The value of 'Ibaadah in youth

Youth is the spring of life where a person has all his desires, ambitions, hopes and dreams. And he also has the courage and energy that allow him to realise his fantasies and dreams. It is a very critical and crucial stage where a person is carried away by his desires that prevent him from reasoning. That is why he becomes easy prey for Shaitaan.

At this stage, if a youngster chose the path of Allah Ta’ala and spent his youth in His Ibaadah, it is truly a great sacrifice on his behalf. Undoubtedly, this sacrifice deserves a reward that is a bit special and particular because he sacrificed the most precious thing of his for the noblest cause, despite all types of temptations. According to a Hadith of Saheeh Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim, there are seven categories of people who will be under the shade of Allah Ta’ala on the day of Qiyaamah, when there will be no shade elsewhere. Among them is a youngster who spent his youth in the 'Ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala. 

To remain in the Ibaadaat of Allah Ta’ala in youth means to give the best of you to the One who is the best of all. In recognition of this great sacrifice, Allah Ta’ala will grant this youngster shade under His Throne on the day of Qiyaamah.

Note that this does not mean that it is sufficient to spend part of one’s youth in the Ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala, but this must continue till one’s death, because according to a Hadith, this youngster deserves this favour provided that he remains in the Ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala until his death. This Hadith shows that an Ibaadah that is made in the spring of youth is very valuable and very precious and is much appreciated by Allah Ta’ala because this requires a lot of sacrifices. In principle, if a youngster is accustomed to making the Ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala during his youth, then it is very normal that he will continue to remain in the Ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala when he becomes old also.

[English version of "Valeur ibaadat dans jeunesse" – Al Jamiat – Vol.4 No.12]