It is no understatement to say that the youth have always played an integral role in propagating the message of Islam. It was a youth by the name of Ali ibn Abu Talib, who was one of Islam’s earliest converts and supporters, when the elders of Quraysh arrogantly rejected the call. Examples of key roles played by different youth in furthering the call of Islam are replete in history texts but not confined to the past.

       
This tradition could still be observed across the globe in modern times despite the prevailing unfavorable political climate and the harsh conditions that Muslims face. A vivid example of such an effort was Ottawa’s premier annual youth event, titled, ‘Generation M’. This event was held on April 27, 2002 at Laurentian High School and was organized by the Muslim Youth of Ottawa (MYO) for the last six years.  The event is geared towards congregating youth from all age groups, high schools and ethnicities in order to enlighten them about their Islamic Identity; a trying task, given the variety of entertainment and past-time activities that keep the majority of these youth preoccupied. Thus the organizers conveyed their message by skillfully balancing the content of the event between lectures and comical skits. There were also scheduled breaks for prayers and lunch to re-energize the attendants spiritually and physically, in order to sustain them through out the day long event.  

Generation M is part of the wave of Islamic activities that are  becoming increasingly common in most communities through out North America and elsewhere. Such activities to educate Muslims, particularly the youth, has become increasingly necessary given the challenging times Islam and Muslims face especially in non Muslim societies. This challenge is made more difficult by the demand for more creative methodologies in conveying the message to these youth whose culture and daily experiences are markedly different from those of their preceding generation.

Many of the talented young speakers, who spoke at the event, met this challenge as they addressed critical issues that the youth face daily in their high schools, work environments and amongst their peers. The lectures covered a variety of topics such as ‘black hole, American dream, American nightmare and are you with us or against us’. Each lecture had its defined message that not only shed some light on how to perceive the events unfolding around us but more importantly how to deal with them. One of the speakers enumerated a few of the vices that Muslim youth experiment with, such as smoking-a variety of products-, drinking and dating. It is important for them to hear the Islamic stance and alternatives on these issues, especially from other youths who have experienced growing up in environments similar to theirs. As a result they can better relate to the advice that is offered.

In juxtaposition to the pertinence of the messages from the different speakers was the motivation and self esteem it inspired in the youth.  Omar Hussein assertively highlighted in his speech the need for Muslims to abort the "victim identity" and inferiority complex that followed events like nine - eleven. He reminded the audience that one of the most rewarding forms of jihad (struggling in the cause of Allah) is truthfully standing up to a tyrant. Illustrating that Islam had no vacancies for shying away from responsibilities in fear of the difficulties that may ensue. A weighty message for a generation on whose shoulders the future of Islam rests.