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What Can The Youth Do During Times of War?

02 May, 2019
Q Dear Counselor. Many countries, unfortunately, are in a state of war and conflict. What should the youth living in those countries do other than joining the fighting?

Answer

In this counseling answer:

•Ask Allah to guide those involved to stop the fighting and stop the conflict. This may seem like a mammoth and an impossible task, but with Allah, anything is possible.

•They can be those who successfully initiate change through youth initiative programmers.

•There are many charitable organizations that deal with this and help those affected by war. This is another good area tor the youth to get involved in.


Wa alaikum salaam wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuh sister,

It is unfortunate that the entire world seems to be in this state at present and that the majority of this fighting is happening in the Muslim lands.

Whilst some youth see the solution to be to go and join the fight, there are other options available.

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First and foremost, without involving ourselves directly at all, we can turn to Allah. Ask Allah to guide those involved to stop the fighting and stop the conflict. This may seem like a mammoth and impossible task, but with Allah, anything is possible. We only have to look back to the battles in history to see this.

There are also things you can do on a more practical level too, both proactively as well as reactively.

karim serageldin & naaila clay

Whilst youth are perhaps the most susceptible to go to war, they can also be those who successfully initiate change through youth initiative programmers. Such initiatives can unite the youth with other members of the population including teachers, politicians and religious leaders to promote positive messages.

As a unified unit, they can strive to appeal to other youths not to join the fighting as well as approaching political groups who may be involved in initiating the fighting in the first place. Such approaches are more successful when done in groups like this and are more like to enact positive change. With the support of teachers and religious leaders, this will also strengthen the message.

Unfortunately, much damage has also already been done so the proactive approach above will not serve to eliminate the damage that has already been done. On this level, there are many charitable organizations that deal with this and help those affected by war. This is another good area tor the youth to get involved in.


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Not only will this get you involved in a positive way, but it will count as good deeds for you too. Depending on your field of expertise or preference, this might involve helping to rebuild damaged structures, or providing physical or psychological assistance to those who have been hurt in the conflict.

Doing such work will also fuel you in a proactive approach. You feel motivated to seek change as a result of seeing the horrific damage that is being done and the two approaches can work hand in hand against the conflict.

May Allah guide those who initiate the fighting to a path of peace and may He support and protect those living in the war zones.

Salam,

***

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

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About Hannah Morris
Hannah Morris is a mum of 4 and she currently works as Counsellor and Instructor of BSc. Psychology at the Islamic Online University (IOU). She obtained her MA degree in Psychology and has over 10 years of experience working in health and social care settings in the UK, USA, and Ireland. Check out her personal Facebook page, ActiveMindCare, that promotes psychological well-being in the Ummah. (www.facebook.com/activemindcare)