The Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Osama bin Abdullah Khayyat, affirmed during his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque that caring for and protecting the younger generation is one of the most important religious and national duties, stressing that preserving the youth of the nation is the cornerstone of maintaining the structure of society and raising the pillars of its renaissance, so that this nation remains the best nation brought forth for mankind.
The importance of raising children in Islam
His Eminence began his sermon by emphasizing that youth are the true wealth of any nation aspiring to a better future, explaining that nurturing and caring for young people is one of the strongest motivators for winning hearts and minds. He pointed out that proper upbringing is not limited to providing food and drink, but extends beyond that to include instilling sound beliefs, cultivating virtuous character, and instilling good habits that protect the individual and society from intellectual and behavioral pitfalls.
These directives are of paramount importance given the spiritual significance of the pulpit of the Grand Mosque, where Muslims from all corners of the earth turn their attention to listen to religious guidance that touches upon their daily lives and addresses their social and educational issues.
The impact of friendship on shaping an individual's personality
In discussing external influences on youth, the Imam of the Grand Mosque devoted a significant portion of his sermon to the topic of friendship and its profound impact, noting that a friend has a subtle influence and a powerful effect on his companion. He urged wisdom and caution in choosing friends, and caution in extending affection until one is certain of a person's faith and character, citing the Prophetic tradition: "A person is influenced by the religion of his close friend, so let each of you consider whom you befriend.".
Dr. Khayyat explained that human nature is inherently inclined towards imitation, so a person quickly adopts the traits of his companion and acquires qualities from him without realizing it, which makes the issue of choosing a friend a crucial matter that affects a person’s religion and his worldly life.
The difference between a good companion and a bad companion
His Eminence elaborated on the comparison between two types of companions, explaining that a good companion is one who leads his friend to the paths of goodness, makes obedience appealing to him, reminds him of God when he forgets, and helps him when he remembers. That is the friend with whom the soul is happy and whose company brings a good outcome in this world and the hereafter.
Conversely, the Sheikh warned against bad company, which beautifies ugliness, makes evil words and deeds seem appealing, and leads its companion to ruin. He emphasized that this type of friendship inevitably ends in regret at a time when regret is of no use, as this friendship and affection will turn into enmity on the Day of Resurrection, in accordance with the Almighty's words: "Friends on that Day will be enemies to one another, except for the righteous.".
A call to build faith-based relationships
The Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque concluded his sermon by calling on parents, educators, and young people to be careful in choosing friends from among the sincere believers, and that the friendship should be purely for the sake of God Almighty, far from fleeting worldly interests or personal desires, and that it should grow and flourish in the embrace of faith, to ensure success and prosperity in both worlds.
