knowledge and good manners are key to prosperity

This Friday, the sermon will explain the importance of equipping the next generation with knowledge and good manners – keys to prosperity for any nation.
Worshippers will hear that the young generation are real wealth and the nation’s hope for development and prosperity.
"They bear the trust of shaping the future of their countries, for the progress of the latter is dependent upon the minds of their sons and daughters. In the hands of the youth lies the secret for success and excellence of nations," the sermon will say.
Civilised nations devote great care to shaping their futures, the sermon says.
"All of the prophets and ancestor scholars and people of wisdom devised plans for the future of their generations. In the process, they sought to learn about and meet their societies’ needs."
The Quran teaches us to be planners and to seek the best for future generations.
One of the fathers of Prophets, Ibrahim, said to his Lord to bless his offspring and homeland with a prosperous and stable future.
About him, Allah says in the Quran, "and [mention] when Ibraham said, ‘My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits".
The sermon will give Prophet Yusuf as an example as he made best use of the knowledge and wisdom that Allah bestowed upon him to plan for the future of his people.
He told his people: "You will plant for seven years consecutively, and what you harvest leave in its spikes, except a little from which you will eat." (Surat Yusuf: 47)
This way, Prophet Yusuf managed to overcome the hardship and surmount the challenges.
The Quran says about Prophet Yusuf, "And when he (Joseph) reached maturity, We gave him judgment and knowledge. And thus We reward the doers of good."
The sermon stresses that the knowledge is key to progress and welfare for any nation, and good ethics are the adornment of knowledge and essence of human beings.
Prophet Mohammed told his companions: "Shall I tell you which amongst you is most liked to me and will sit closest to me on the Day of Judgment?" They said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah!" Prophet said: "The best of you in character."
Allah says in the Quran: "And establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do."

Source: The National