Friday khutbah – 9 October 2026 (28 Rabi‘ al-Akhir 1448 AH)
Preventive Education in Islam
All praise is due to Allah. We worship Him and seek His help. I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) is His servant and Messenger. Allah Almighty says: “O you who believe, fear Allah and speak words of truth. He will guide you to do righteous deeds and forgive your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has indeed achieved a great success.” (33:70–71)
One of the greatest qualities of Islam, and a reflection of the wisdom of its teachings, is that it does not simply offer solutions to problems after they occur. It also teaches us how to prevent them and how to protect individuals, families, and society from difficulties, harmful influences, and moral decline.
We often hear the saying, “Prevention is better than cure.” However, the real challenge is to put this principle into practice in our daily lives, in raising our children, within our families, and in our institutions.
Unfortunately, we often wait until a problem arises before looking for a solution. Sometimes, after many years, parents discover that their son has turned away from his faith, has begun to question his beliefs, or has become involved in forbidden activities. They may also find that their daughter has entered into a relationship that conflicts with her religious beliefs and values, particularly in the European society in which we live.
Before asking how to solve such problems, we should first ask ourselves: What could we have done to prevent them?
This is the essence of preventive education in Islam.
The Qur’an does not merely forbid certain actions. It also teaches us to avoid the circumstances and behaviours that may lead to them.
Allah Almighty says: “And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is an immorality and an evil way.” (17:32)
Notice that Allah does not simply command us not to commit adultery. Instead, He tells us not even to approach it. This means avoiding the situations and actions that may lead to what is forbidden.
In Surah An-Nur, we find the same preventive approach in the guidance to lower our gaze and protect our chastity.
Allah Almighty says: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them.” (24:30)
Islam also encourages marriage as a means of preserving chastity and protecting society.
Allah Almighty says: “Marry off the unmarried among you, as well as the righteous among your male and female slaves.” (24:32)
Islam therefore does not wait for problems to develop. Instead, it establishes a strong foundation of faith and moral values that helps protect people from falling into wrongdoing.
This approach is especially important when raising our children and young people in Europe.
They are growing up in an open and rapidly changing world. Through the internet and social media, they encounter ideas, doubts, and influences that previous generations did not experience to the same extent or at the same speed.
Should we wait until our children begin to lose their faith before taking action? Or should we start from an early age by strengthening their belief in Allah, teaching them to know and love Him, encouraging them to pray, and creating an atmosphere of trust and open communication? Allah Almighty says: “Establish prayer, for indeed, prayer prevents immorality and wrongdoing.” (29:45)
It is important to give our children the opportunity to ask questions, express their thoughts, and share their concerns. We should listen to them patiently and guide them with wisdom, kindness, and understanding.
We cannot properly guide and protect our children if we are disconnected from their lives and unaware of what they watch, what they listen to, and what they experience at school, in society, and on social media.
Preventive education also plays an essential role in protecting the family.
For Muslim families living outside their countries of origin, the home is often the first and most important place where children learn about their religion, values, and identity.
This is why family disagreements should be addressed early, before they become more serious and threaten the stability of the family. Allah Almighty says: “They are clothing for you, and you are clothing for them.” (2:187)
Just as clothing provides protection, comfort, and security, marriage should provide emotional support and stability. The relationship between husband and wife should be built upon love, mercy, patience, understanding, and forgiveness.
Dear brothers and sisters,
Our young people today need a strong foundation of faith to help them deal with doubts, resist harmful temptations, and remain committed to their religious and moral values.
It is not enough to tell a young person, “This is haram — forbidden,” and then leave them to face the challenges and temptations of the modern world alone.
We must help them strengthen their relationship with Allah, listen to their concerns, understand their circumstances, and guide them towards what is halal — permissible.
The Prophet Muhammad (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) said: “O young people, whoever among you is able to marry should marry, for it helps lower the gaze and protect chastity. And whoever is unable to marry should fast, for fasting will be a protection for him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Therefore, Muslim communities should support young people who wish to marry and help remove unnecessary financial and social obstacles that may make marriage difficult.
Servants of Allah,
The principle of prevention does not apply only to individuals and families. It is equally important for our mosques, Islamic centres, and community institutions.
We should ask ourselves: Where will our institutions be in five or ten years? Who will take responsibility for them in the future?
These questions remind us of the importance of involving young people in community life, recognising their abilities, and preparing them to take on future responsibilities.
We must also work to bridge the gap between generations and plan carefully for the financial, administrative, and social needs of our institutions.
Rather than waiting until a crisis occurs, we should take responsible steps today to ensure their stability and continuity.
Preventive education in Islam is not simply a theoretical idea. It is a practical approach to life.
We need it when raising our children, before they grow up.
We need it when guiding our youth, before doubts and temptations become overwhelming.
We need it within our families, before disagreements develop into serious conflicts.
And we need it in our institutions, before difficulties turn into crises.
Therefore, instead of asking only, “What should we do when a problem arises?”, we should ask a more important question: “What can we do today to prevent that problem from happening tomorrow?”
What steps can we take now to protect our children, strengthen our families, and preserve our institutions for future generations?
May Allah guide us to recognise our responsibilities and give us the wisdom to fulfil them.
O Allah, protect our children and our families. Keep our hearts firm upon Your religion. Protect us and our loved ones from all trials and temptations, both seen and unseen. Grant us wisdom in raising our children and guiding our families. Fill our homes with faith, love, mercy, and understanding.
