FRIDAY SERMON: Shortcut Culture – The Lost Destination of Youth

When youth follow the path of religion, effort, and truthfulness, they become the guarantors of a bright and prosperous future for the nation.

Muhammad Younis Zahid

In today’s fast-paced modern era, a significant portion of youth is focused on finding easy and shortcut paths to achieve recognition and success in society within a very short period. Whether it is education, business, or employment, young people desire quick success. However, the reality is that there is no shortcut to genuine achievement. Hard work, patience, perseverance, and trust in Allah are the true pathways to lasting success.

Causes:

1. Lack of Parental/Guardian Guidance: Due to modern-day commitments, parents often fail to provide proper guidance. In the absence of guidance, youth tend to choose paths that appear easy but are unsafe and often result in negative consequences.
2. Lack of Patience: Young people today are impatient and expect results without effort. Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an: “Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 153)
3. Social Competition and Pressure: Social media and societal pressures place youth in a race to compete with others. Observing others’ success or wealth often drives them to make hasty decisions, which can lead to unethical or risky behavior.
4. Distance from Religion: When youth are distant from religion, worldly success becomes their primary goal. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Whoever is concerned with worldly matters, Allah disperses his deeds, and whoever is concerned with the Hereafter, Allah enriches his heart.” (Tirmidhi)
5. Lack of Self-Confidence: When youth do not trust their abilities and efforts, they seek shortcuts. This lack of self-confidence makes them dependent, inconsistent, and prone to unethical behavior.

Smart Work vs Hard Work

Youth often claim:
“We practice Smart Work; Hard Work is unnecessary.”

This is a common misconception. The reality is that both Smart Work and Hard Work have their place, and both must be balanced.

Hard Work:

It is the fundamental effort achieved through patience, perseverance, and consistent dedication.

The Qur’an and Hadith repeatedly emphasize the importance of effort and diligence.

Hard Work provides lasting success and moral strength.

Smart Work:

This is an effective and intelligent approach to using resources, time, and skills efficiently.

Smart Work complements Hard Work; it is not a replacement.

Without Hard Work, Smart Work often leads to temporary or illusory benefits.

Conclusion: Youth must understand that Smart Work alone is insufficient; without hard work, it is meaningless. True success is achieved through a combination of effort, intelligence, patience, and faith.

Consequences:

The shortcut mentality has profound negative impacts:

Youth become involved in lying, deceit, and corruption.

Honesty and work ethics weaken.

Trust and fairness in society deteriorate.

Income earned through illegitimate means causes social decay.

Key Point: Youth are the pillars and backbone of a nation. If they become hopeless or depressed, it is equivalent to the death of the nation. Their energy, initiative, and faith sustain and strengthen society.

Allah says in the Qur’an: “And that there is for man nothing except what he strives for.” (Surah An-Najm: 39)

Counseling and Guidance:

Educational institutions should arrange ethical and Islamic counseling sessions.

Religious scholars, teachers, and social workers should engage youth in meaningful dialogue to help them understand the true purpose of life.

Parents should maintain supportive relationships to guide children in the right direction.

Reducing Social Competition Pressure:

Youth should be trained to step away from the social media race for perfection.

Educational institutions should focus on enhancing individual talents rather than comparison.

Extravagance and show-off in social gatherings should be avoided.

Peer Support Groups:

Universities and colleges should establish “Motivation Clubs” or “Youth Circles.”

Successful individuals can share their journeys to inspire patience and effort.

Discussions in these groups should include avoiding negative trends, addictions, and corruption.

Role of Religious Leaders and Scholars:

Friday sermons should emphasize the virtues of hard work, honesty, and lawful earnings.

Mosques should host training sessions and workshops for youth.

Religious leaders should serve as positive role models for youth to emulate.

Anti-Corruption Measures:

Governments and educational institutions should strengthen transparency, honesty, and accountability.

Youth should be encouraged to stand against bribery and fraud.

Anti-corruption awareness programs should be introduced at schools to instill moral values early.

Youth Empowerment and Government Programs:

Establish vocational institutes and training centers for skill development.

Make startup schemes and skill development programs accessible to young people.

Encourage youth participation in sports, social service, and volunteer activities.

Highlight examples of successful youth to motivate others.

Islamic Perspective:

Islam emphasizes hard work and lawful earnings.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “No one has eaten better food than what he earns with his own hands, and Dawud (A.S) used to eat from his own labor.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Conclusion:

The shortcut mentality may provide temporary satisfaction, but it is not a pathway to lasting success.

True success belongs to those who live life with patience, hard work, honesty, and faith.

Youth are the backbone of a nation; their despair equates to the death of the nation.

It is essential to instill hope, faith, and trust in the hearts of young people.

When youth follow the path of religion, effort, and truthfulness, they become the guarantors of a bright and prosperous future for the nation.

(makahmadina11@gmail.com)