Muslims have been reminded of this in various ways.

Muslims have been reminded of this in various ways. The Prophet said, “I advise you to do good to young people as they have a tender heart that is keen to learn. God chose me as a prophet to make people aware of the divine mercy and to warn them of his chastisement.

Young people accepted my words and pledged allegiance to me but the old refused to do so and rose to oppose me.[^1] ‘Ali said, “There are two things whose size and price are unknown except to one who has lost them: One is youth and the other, health.”[^2] When Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah ibn Hasan rose up and got the people’s allegiance, he went to Imam Sadiq and asked for his allegiance. The Imam refused and reminded him of certain things, one of which was advice about young people.

The Imam said, “You have to keep young people close and keep old people far away from yourself.”[^3] This advice of Imam Sadiq shows the value and importance of young people and calls attention to this great divine blessing. The Prophet told Abu Dhar: “Appreciate five things before you lose them.

One is youth, which you must learn to appreciate before you get old…”[^4] Attention to Youth The true leaders of Islam have given valuable advice about the pure spirit of young people and their interest in moral and humane principles. They have constantly reminded teachers and guides to make good use of this valuable investment through the proper training of the young generation.

A man by the name of Abu Ja‘far Ahwal, who was a friend of Imam Sadiq, spent some time promoting Shi‘ism and transmitting the teachings of the Prophet’s family. One day, he came to Imam Sadiq.