EVERYONE IS DOING IT, BUT DOES THAT MAKE IT RIGHT?
Have you ever done something you knew was wrong simply because your friends were doing it?
Perhaps you laughed when someone was being mocked because you didn’t want to look boring. Perhaps you joined a conversation full of gossip because everyone else was participating.
Or perhaps you were afraid to practise your Islam openly because you didn’t want to be different.
This is the danger of following the crowd without thinking.
The life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ teaches us the importance of truthfulness, integrity and standing firm upon what is right.
Before revelation, the Prophet ﷺ was known among the people of Makkah for his honesty and trustworthiness. He did not simply adopt the harmful practices of his society.
After Allah appointed him as His Messenger, he continued calling people away from falsehood and toward the worship of Allah alone, despite the opposition he faced.
His life reminds us that what is popular is not always what is right.
Today, young Muslims face pressure from social media, entertainment, friendships and the desire to be accepted.
Something can become popular online without becoming acceptable in Islam.
A behaviour does not become halal because your friends approve of it. A lie does not become acceptable because everyone is telling it. Mocking someone does not become harmless because the whole group is laughing.
As Muslims, we must learn to distinguish between what people celebrate and what Allah commands.
FOUR LESSONS FOR YOUNG MUSLIMS
1. Don’t sacrifice your faith for acceptance.
Real friendship should not require you to disobey Allah to prove that you belong.
2. Learn to say no.
You can refuse to participate in something wrong without insulting the people inviting you.
3. Think before you follow a trend.
Ask yourself whether what you are watching, sharing or participating in agrees with your Islamic values.
4. Be courageous enough to stand alone.
Sometimes doing the right thing means being the only person in your group who refuses to participate in something harmful.
WHAT IF YOUR FRIENDS MOCK YOU?
If your friends laugh at you for praying, dressing modestly or avoiding haram, remember that their approval is not more important than your relationship with Allah.
You don’t need to argue with everyone. You can remain respectful while maintaining your boundaries.
Look for friends who respect your faith and encourage you to become a better Muslim.
Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:
*”And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah.”*
— Qur’an 6:116
This verse reminds us that numbers alone do not determine what is true.
HEART CHECK
One of the greatest mistakes a young Muslim can make is allowing the desire to fit in to become more important than the desire to please Allah.
You were not created merely to follow trends, impress people or win everyone’s approval.
Be respectful to people, but let your obedience to Allah guide your decisions.
The crowd will not answer for your choices before Allah. You are responsible for your own actions.
3SIXTYISLAM
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