In this regard...

In this regard, he states: “…the issue of leadership and guidance of this generation differs in its methods and techniques throughout the various time periods and differs according to the groups or people whom we are working with.

Thus, we must completely remove the thought from our heads that this new generation must be guided by following the methods used by the previous generations.” It is in this context that the book needs to be understood as providing direction in addressing challenges in a manner relevant to the time we live in. It is in this context that the book needs to be understood as providing direction in addressing challenges in a manner relevant to the time we live in.

It is in this context that the book needs to be understood as providing direction in addressing challenges in a manner relevant to the time we live in.

The late scholar also reminds us of the saying of Imam Jaʿfar ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq (a.s.) that: “The person who is fully aware of the time in which he is living in will never be overcome with bewilderment (of the things around him).” Therefore being cognizant of the era we live in, we need to focus on the integration of intellectual, social, and emotional aspects that affect our youths and especially students in Colleges and Universities.

The need of this current era is to recognize that our youth continue to struggle with the increasing fragmentation of the learning process as much as the dichotomy of disciplines and contradictions inherent in concepts such as pluralism. They live in an era that subjects them to many and varied ideologies and which demand of them a rational explanation in matters of belief. This awareness can help us to nurture a generation of Muslims who in turn will be able to nurture the next generation.

In closing, we quote the words of the late poet of Pakistan, ʿAllamah Iqbal who has written: Ya Rabb! dil-e-Muslim ko wo zinda tammana dey, * Jo qalb ko germa dey, jo rooh ko tarpa dey.* * * * * O Lord, endow the Muslims heart with motivation anew, * Such that it can warm the heart and stir the soul anew.* * * Phir wadi-e-faran kay her zarrey ko chamka dey, * * Phir shok-e-tamasha dey, phir zoq-e-taqaza dey.

* * * * Let every drop of the Islamic nation shine once more, * Bless it with determination and zeal once more.* * * Mehroom-e-tamasha ko phir deeda-e-beena dey, * * Dekha hai jo kuch main nay, auron ko bhi dikhla dey.