Masood Khan, Detroit, USA
Your twenties are a transformative decade – a time of growth, exploration and decision-making that can shape the rest of your life. This period is crucial as it lays the foundation for your future and the choices you make now will determine your long-term success, happiness and fulfillment. Islam, with its timeless guidance, encourages us to prioritise building a life grounded in faith, family and the pursuit of knowledge. While society often emphasises material success, personal freedom, and delaying responsibilities, Islam provides a different, more fulfilling path. By focusing on three key areas – marriage, family and knowledge – you set yourself up for a life filled with purpose, love, and success.
1. Marriage as half of your faith
One of the most important decisions in your twenties is finding a spouse. In Islam, marriage is not just a social contract; it’s a way to protect and strengthen your faith while fulfilling emotional and physical needs. The Prophet Muhammadsa said, “When a man marries he has fulfilled half of the religion […]” (Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith 3096). This powerful hadith underlines how critical marriage is to our spiritual well-being, guiding us on the straight path and drawing us closer to Allah.
Marriage is a partnership rooted in love, mutual respect, and shared goals. When you marry young, you and your spouse grow together, supporting each other through challenges and building a life based on Islamic values. A good spouse not only brings emotional comfort but also serves as a spiritual companion, encouraging you to remain steadfast in your faith.
In a world filled with distractions, temptations, and harmful behaviors, marriage provides a protective framework, helping you focus on what truly matters: building a future that pleases Allah.
Many young people today delay marriage, opting to focus on career, financial success, or personal freedom. However, delaying marriage can expose you to spiritual dangers, such as promiscuity, pornography, and harmful relationships that distract you from fulfilling your potential.
Islam teaches us that by getting married, we fulfill our natural desires in a permissible way, safeguarding our faith and focusing on long-term goals. The hadith that reminds us to marry a righteous woman further emphasises the importance of choosing a spouse who will support your spiritual journey. The Prophet Muhammadsa said, “A woman is married for four things, i.e., her wealth, her family status, her beauty and her religion. So you should marry the religious woman (otherwise) you will be a loser.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5090)
The importance of marrying for the right reasons
In my own experience, getting married young allowed me to find a partner who believed in me long before I “made it” in life. By the time I was 31, I was married, had three children and struggled financially. Yet, through all the challenges, my wife stood by my side. Her belief in my potential and her vision for our family’s future kept me grounded, even when times were tough.
Many young men think they should wait until they are financially stable before getting married. While financial stability is important, delaying marriage can make it harder to find someone who loves you for who you are, rather than what you have accomplished. When you marry young, you and your spouse build your life together from the ground up, forging a bond that is based on trust, loyalty, and mutual growth. As the Prophet Muhammadsa said, “The best of you is the best to his wives, and I am the best of you to my wives […]” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3895)
Why marrying young builds trust and character
Marriage at a young age helps you and your spouse grow together as individuals and as a couple. You face hardships, celebrate victories, and shape each other’s character. This shared journey strengthens the bond between you, creating a relationship built on trust, love, and mutual support. Together, you build not only a family but a partnership that will sustain you both for a lifetime.
If you wait until you’ve already achieved success, it can be more challenging to find someone who values you for who you truly are. When you marry young, you build everything together, which makes your relationship stronger and more genuine.
Prophet Muhammadsa and Hazrat Khadijahra
One of the most inspiring examples of a strong and successful marriage in Islam is the relationship between Prophet Muhammadsa and his first wife, Hazrat Khadijahra. Khadijahra was a successful business woman, and when she married Prophet Muhammadsa, they formed a partnership based on mutual respect, love, and faith.
Throughout their marriage, Hazrat Khadijahra stood by Prophet Muhammad’ssa side, especially during the early years of his prophethood when they faced immense hardship. Their union exemplifies how a supportive marriage can empower individuals to stay focused on their higher purpose, despite challenges. Hazrat Khadijah’sra unwavering faith in Prophet Muhammad’ssa mission demonstrates the importance of choosing a spouse who believes in you and supports you through adversity. Together, they navigated poverty, persecution, and personal sacrifice, making their marriage a model for a partnership that fosters both spiritual and worldly success.
2. Building a legacy through family
The second focus in your twenties should be on having children. Children are considered one of the greatest blessings in Islam. They provide a sense of purpose, joy, and responsibility. The Prophet Muhammadsa encouraged Muslims to marry and have children, as they strengthen the family unit and bring immense blessings.
Raising children while still in your twenties allows you to shape their character while you are also acquiring knowledge and life skills. As a parent, you set an example of perseverance, hard work, and faith, teaching your children the importance of personal and spiritual development. The hadith of the Prophet Muhammadsa that speaks to the importance of leaving a legacy underscores this: “When a man dies all his good deeds come to an end except three: Ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 3651)
Raising a family with purpose
When you have children early, you are not just building a family – you are creating a legacy. Your children become part of your life’s mission, motivating you to work hard and stay focused. They give you a reason to set bigger goals and pursue them with passion. In my own life, having children early made me more determined to succeed, even when I faced financial hardship. My wife and I are working together to instill good morals, character, and work ethic in our children, and this made our family unit stronger and more cohesive.
Having children early also means you have more energy and patience to raise them properly. Parenting requires dedication, wisdom, and perseverance. Starting early gives you more time to grow into the role of a parent and to build a deep bond with your children.
3. Acquiring knowledge and skills: The foundation for success
The third key area to focus on in your twenties is acquiring knowledge and skills. In Islam, seeking knowledge is a lifelong obligation, and the knowledge you gain in your twenties will serve you for the rest of your life. As the Prophet Muhammadsa said, “Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim […]” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 224)
Your twenties might not be the time to chase money or material success, but rather the time to invest in yourself through education and personal development. Knowledge and skills are the foundation for both personal success and spiritual fulfillment. The more you learn, the more valuable you become in your career, your family and your community.
Imam al-Shafi‘i: The pursuit of knowledge
One of the greatest examples of the pursuit of knowledge in Islamic history is that of Imam al-Shafi‘i (b. 767 CE). Imam al-Shafi’i dedicated his life to acquiring and sharing knowledge. Despite financial challenges, he traveled far and wide to study under some of the most renowned scholars of his time. His dedication to learning, even in the face of hardship, is an inspiration for Muslims today.
Imam al-Shafi‘i founded one of the four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and his contributions to Islamic thought and law continue to benefit millions of Muslims around the world. His life serves as a reminder that seeking knowledge in one’s youth is essential for both personal growth and the betterment of society. The lasting impact of his scholarship shows that the pursuit of knowledge, when done with sincerity and perseverance, can leave a legacy that benefits generations to come.
Education as a means of personal growth
While building your family, it is essential to focus on gaining an education and developing a strong character. By prioritising learning, you set an example for your children, showing them the importance of continuous self-improvement. Knowledge is not just about worldly success; it is also a means of drawing closer to Allah and preparing for the Hereafter.
Allah repeatedly emphasises the value of knowledge in the Holy Quran. It is stated in the Holy Quran, “Allah will raise those who believe from among you, and those to whom knowledge is given, to degrees of rank.” (Surah al-Mujadalah, Ch.58: V.12). Knowledge, when used wisely, benefits both this world and the next, and it helps you become a better provider, spouse, and parent.
Conclusion: Setting the stage for a meaningful life
Your twenties are a crucial time for laying the foundation for a life filled with purpose, love, and success. By focusing on marriage, family, and knowledge, you align yourself with the teachings of Islam, creating a life that pleases God and benefits both this world and the Hereafter.
Life is about more than just chasing temporary pleasures or material success. It’s about building a family, leaving behind a legacy of righteous children, and fulfilling your purpose in this world with the people who love and support you. Trust in God’s plan for you, work hard, and know that with faith, a loving family, and a commitment to learning, you can overcome any challenge.
