Strengthening the nation’s youth through faith, knowledge, good character and skills is essential to safeguarding Brunei Darussalam’s future, according to this week’s Friday sermon delivered by Imams nationwide.

In the sermon titled “Empowering Youth as a National Asset,” worshippers were reminded that young people are not only the nation’s hope but also its most valuable asset and the future generation that will one day assume positions of leadership, drive development and uphold the country’s religious and national values.

The sermon stressed that a country’s strength should not be measured solely by its economic achievements but also by the quality of its human capital.

“Empowering youth means preparing the future of the nation itself,” the sermon said, adding that resilient, capable and principled young people are vital to ensuring the country’s continued progress, stability and prosperity.

Drawing lessons from the story of the youths of the Cave (Ashabul Kahfi) in Surah Al-Kahfi, the sermon highlighted how young believers remained steadfast in their faith despite living in an environment filled with oppression and confusion.

Their example, it said, demonstrates that strong faith forms the foundation of resilient youth who are not easily swayed by worldly temptations, but instead remain committed to truth and place their trust in Allah the Almighty.

The sermon noted that today’s youth face growing challenges brought about by globalisation, rapid technological advancement and the expanding digital landscape.

While these developments offer many opportunities, it warned that unrestricted access to social media and online content can also expose young people to lifestyles and ideologies that contradict Islamic teachings and moral values.

To navigate these challenges, the sermon outlined two fundamental pillars for youth development.

The first is strengthening faith, describing it as the cornerstone of a Muslim’s character. Youth with firm faith, it said, are better equipped to resist harmful influences, avoid deviant teachings and foreign cultures that conflict with Islamic principles, and consistently perform righteous deeds.

The second pillar is cultivating knowledge alongside good manners and ethics.

The sermon emphasised that skills without proper values can lead to imbalance, while progress without good character risks bringing harm to individuals and society.

Young people were encouraged to honour their parents, teachers and leaders, maintain respectful speech and behaviour, and demonstrate responsibility both in their daily lives and online.

Quoting a hadith narrated by Jabir RA, the sermon reminded worshippers that those with the best character will be among the closest to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the Day of Judgement, while those known for arrogance, excessive talk and boastfulness will be among those furthest from him.

Beyond strengthening faith and character, the sermon encouraged youth to pursue lifelong learning, embrace innovation and continuously develop new skills to remain adaptable in an ever-changing world.

It also referenced His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s titah during the 79th birthday celebration, in which the monarch expressed his hope of seeing young people play a more meaningful role in national development.

His Majesty said he hoped the younger generation would not remain merely consumers of technologies created by others, but would instead emerge as creators, thinkers and visionary leaders.

The sermon said the royal titah serves as a call for youth to seize opportunities in education, skills development and entrepreneurship so they can become independent, competitive and capable contributors to the nation.

It further highlighted that youth empowerment in Brunei should continue to be guided by the national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), describing it as more than just a national identity but a way of life that integrates faith, loyalty to the Monarch and devotion to religion, nation and country.

Youth raised with MIB values, the sermon said, will become balanced individuals with strong religious convictions, love for the nation and respect for leadership, enabling them to contribute towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Concluding the sermon, worshippers were reminded that developing the nation’s youth is a shared responsibility involving parents, guardians, educators, schools, institutions, community leaders and society as a whole.

The congregation was urged to pray that Brunei’s younger generation remains steadfast in faith, guided by Allah the Almighty, blessed with knowledge and wisdom, and grows into future leaders who will continue contributing to the country’s peace, prosperity and development. – Izah Azahari