophet ﷺ also reminded young people that youth itself is a trust. It is not just a phase to pass through, but a period of responsibility.
He ﷺ said:
لَا تَزُولُ قَدَمَا عَبْدٍ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ حَتَّىٰ يُسْأَلَ عَنْ أَرْبَعٍ:
عَنْ عُمُرِهِ فِيمَا أَفْنَاهُ،
وَعَنْ شَبَابِهِ فِيمَا أَبْلَاهُ،
وَعَنْ مَالِهِ مِنْ أَيْنَ اكْتَسَبَهُ وَفِيمَا أَنْفَقَهُ،
وَعَنْ عِلْمِهِ مَاذَا عَمِلَ بِهِ.
“The feet of a servant will not move on the Day of Resurrection until he is asked about four matters:
about his life and how he spent it,
about his youth and how he used it,
about his wealth — how he earned it and how he spent it,
and about his knowledge — what he did with it.” (Darimi)
This teaching gives youth purpose. Time, energy, health, and ability are all gifts that will be questioned. Youth is not meaningless freedom. It is a window of opportunity. The Prophet ﷺ taught young people to live consciously, to use their strength well, and to prepare early for what lies ahead.
6. Build moral strength and character
The Prophet ﷺ did not separate worship from character. He taught that faith is not simply about belief, but has to be translated into action. For instance, he showed them how to deal with mistakes when they happen – not just how to delete sins from our records, but how to practically rectify our mistakes when we make them.
He ﷺ said:
عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم قَالَ: “اتَّقِ اللَّهَ حَيْثُمَا كُنْت، وَأَتْبِعْ السَّيِّئَةَ الْحَسَنَةَ تَمْحُهَا، وَخَالِقْ النَّاسَ بِخُلُقٍ حَسَنٍ” .
Have taqwa of Allah wherever you may be, and follow up a bad deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well towards the people. (Tirmidhi)
This teaching reassures young people that mistakes do not define them. What matters is returning to Allah, correcting oneself, and continuing to grow. Moral strength is not about being perfect. It is about striving.
7. Give youth belief and clear purpose
Mu’adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he was once riding behind the Prophet ﷺ when the Prophet said:
عَنْ مُعَاذٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ كُنْتُ رِدْفَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَلَى حِمَارٍ يُقَالُ لَهُ عُفَيْرٌ، فَقَالَ ” يَا مُعَاذُ، هَلْ تَدْرِي حَقَّ اللَّهِ عَلَى عِبَادِهِ وَمَا حَقُّ الْعِبَادِ عَلَى اللَّهِ ”. قُلْتُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَعْلَمُ. قَالَ ” فَإِنَّ حَقَّ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْعِبَادِ أَنْ يَعْبُدُوهُ وَلاَ يُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا، وَحَقَّ الْعِبَادِ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ لاَ يُعَذِّبَ مَنْ لاَ يُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا ”. فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَفَلاَ أُبَشِّرُ بِهِ النَّاسَ قَالَ ” لاَ تُبَشِّرْهُمْ فَيَتَّكِلُوا ”.
“I was a companion rider of the Prophet ﷺ on a donkey called ‘Ufair. The Prophet ﷺ asked, “O Mu`adh! Do you know what Allah’s right on His slaves is, and what the right of His slaves on Him is?” I replied, “Allah and His Apostle know better.” He said, “Allah’s right on His slaves is that they should worship Him (Alone) and should not worship any besides Him. And slave’s right on Allah is that He should not punish him who worships none besides Him.” I said, “O Allah’s Messenger ﷺ! Should I not inform the people of this good news?” He said, “Do not inform them of it, lest they should depend on it (absolutely).” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet ﷺ then explained that the right of Allah is that He alone is worshipped, and the right of the servants is that Allah does not punish those who do not associate anything with Him. However, when Mu’adh asked if he should tell others, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Do not inform them, lest they rely on it alone.”
The prophetic method with youth
The Prophet ﷺ gave young companions deep knowledge with responsibility. Faith should lead to action, not complacency.
Through these teachings, the Prophet ﷺ addressed young people with realism, not denial of their instincts. He used dialogue to engage with them, not repression. He gave them responsibility, and did not neglect them. He taught them accountability over heedlessness; and he strengthened their belief and morals, rather than ritualism.
It was sensitive to age, ability, and individual differences, and always driven by purpose.
This is how he shaped a generation that was spiritually aware, ethically strong, and prepared for both life and the Hereafter.
The Prophet ﷺ saw young people as the backbone of change and the builders of the future. He invested in them early, trusted them, guided them, and raised them with wisdom and mercy.
Today, we face many challenges, especially in raising our young people. What we need is the Prophetic model, in our homes, our families, and our communities.
We ask Allah Almighty to help us revive the Sunnah and to guide our youth with wisdom, mercy, and balance.
Based on the khutbah of Shaykh Haytham Tamim on 9th January