Question:-
What is your view with regards to arranging outdoor trips for our youth where they will be given an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and at the same time be given Islamic Taleem? The object of the trip is to keep them in the correct environment under the supervision of Ulama.
Answer:-
Arranging outdoor trips for the youth (with the intention of betterment to their Deen) has never been the practice of our pious predecessors and seniors. Yes, when gatherings of Deen were held, whether in the form of Tablighi Ijtimas and programmes, or Islaahi programmes of our Mashaaikh etc. then the youth would be invited to such programmes and, in fact, special programmes would be arranged for them as well.
This doesn’t mean that youth with bad habits do not attend these gatherings. They also come to these gatherings but, due to the company of the pious and the blessings of the various discourses, A’maal and Duas of the righteous and pious attending the gathering, there is hope of them being affected and guided towards righteousness and piety.
However, as far as outdoor activities are concerned, the youth are fully aware that this is primarily an entertainment trip where they would be partying and merrymaking with the friends, but Salaah will be performed and some Taleem conducted “by the way”, which will give the activity some flavour of Deen. Secondly, the trip is void of pious and righteous Ulama and Mashaaikh and such A’maal that draw the mercy of Allah Ta’ala.
It is for this reason that these youth are very quickly attracted to all activities of enjoyment and pleasure which other friends seem to enjoy such as smoking, watching movies and even more intense things, hence, they too are caught up.
Now, although pure Deeni gatherings may seem a bit dry for the youngsters, these are the gatherings that will actually assist them in improving. It is up to the seniors to channel them in the correct direction. As organisers of youth activities, short Deeni programmes should be arranged for the youth using such speakers that are under the guidance of some pious and righteous spiritual mentor, and at the same time, be able to interact with youth effectively. Immediately after the programme, some refreshments could be served (which youth generally look forward to) and these youth should then return home so that minimal time is spent interacting with others. This would be a safer option in our humble opinion, rather than engaging them in outdoor activities where they are prone to various dangers and harm.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 27 Jumadal Ukhra 1443 / 30 January 2022
