By Agatha Kadzinje

Blantyre, November 3, Mana: At the Muslim Youth United get together at Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre on Sunday, a renowned Islamic scholar who was also guest of honour, Sheikh Mustahab Ayami, urged the youths to embrace unity, uphold justice and seek knowledge that should serve as foundation for a brighter future.

Ayami emphasized that unity is a divine command from Allah, not just a concept, and that the youth serve as the foundation of society and the promise of a brighter future.

“Islam encourages our youth to work towards positive change because they have the power to transform society, uphold justice, and seek the truth. Prophet Muhammad united the youth with purpose, teaching them honor, discipline, and the pursuit of knowledge,” he said.

Ayami also stressed that seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim and that knowledge should be used wisely to benefit the community and the country at large.

“Knowledge shapes our souls, empowers our communities, and serves humanity. Through knowledge, we draw closer to Allah, and through education, we can uplift our society,” he said.

 Ayami pointed out that education is central in Islam and should be used to advance human knowledge to build a just, prosperous, and peaceful society.

“Education is an act of worship when done with the right intention to please Allah and benefit His creation,” he added while encouraging the youth to pursue various professions while remaining deeply rooted in Islam and upholding integrity and passion for knowledge.

The scholar further urged Muslim youth to reflect on the roles they wish to play in the Ummah (community) and to strive to help each other, building strong bonds of unity.

Regional Manager for Technical, Entrepreneurial, Vocational, and Educational Training (TEVETA), Malingose Kafuwa Banda, said it was important for youths in Malawi to be innovative.

“You must have the spirit to continuously seek ways to develop yourselves so that this country can progress,” she said.

 Banda also encouraged young women to embrace technical, vocational and entrepreneurship other than leaving young men to advance in the three areas.

“Females, you must also be at the forefront in matters of both education and development; your involvement does not undermine the role of males but instead represents a partnership for change,” she said.

Banda therefore urged the youths to consider technical and vocational training as means of acquiring skills that should help them to reduce unemployment rates in the country.

At the gathering, the youth were informed about various technical, vocational and entrepreneurship opportunities offered by TEVETA and how the authority track their students' progress to ensure they remain relevant with skills they have gained from various training institutions.