By: Ramiq Rehan

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله

To begin with I would like to start with the verse from the Holy Quran,

Surah Hajarat verse 10: 

إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌۭ فَأَصْلِحُوا۟ بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ 

“The believers are but one brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers. And be mindful of Allah so you may be shown mercy”.

If I could describe the youth program in a few words, I would use the words unity, brotherhood, companionship, and a bond that goes beyond the bond a normal friend can have. The bond between the brothers in the youth program is what a young Muslim dreams of.

My personal story could be an example of the introverted kids striving for their Deen. A friend of mine invited me to the program. Initially, I was shy and introverted as I thought the people at the Masjid would judge me for not wearing a thobe or give me weird stares for just popping into the masjid. When I walked into the sisters' old masjid (where the youth program takes place), I remember the fresh breeze of air, the voice of brothers talking, and the warm feeling of brothers from different ethnicities hugging and smiling at each other. A natural smile just came out of me as I saw that warm and wholesome moment. Fortunately, my first week back was on the night the first-ever bonfire took place. I was given a miswaak as Ustadh Hanzlah had just returned from Umrah. 

Adding on, the topic was the importance of Umrah and Ustadh Hanzlah's experience. After the program, food was delivered as I remember the first biryani I had at the program. Tears rolled out of my eyes as I was not used to the Hyderabadi biryani and spices. Eating food with my brothers, however, made the experience enjoyable. Following that was the bonfire, which was initiated with a beautiful Quran recitation. Then we're the amazing jinn stories in the cold and chilly night in front of the fire. Sharing smores with my brothers and cooking marshmallows further added delight to the experience. I remember the 99+ missed calls from my parents and a small lecture as I got back from the masjid after 12 am. However, it was all worth it. On the way back home, I just felt like a new person. My Imaan was refreshed as if I had just embraced Islam all over again. Ever since then, I started coming to the Masjid more often and for every youth night program. I started to come for every asr till the youth night, then every Friday after school till night to get an opportunity to work at the masjid. It all happened from that day when I felt true brotherhood and companionship.

My consistent visits and presets to the Masjid are not because of my dedication but because of how fun the programs are. Experiencing the different and unique programs that I have been to like youth debates, Seerah stories, Hadith programs, tafsir programs, bonfires, sleepovers, lectures, etc. All these events brought the youth and brothers together to unite them. I'd like to end with this:

The Prophet (PBUH) stated:

“Do not wish to be like anyone, except in two cases: (1) A man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously. (2) A man whom Allah has given wisdom (knowledge of the Qur’an and the Hadith) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others.”

(Al Bukhari)

May Allah give Barakah, a long healthy life to our teachers who run this program and strive so hard to teach the word of Allah. 

JazakAllah Khairan.