Mr. Mohamed Shidiye, during the official opening of the Markaz Al Kheirat Islamic Centre, in Barkuke Town, in Lagdera, Garissa County. PHOTO/UGC.
By ADULHAKIM SHERMAN
The Koran’s teachings are unparalleled and are a beacon of significance to the spiritual guidance of Muslims around the world, Mr. Mohamed Shidiye, Kenya’s former ambassador to Botswana and a prominent figure in the Garissa gubernatorial race has said.
Mr Shidiye highlighted how the Koran’s teachings, as imparted by Prophet Mohamed, serve not only as a moral compass but also as a transformative force capable of steering the youth towards a life enriched with virtue, obedience, and purpose.
The envoy was speaking in Barkuke town, in Lagdera Constituency, Garissa County when he officially opened the Markaz Al Kheirat Islamic Centre.
Mr. Shidiye’s message was clear: the teachings of the Koran, as conveyed by Prophet Mohamed, offer profound guidance that can transform the lives of young people and lead them towards a path of righteousness.
The Koran, the holy book of Islam, is a treasure trove of divine wisdom and guidance. Its verses, revealed to Prophet Mohamed over 1,400 years ago, continue to offer timeless lessons on how to live a life in accordance with God’s will.
Mr. Shidiye said central to the Koranic teachings is the principle of Tawhid, the oneness of God, which underscores the need for monotheism and a profound respect for God’s commands.
“One of the core teachings of the Koran is the importance of righteous conduct and the avoidance of sin. This principle is encapsulated in various verses that highlight the path to a virtuous life,” he said.
The former envoy said for instance, the Koran states: “Indeed, this Koran guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:9)
Mr Shidiye said this verse underscores the Koran’s role as a guide to the most upright path, promising rewards for those who adhere to its teachings and engage in righteous deeds.
“For the youth, this means embracing values of honesty, integrity, and justice, and steering clear of behaviors that lead to personal and societal harm,” he emphasized.
Mr Shidiye said Prophet Mohamed, the last messenger in a line of prophets, lived a life that perfectly exemplified the teachings of the Koran and his character was marked by compassion, honesty, and humility, serves as a model for Muslims worldwide.
“He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong moral principles and fostering a community based on mutual respect and justice,” he said.
A youth recites a verse from the Koran during the official opening of the Markaz Al Kheirat Islamic Centre, in Barkuke Town, in Lagdera, Garissa County. PHOTO/UGC.
Mr Shidiye said one of the key aspects of Prophet Mohamed’s life was his emphasis on personal responsibility and accountability and he taught that every individual is responsible for their actions and should strive to live in a manner that reflects God’s commandments.
“The Prophet’s sayings and actions, known as Hadith, provide practical examples of how to implement Koranic teachings in daily life,” he noted.
The former envoy said in one famous Hadith, the Prophet said: “The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind.” Noting that this teaching encourages young Muslims to contribute positively to their communities, demonstrating that personal success is intertwined with the well-being of others.
Mr Shidiye stressed that spiritual nourishment is essential for leading a balanced and fulfilling life and for young people, this means nurturing their faith and integrating the Koranic teachings into their daily lives.
He said the Koran emphasizes the need for self-discipline and perseverance in following God’s guidance and referred the youth to (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69) which says; “And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.” (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69)
Mr Shidiye said this verse highlights the importance of effort and perseverance in seeking divine guidance and it serves as a reminder that the path to spiritual fulfillment requires dedication and commitment adding for the youth, this can mean prioritizing their spiritual growth alongside their academic and professional aspirations.
He added that the Koran provides clear directives on avoiding sinful behavior, which can lead to both spiritual and worldly consequences noting that it emphasizes the importance of steering clear of actions that are harmful to oneself and others.
Ambassador Shidiye said the teachings of the Koran and the example set by Prophet Mohamed offer invaluable guidance for young people striving to lead lives of purpose and virtue adding by adhering to the principles outlined in the Koran and following the Prophet’s example, the youth can find a clear path towards personal development and communal harmony.
Mr. Shidiye said embracing the Koran teachings is not just a spiritual journey but a practical approach to living a life that benefits both the individual and society at large.
He observed that in a world where distractions and challenges abound, the Koran remains a steadfast source of guidance, encouraging believers to live with integrity, kindness, and a deep sense of accountability.
“Through the practice of its teachings, young Muslims can forge a future marked by righteousness and positive impact, paving the way for a better tomorrow,” he concluded.
