Youth in Mind: Taking Advantage of Five Before Five

On Tuesday, the 25th of August 2026, the Islamic world will commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

The 63 years of the Prophet’s life were meaningful, impactful, and, above all, insightful.

His remarkable achievements during his prophethood continue to be a source of inspiration and a centre of attraction for scholars and thinkers, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. 

His value centric leadership earned him the trust and respect of even those who did not necessarily embrace his religion or speak his language.

Many books have been authored to explore the story of his success. Many poems have been brilliantly crafted to celebrate his glorious status. Numerous conferences have been held, doctoral theses written, and research papers published, all seeking to understand the wisdom, leadership, character, and legacy of a man whose influence continues to transcend time, culture, and geography.

Besides, many leaders, philosophers, and literary giants, such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Thomas Carlyle, Leo Tolstoy, George Bernard Shaw, and Michael H. Hart, among many others, have expressed deep admiration for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), focusing particularly on his character, his leadership, and the principles he championed.

In his book, ‘The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History’, American astrophysicist and author Michael H. Hart placed Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the number one most influential figure in human history.  

As we commemorate our exemplary Prophet with youth in mind, I will focus on a profound Holy Saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which offers timeless guidance on making the most of the blessings and opportunities we are given: “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before your death. 

These few words shed light on some of the most crucial stages and states of our lives that the youth should take seriously. They offer a powerful reminder to make the most of the opportunities and blessings we are given before they fade away or are no longer within our reach.

Therefore, the nagging question is: How can our youth take advantage of these five precious elements of life before the curve shifts towards the other extremes, and avoid the limitations and constraints that those changes may impose on their lives?

This is a profound message for youth around the world to reflect upon and to ask themselves: What kind of life do I want to lead? It is an advice they need to ponder upon, an assessment they need to make to develop a deeper awareness of their reality and the choices they are making. It is a moment to ask themselves crucial questions, for such internal introspection can lead to greater awareness and, ultimately, to corrective measures.

Taking advantage of your youth before your old age should therefore lead you to invest your energy, learning, skills, and character while you are young, so that you can build the capabilities and resilience needed to achieve your goals and shape the life you aspire to lead.

On the other hand, using your health before your illness is an invitation to take care of your body and mind while you have the strength and ability to do so. As the saying goes, “A sound mind is in a sound body.” 

Likewise, using your wealth before your poverty calls upon people in general, and youth in particular, to use their resources wisely, for their needs, their families, charity, learning, and other meaningful causes.

Your free time before your busyness. Youth should realise that time is an asset that cannot be stored, saved, or recovered. As a result, it should be invested wisely in things that create lasting value and a rewarding impact.

Eventually, the Holy Saying turns our attention to life at large. Youth are asked to take advantage of their life before their death. 

Perhaps this carries the greatest message of all: make your life count before the opportunity to act comes to an end.

Do not allow technology, circumstances, or others to decide how you spend the most valuable years of your life. Make your youth count before age, responsibilities, and limitations narrow your possibilities.

Do not wait for old age to teach you the value of youth. Invest your youth today and let your future self inherit the rewards. 

You are simply asked to take advantage of five before five to make your results quadruple, your life more serene and balanced, ultimately crafting a saga of success that others can benchmark against and reap the lessons from.

An Omani writer focusing on youth development and cultural issues.