Islamic Guidance on Youth Character-Building: An Analysis in the Context of Modern Challenges

Abstract

The youth constitute a pivotal demographic in Pakistan, representing both the nation’s greatest potential and its most vulnerable segment in the face of contemporary socio-cultural and technological upheavals. This article explores the Islamic framework for youth character-building, drawing upon the Qur’an, Sunnah, and classical Islamic ethical thought, and contextualizes it within the unique challenges confronting Pakistani youth today—including digital distractions, moral ambiguity, educational disparities, and identity crises. By synthesizing traditional Islamic pedagogy with modern developmental psychology, the study proposes a holistic, faith-integrated model for nurturing morally resilient, intellectually capable, and socially responsible Muslim youth. The analysis underscores the role of family, educational institutions, religious leadership, and state policy in fostering an environment conducive to Islamic character development. The article concludes with actionable recommendations for stakeholders in Pakistan’s socio-religious ecosystem to revitalize character education grounded in Islamic values.