Iraqi Youth at Crossroads
It appears that Iraqi youth are becoming more and more skeptical of their religious leaders and in Islam as a way of life. Reasons for the trend might be political - religious leaders have gained very little momentum in their campaigns during the past five years and are hence losing credibility.
Disenchantment is also attributed to a version of Islam not suited for the times. The New York Times reports that when outdated practices such as breaking the fingers of smokers and cutting long hair and force-feeding it to the wearer are causing Iraqi youth to turn their backs to spiritual leaders.
While some may rejoice in the weakening political power of religious leaders in Iraq, this trend begs the question: where will young Iraqis turn for role models and personal development? Do we really want the next generation of Iraqis to follow the example of a largely corrupt and incompetent Bush Administration? Or the once exiled Iraqis who helped build the case for the U.S. invasion and were then installed as the new country's initial leaders?
Islam can and should provide a moral compass for Muslim Iraqis. The challenge will be to attract youth to an Islam that focuses on self-reflection, community building and humanitarianism over some of the dated passages of the Qur'an.
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