Futuwwah in Islamic Culture and Mysticism

Youth is the period of capabilities, physical and spiritual vitalities and the peak of human activities. Youths are full of potentiality, motivation and are ready for struggling with tough challenges and innovating great changes within themselves and in the outside world. In line with this fact, in Islamic teachings the perspective of youth is much positive and optimistic. Accordingly, in Islamic culture the concept of Futuwwah (youthful manhood and chivalry) is introduced, promoted and expanded and became a source of formation of movements which were highly influential and effective throughout centuries. People of Futuwwah are recognized with noble qualities and honors, on top of which are qualities such as courage, honesty, hospitality and generosity. Before Islam there were some sorts of Futuwwah among Persians, Arabs and probably other nations, but in the Islamic era the concept of Futuwwah with the inspiration from the Quran and the tradition of the Prophet and his household ingrained with Islamic teachings and received an Islamic color and flavor. The concept of Futuwwah has been mentioned in the Quran in different forms and individuals such as the prophet Abraham, Joseph and the Companions of the Cave (aṣḥāb al kahf) are described as youth. The best example of fata (the youth) in Islam is Prophet Mohammad, who is known as the master of youths. Next to the Prophet, Ali bin Abi Talib is known as the model index of Futuwwah. In this paper, I will touch in brief the Futuwwah movement, its essence and its relation to Sufism and some other social movements, as well as its relevance to the contemporary life.