OUTLOOK — By Ali Al Matani — In the middle of intellectual and technological changes sweeping the world at this delicate stage and in light of interactions that attract the younger generation towards bad practices and also for establishing good values and tolerant principles of society, conscription has become a strategic choice. The need of the hour is to turn the minds of our younger generation from these conflicts that are disturbing them and direct them towards the right path with regard to their lives and the homeland. Conscription can help in nurturing our future generations in a balanced way, thus, educating them on their rights and duties towards the nation.
There is no doubt that the various changes that are taking place in our world today requires that the new generation be well equipped to confront them in such a way that ensures that they are leading a balanced pattern of life; protecting them from negative influences and providing them with skills and values that can ward off negative impacts. Conscription can help in refining the behaviour and instilling noble values of life in the minds and hearts of our young people, providing them with an opportunity to acquire the values of work, persistence, commitment and respect.
Applying conscription for one year at least, before entry into the university, has every justification at all cultural, economic, social and national levels; that is, if we are seriously interested at building our nation and entering the corridors of the future without losing our way in the midst of modern developments. Conscription can be a noble way of creating generations armed with supreme values that can help them to build their lives through hard work and determination, recognising the real meaning of nation building and how to serve the masses.
The potential and scope to apply for conscription are available for all to see. The whole matter can be addressed as a matter of choice, as mentioned above, to face positive changes that can give direction to the minds of our younger generation. It is time to reform these variables through ways that can ensure the building of generations capable of facing daily life conflicts, committed to social ethics and values and be able to distinguish the wheat from the chaff.
The various avoidable events and mistakes that we see today at all aspects of life that are spilling on to the streets can be the result of lack of discipline and a direction in life. All these setbacks can be addressed through strict military education that can redefine the outlook of our youth and teach them the true values of life, apart from recognising the reality of certain circumstances and how they can be addressed.
Conscription is not a military choice as some may perceive it, rather, it is a national, economic, social and intellectual choice and today is the time to adopt it. Today, as explained by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), we came back from the smallest jihad to the greatest one, which is the jihad of the soul.
We hope the agencies and authorities of our nation study the concept of applying conscription on all graduates of general diploma or the equivalent certification, to build the future citizens of our nation.
