Raising Confident Muslim Youth in New Zealand: An Islamic Approach to Youth Development

Young people are at the heart of Islam’s story. Ali ibn Abi Talib accepted Islam as a boy. Mus’ab ibn Umayr was a young man when the Prophet, peace be upon him, sent him to Madinah as its first teacher. Usamah ibn Zayd was given command of an army while still in his late teens. The Prophet trusted young people with real responsibility, and they rose to it.

The Quran describes the People of the Cave in the same way: “Indeed, they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance.” (Quran 18:13)

At Aman Islamic Trust in Wellington, that is our starting point: young Muslims are not a problem to manage. They are the community’s future leaders, and they deserve investment now.

What Islam teaches about youth

Among the seven people Allah will shade on the Day of Judgement is “a young person who grew up in the worship of Allah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 660, Sahih Muslim 1031)

The Prophet also advised: “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you become busy, and your life before your death.” (Reported by al-Hakim)

Youth is a season of energy, questions and growth. Islam asks us to fill it with purpose, not to waste it or fear it.

The pressures young Muslims face here

Muslim teenagers in New Zealand often live between cultures: one at home, another at school and a third online. Many are proud of their faith but unsure how to explain it to friends. Some feel isolated, especially newcomers. A strong youth programme gives them a place where they do not have to choose between being Muslim and being a New Zealander.

Five foundations of Islamic youth development

1. Faith and identity. Quran, prayer and Islamic knowledge taught in a way that answers real questions, so young people feel confident in who they are.
2. Belonging. Brotherhood and sisterhood built through shared activities. At Aman, that includes weekend football organised by our youth coordinator.
3. Mentoring. The Prophet mentored his young companions personally. Young people need trusted adults who listen as well as teach.
4. Wellbeing. “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Quran 13:28) Spiritual practice and access to confidential counselling work together.
5. Service and leadership. “The best of people are those most beneficial to people.” (Reported by al-Tabarani) Volunteering at iftars, events and community projects turns faith into action.

What Aman offers young people today

• Quran recitation and Tajweed classes for children and teenagers
• Sport and social activities for youth development
• Sunday lectures that welcome young people’s questions
• Spiritual counselling three nights a week
• Ramadan and Eid programmes where youth help lead and serve

Five things parents can do this week

1. Pray at least one prayer together each day.
2. Ask an open question about their day, then listen without correcting.
3. Bring them to one youth activity or class at the centre.
4. Encourage their questions about Islam, even the hard ones.
5. Serve together: help at an iftar, visit a neighbour, or volunteer.

A permanent home for Wellington’s youth

For six years our youth programmes have run in rented space. We are now working to buy a permanent centre with a dedicated youth room, so these programmes can grow for the next generation. Read about the permanent home appeal.

If you believe in investing in young Muslims, please support the building fund, or volunteer as a mentor.

Donate to the building fund