How can young Muslims deal with the influences at universities and in society?

By looking to the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), who lived in a society entirely hostile to the values of Islam. Whoever understands how he dealt with it and follows him will find their way.

Young Muslims at university and at work often find that their values are smiled at or questioned. This is not a new situation. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was born into a society that was entirely hostile to the values of Islam. That is exactly why his life is the best answer to this question.

The first step, then, is truly to get to know his example. Whoever studies his life sees how one can hold on to the truth in an unfamiliar environment while still treating everyone with kindness and fairness. The first verse above calls him an excellent model for anyone who hopes in God. The second step is to live out that example in daily life.

A clear Muslim identity is part of this. It matters that others can recognise that one is a Muslim, in conduct and in appearance. Those who hide are more easily swept along. Those who stand openly by their faith are usually respected for it.

Good friends are a great help. The hadith above compares a good friend to someone carrying perfume and a bad one to a smith at a hot furnace. Whoever surrounds themselves with people who encourage them in good, and passes by what is vain with dignity, stays firm without cutting themselves off from others.