Alavi Bohras -Articles - Gen Z - Generation of Passion and Practicality


	Articles

"Gen-Z"
The Generation of Passion and Practicality

Nazm (Poetry) : A Hopeful Depiction of our Alavi Youth

Aye Qaum ke Jawaano, khud ko zara sambhaalo,
Har ek jaga he Shaitaan, bachke Qadam badhaao.

PDF: English | Gujarati

"Gen-Z" is the new name, identity, voice, passion, and hope of today's youth. These youngsters of ours—whether they belong to our community, faith, or nation—possess the skill to present their views, convince others, and execute and witness things practically. Their thoughts, imaginations, and behaviours differ slightly from the "past or passing generation."

Our fathers or the elders who are mistakenly perceived as the people of older times and thoughts used to work with patience, bide their time, tolerate everything, and operate with a relaxed attitude. They often used phrases like:

“Allaah will make everything right,”
“If we keep patience, we will succeed,”
“We shouldn't ruin relationships by fighting or arguing,”
“Allaah will take care of it,”
“There is always a tyrant to counter another tyrant,”
“How long will we fight and argue,”
“If not today, we will get our right tomorrow,”
“We will only get what is written in our destiny,”
“Whoever does wrong will suffer the consequences,”
“Today belongs to him, tomorrow belongs to us,”
“Silence is golden (there are a hundred advantages to keeping quiet),”
“Where is the room for bitterness in life?”

The passing generation used all these statements or other similar idioms of letting things go. For them, just as the income was limited, the expenses were also low. Their lifestyle and habits were simple. They preferred homemade things. Education was minimal. There was no concept of a modern corporate job or service; it was either employment or servitude. Everyone met in person, and gatherings, get-togethers, and conversations happened face-to-face. Healthcare, education, food, and housing were within everyone's reach. They lived in joint families. The means of entertainment were next to none. They were very close to one another, and their world was very small.

When we talk about "Gen-Z," our youth live right among us. They are smart, capable, aware, responsible, educated, and passionate. They demand and prove their rights, fight against falsehood, and accept the guidance of elders while giving them due respect. They are professionals who gain experience through jobs, take their forefathers' businesses forward, and spend what they earn themselves. They have hobbies and tastes, yet they are content to eat whatever is available, while also being a bit choosey. They keep their peers and companions happy and raise their voices against injustice.

The factor that strengthens all these traits of "Gen-Z" and shows them the way is social media, which has currently emerged and become famous all over the world. The Impact of Digital and Social Media on "Gen-Z" is immense and undeniable. They are in fact synonymous. With every passing minute newer things are getting added upon in this revolving, evolving and never ending digital oceanic currents.

This media or platform—through which people from different societies, communities, and nations can connect via electronic devices; send messages, videos, or audio; see each other on screens; hold meetings; buy and sell; conduct banking and booking; consult; learn about new things; and exchange their imaginations and ideas, etc. It has now become an attractive, creative, immersive and addictive theatre of connectivity.

Through this media, "Gen-Z" is taking its freedom, power, reach, and identity to new heights. By initiating a wave of awakening, they are bringing a tide of revolution for the betterment of people worldwide. The youth of our community are also a part of this "Gen-Z." We are not isolated from our surrounding environment as far as national, political and societal conditions are concerned. Just as the ups and downs of current times affect others, they affect us too. Our youth also possess a deep spirit of goodness, service, progress, and perfection.

With the Timeless Wisdom of the Shari'ah, Our Seal of the Prophets, Rasoolullaah SAWS, stated: "No matter what the era or time is, or what people do or think, the path, method, and law prescribed by our Shari'ah is supreme, strong, constant, proven, and paramount. If people of any generation adopt it, they will undoubtedly achieve success and progress."

1. On Piety: If we want to become pious and God-fearing (Muttaqi), we must act according to the obligatory duties (Farz) commanded by Allaah Ta'aala. We should not waste our time on unworthy and unnecessary things. Our deeds are the report cards of our lives.

2. On Contentment: If we want to be unbothered by people's judgments, we must remain happy and content with every command of Allaah Ta'aala. Whether the command aligns with our nature or goes against it, it is from our Lord, and rejecting it is impossible in any situation. Our true test lies in trying to endure the command. There is no room for our own desires in it.

3. On Respect and Self-Control: If we want to build respect among people, we must exercise strict control over ourselves. We must restrain our hands, eyes, tongue, ears, private parts, mind, and feet from forbidden (Haraam) acts. Social media has become a fortress for all these forbidden indulgences, and we use it without any boundaries. To control it, implementing time management and personal rules is essential. We will only see cleanliness if we stop generating garbage.

4. On Building a Healthy Society: If we want to protect ourselves, we must protect our relatives, friends, and companions. We cannot live alone. The joy of life lies in living together. If we love others and they love us, a healthy society can be built among us.

Facing the Challenges Gen-Z encounter: The points mentioned above are necessary for "Gen-Z" because, even though our youth are smart, independent, straightforward, easy-going, confident, and adventurous, many evils have unfortunately taken root within them. To eradicate these, adopting the four prescriptions mentioned by Rasoolullaah SAWS is highly beneficial.

When discussing the evils within "Gen-Z":

1. Decline in Prayers: There is a lack of Namaaz, especially the Fajr prayer, because they either work late at night, roam outside, or chat on their phones.

2. Immoral Indulgences: Drugs, alcoholism, gambling, and fornication (Zinaa) have increased. These evils continue to grow due to illicit relationships, abortions, live-in partnerships, cross-cultural friendships, and office romances.

3. Financial Mismanagement: With excess money readily available through online transactions, e-commerce, banking, and gaming, sins like extravagance, embezzlement, theft, and loan defaulting are at their peak.

4. Digital Addiction: Substance abuse and digital addiction have become common. Constantly talking on mobile phones, chatting, checking notifications, repeatedly checking the phone, sending unnecessary messages, watching reels and random videos, and forwarding messages are consuming the precious time of our youth.

5. Domestic and Mental Toll: Domestic disputes are rising. Youth ignore their homes, fail to spend time with their wives and children, and neglect their studies. Even after coming home, they remain engrossed in the mobile world. These issues are leading to divorces. Depression, stress, and mental burdens are increasing. Meaningful dialogue and conversations are decreasing. Friendships are breaking, and companionship with elders is declining. Our youth are becoming self-centred, irritable, stubborn, greedy, and trapped in a relentless pursuit of money.

Conclusion and Prayer: Throughout history, in every era, if a certain group progresses, becomes famous, and others eagerly follow their example, but they cross limits, become arrogant, and lose control over certain habits, their downfall, disgrace, and obscurity begin. Ultimately, they become a major threat and challenge to society.

We pray in the court of Allaah Ta'aala that, He grants strength, power, and progress to our "Gen-Z" youth. However, under the guidance of our 45th Da'i al-Haqq Syedna wa Maulaana Abu Sa’eed ul Khayr Dr. Haatim Zakiyuddin saheb TUS, may He grant them the grace (Tawfiq) so that our youth do not get trapped and led astray by the devil's net, nor cross the limits in anything. Our youth are the true strength of our community.