Allah blessed youth with strength and passion to drive any agenda they believe in. Historically, they have been the instruments of change. However, the Nigerian Muslim youth have lost focus and now dwell in hatred and division, my own opinion!
*The camps ...*
Based on my engagement on several issues relating to Islam on social media, Nigerian Muslim youth can be divided into 2 broad categories. This doesn't necessarily mean every individual in each category exhibit the features below but a general assessment which means that an individual known to be within a camp can exhibit characteristics of another.
# Brethren claiming to be calling to knowledge and believe exclusively to be the best amongst others. It's glaring that the division within this category is deep and the depth is accounted for by the varying level of understanding of Islamic sciences and extent of learning from experienced teachers as everybody is a "scholar" or at least "student of knowledge". There is no recourse to anybody to air any opinion and no amount of advice from their elders can change the position of some of them even if the position is wrong. They project anything outside their fold as evil and innovation even if they're not at times. They appear to be more knowledgeable in Arabic language but not well grounded in basic Islamic sciences as they project. They ridicule people with the intention to correct them and see name-calling as an act of worship.
# Brethren claiming to be calling to knowledge but with little focus on technical Islamic knowledge. They focus on the general masses and making efforts to carry every Muslim along irrespective of their level of understanding. They sometimes come up with means to propagate the message of Islam within the permissible limit and also make effort to work with any Muslim on any common ground they share. They are backed by experienced and knowledgeable elders. They are loyal to the elders and respect their opinions on all matters. They seem together and speak with one voice on most matters. They appear to be more coordinated and stick together exploring the benefits of Islamic brotherhood amongst themselves only.
*The crux of the matter ...*
Unfortunately, they're divided and each see the other as enemy and even rejoice when an evil befall another. Each camp will rather prefer to leave the general Muslims in an uncoordinated state than allow the other take over!
Unfortunately, most of issues of disagreement are legitimate and acceptable differences in our religion. Our predecessors exhibited them and still showed love and relate as Muslim brothers but not in this generation! The level of intolerance within these camp is shameful and embarrassing.
Yes, I'm not neutral and belong to a camp but I have learnt from both camps and realized that there are benefits here and there but we need to show love to see them. Islamic brotherhood has been redefined as the brethren within my camp, why? Allah says all Muslims are brothers! Why are we going against this basic rule?
Make every comment/post as if you're talking to people within your camp because truly we're all from the same camp of Islam. Be positive and respectful when expressing your view. State your stance as if you're talking to a friend.
Let's learn from our predecessors!
According to Dr. Yasir Qadhi 'The early generation of Islam (Salaf) allow genuine differences of opinion (Ikhtilaaf) but never allow them cause division (Iftirooq) in the ummah'
Please feel free to correct any point raised above. All commenters must be objective as much as possible (I know it's not easy, just reflect deeply before you drop the line, for Allah sake), civil and focused on the intent of my post.
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