Friday Khutba
The Youth’s Search for Meaning
22. April 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
The story of humanity, as described in the Qur’an, is a journey of growth, from mere human existence to becoming Adam and from there to attaining the state of Ahsani Taqwim, the best and most complete form of being human. Human beings are distinguished from other creations through the blessings of intellect, expression and free will. The human being, gifted with intellect, will and the ability to express, is not created aimless. Rather, they are naturally inclined to seek meaning in the life they have been given. And it is in the period of youth that this search is felt most deeply and most intensely.
Today, our young people are asking the timeless questions of humanity more openly than ever: Who am I? Why do I live? Where do I come from, and where am I going? These questions are not a problem. They are not a weakness. Rather, they are a sign of life within the heart, they are a natural part of being human and a sincere search for truth. The real problem is not the questioning itself, but when these questions are left unanswered, or answered without truth, leaving the heart unsettled and the soul unfulfilled.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Our age promises many things to young people, yet it fails to offer them a solid sense of meaning. Modern trends define life merely through pleasure, speed and success, while pessimistic approaches whisper that everything is meaningless. In a world that says, “Everything is for you,” young people often come face to face with the reality of dissatisfaction, feeling worthless and alone. This state of mind, reaching many things yet finding satisfaction in none, is the result of a deep loss of meaning.
Dear Jama’ah!
However, life is not a random or aimless flow. It is not a span of time given to be consumed, but a trust granted as an opportunity. Allah (swt) clearly declares, “Did you think We created you in vain?”[1] reminding us that life is not by chance. Every breath, every day and every stage of life is a journey that gains meaning through responsibility. Youth, in particular, is the strongest and most blessed phase of this journey.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Religion provides a firm and meaningful foundation for life. Islam teaches the individual: “You are not a coincidence. You are not a burden. You are not worthless. You were created with purpose, entrusted with responsibility and you have not been left without accountability, you have been addressed and honoured.” Prophet Muhammad (saw) reminded us of the value of youth when he said: “On the Day of Judgment, a servant will be questioned about how they spent their life and how they used their youth.”[2] This reminder is not meant to instil fear, but to highlight the immense value of life as a whole and the unique and precious place that youth holds within it.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Young people do not seek harshness, but sincerity. The heart of youth does not respond to pressure, it seeks to be acknowledged and engaged. Instead of saying, “Why are you like this?” we need to be able to say, “We understand you.” Our homes, mosques and communities should not be places of judgment for young people, but places of trust. Because meaning is formed and strengthened through a sense of belonging that is built in an environment of trust.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Let us offer our youth not empty advice, but a path they can truly walk, guided by patience, compassion and wisdom. May Allah (swt) guide them to sound paths in their search for meaning and grant their hearts faith, hope and steadfast direction. Ameen.
[1] Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:115
[2] Tirmizî, Sıfatü’l-Kıyâme, 1
