The Power of Peer Pressure

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah's Messenger, peace be upon him, said:

"A man will follow the religion of his friend so you should all look into whom you choose for friendship."

[Abu Dawud and Al-Tirmidhi]

Before the advent of the television and the globalisation of youth culture, family traditions, religious values, and the school environment were the strongest influences on the minds of young people. Today, the media is constantly feeding the eyes and ears of the youth with its own sense of beauty and modern lifestyle. Fashion designers set the styles and willing young consumers fall prey to constantly changing pop culture. Clothing, running shoes, cell phones and cosmetics have become symbols of material success and nobility. Peer pressure has become so powerful that a great percentage of the family budget goes towards trendy shoes and designer clothing.

Muslim youth need to re-analyze their friendships and make the right choices. Do the people we associate with lead us to prayer, fasting and righteousness or do we feel embarrassed to practise our faith in their presence?

Source:"The Forty Ahaadeeth on Islamic Revival" - Abdullah Hakim Quick, pp. 49-50

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