Cultivating Chivalry: Islam and Raising Men with Imam Dawud Walid
Jan 17, 2025
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Imam Dawud Walid, author of "Futuwwah: and Raising Males into Sacred Manhood," explores the evolving concept of masculinity in Islamic tradition. He critiques modern notions of manhood and advocates for a return to values of chivalry, emphasizing responsibility and moral conduct. Walid discusses the importance of mentorship and leading by example, highlighting kindness in leadership. He also examines the role of vigilant care in shaping true masculinity, underscoring the need for noble characteristics rooted in faith and community values.
The concept of Futuwa emphasizes that true manhood involves responsibility and selflessness, prioritizing others' needs over one's own.
Islamic masculinity promotes a balance of strength and compassion, rooted in ethical teachings that challenge contemporary definitions of masculinity.
Mentorship and community involvement are crucial in raising boys, fostering essential skills like empathy and social responsibility to embody the ideals of Futuwa.
Deep dives
The Essence of Futuwa
Futuwa, or sacred chivalry, is ingrained with the concept of honor and responsibility that encompasses both an inward and outward manifestation of manhood. This concept transcends mere biological classifications of males, suggesting that true manhood requires a metaphysical essence that reflects virtue and altruism. Men must be raised with an understanding of selflessness, prioritizing the needs of others before their own, which is a fundamental aspect of the Futuwa code. This idea is exemplified through historical anecdotes and teachings, showing that genuine manhood is characterized by responsibility and the willingness to sacrifice for loved ones.
Chivalry Versus Traditional Masculinity
The discussion draws a clear distinction between chivalry as a noble endeavor and the current interpretations of masculinity that can often be found in movements like the red pill ideology. Unlike this contemporary view, which may commodify women and emphasize power dynamics in relationships, chivalry calls for a deep respect for women, portraying them as deserving of care and protection. Historical examples highlight that being a true man involves embodying virtues taught by the Prophet Muhammad, such as kindness and emotional intelligence, rather than adopting aggressive or materialistic characteristics. Real masculinity is framed as a balance between strength and compassion, permanently grounded in the ethical teachings of Islam.
Modern Challenges in Raising Boys
The modern context presents significant challenges in the upbringing of young males, particularly due to changes in family structures and societal expectations. The shift towards a nuclear family model is seen as detrimental, as it often eliminates the extended networks of male mentorship crucial for healthy development. Furthermore, educational systems may lack male role models, offering few opportunities for young boys to witness positive masculine behavior. The resulting disconnect from traditional values and practices leaves some young men struggling with delayed adolescence and unclear identities regarding their roles in society.
Terbiyah: The Path to True Manhood
The process of Terbiyah, or proper upbringing, is crucial in establishing the virtues associated with Futuwa. This involves imparting specific skills, knowledge, and emotional intelligence to young boys, guiding them toward becoming responsible and honorable men. Through community involvement, mentorship, and practical experiences, boys can learn essential life skills, including empathy, decision-making, and social responsibility. Notably, activities such as martial arts, team sports, and community service foster discipline while providing an avenue for young men to engage with their peers positively.
Restoring Traditional Values in Modern Communities
To establish the ideals of Futuwa within contemporary communities, a multifaceted approach that includes education, mentorship, and community involvement is essential. Current initiatives in various regions exemplify successful programs aimed at fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-sufficiency among young men. The creation of guilds focusing on Futuwa can help integrate traditional values into modern practices, giving boys a structured environment to learn and grow. Engaging men of all ages in this framework emphasizes that it is never too late to learn and redefine one's understanding of masculinity in accordance with Islamic principles.
Never in human history has the role and position of men and women been subject to so much dispute. The advent of liberalism has ushered in an era of free thought and individualism that has removed previously accepted notions of roles and obligations. Liberal feminism has explicitly sought to forward a hollow version of equality that has on the whole, harmed women and men. And sadly, the backlash has been a crude assertion of masculinity that loathes women and removes any of their rights. Social media is awash with a morass of failed gender relations and gender conflicts, to which many young Muslims, however well-intentioned, contribute.
Imam Dawud Walid published a serious contribution to the subject of manhood. He argues that the rich classical scholarly works detailing how to bring up young men have been lost. This sacred idea of chivalry may look out of place in modernity, but it produced well-balanced young men that combine courage with humility, strength with forgiveness and public duty with prayer. Imam Dawud Walid believes Islamic masculinity is not naturally acquired but has to come from revelation and reinforced by models of manhood within families and communities. He has recently authored a brilliant book titled, Futuwwah: and raising males into sacred manhood. A timely contribution to the topic. He has recently authored a brilliant book titled, Futuwwah: and Raising Males into Sacred Manhood, a timely contribution to the topic.
You can follow Imam Dawud Walid's Telegram group here https://t.me/dawudwalid
