How to raise children - as per Islamic principles

The zenith of instruction of children – Company of the pious

 

If the upbringing of children has not been performed properly and they are now grown up, then obviously they can’t be written away just like that.  In this situation, the best method of their instruction is to make them sit with the pious people and the saints.

 

These principles are given to us by the Holy Quran and the Hadith.

 

O believers! Fear Allah persistently and remain in the (company) of those who uphold the truth.  Surah Tauba (9:119)

 

The company of the saints and the pious people is the means of achieving good in this world and the next.  As mentioned in the forthcoming Hadith which has also been related by Muhaddith-e-Deccan Hadhrat Syed Abdullah Shah Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Qadri (May Allah shower His mercy on him) in Zujajatul Masabeeh, Vol. 4, Pg. No. 104 on the authority of Shua’bul Iman of Imam Baihaqui (May Allah shower His mercy on him):

 

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Razeen (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Shall I not tell you that thing through which you will gain the good of this world and the hereafter?  Make the company of the people of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) compulsory on yourself.  (Shua’bul Iman, Hadith No. 9024)

 

This principle is for both children and adults.  However, for adults this is a sure shot cure.  The whole system of Khanqah (monasteries) is based on these principles.  Through these principles, the elders of the Ummah have successfully instructed millions of people, as it has been said about company:  Company does have its effect, even though it may have been for only a moment.

 

Soil is just soil, but when it remains in the proximity of the rose, it also starts giving off fragrance.  Humans also have the same nature, only it is more pronounced in them.  Their whole life progresses on the lines of the company that they keep.

 

For the sake of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), may Allah Most High guide us to implement these principles in raising our children and may He keep us steadfast on it for our whole lives and may the Lord Almighty make it a provision for our hereafter.

 

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