Islamic principles of raising children are in line with human nature

 Islam is a universal religion, whose teachings guide humanity in all aspects of life.  Islam has given specific principles for upbringing of children.  These principles are in line with human nature.

 

Upbringing of children is a very important responsibility of the parents.  If they fulfill this responsibility properly, then not only will this be a source of reward for them but in fact the same children become a provision for the hereafter and a pride for them as well.

 

The Holy Quran declares that person as truly successful who has been saved from the fire of hell and has been granted entry into paradise.  As mentioned in Surah Aal Imran, verse no. 185.

 

A Muslim should have the wish not to enter paradise alone but to guide others as well, not only he/she should be saved from hell, but should save others as well.  In this regard, the most strenuous efforts are to be made for one’s family and household members.

 

These are the words of Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi, Professor, Islamic Law, Jamia Nizamia, Founder-Director Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center, in the weekly lecture at Masjid Abul Hasanaat, Jahanuma, held under the auspices of Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center.

 

The revered Mufti quoted the words of Hadhrat ‘Umar Farooq (May Allah be well pleased with him):  For children, a pious mother with virtuous character should be selected.  For marriage, instead of wealth and beauty, piety and virtuousness should be the standard.  When the child is born, he should be given a good name and should be taught the Holy Quran.

 

The revered Mufti said that whether the parents are pious or impious, they do affect the children as well.  For this reason, parents should also purify their lifestyles.  One has to safeguard oneself from lewdness all the time, but especially in period of pregnancy, one should meticulously safeguard oneself from lewdness. One should offer Salaat, recite the Holy Quran and engage in remembrance of Allah Most High and in Durood.  In these days, the would-be mother shouldn’t be given any tension at all.

 

Be it a boy or a girl, both are the bounties of Allah Most High.  Preferring boys over girls and being unhappy on the birth of a girl is not at all correct.  One should rely on Almighty Allah and be thankful and grateful to Him in all phases of life.  With the blessings of the newborn, Almighty Allah will increase the sustenance.  When a child is born, Adhaan should be said in the child’s ear, Tahneek should be performed, ‘Aqeeqa should be performed and the child’s hair should be removed.

 

The revered Mufti said that the child doesn’t talk as such, but whatever happens in the surroundings leaves an impression on the child.  The child sees, hears and remembers.  Thus, one should not use abusive words before the child.  Neither should the child be exposed to film songs, lewd talk and the like.  There should be an Islamic atmosphere in the house so that the child grows up in a pure atmosphere.

 

        Childhood is like a green twig, wherever you bend it, it will go that way.  For this reason, it is necessary that they should be brought up in a proper manner right from childhood.  When the child starts talking, he/she should be first taught the name of Almighty Allah and then the whole Declaration of Faith (Kalima) should be taught to the child.

 

The Shariah has not prohibited one from learning the worldly sciences, but has preferred Islamic education to worldly education.  It is really pathetic that neither are the parents/guardians providing Islamic education to the children nor are they raising them properly.  In modern schools/colleges, the teachers are such that they create doubts in the minds of the kids about Islamic beliefs and rules.  The result of which is that the children have no respect for Islam.

 

It is the need of the hour that schools which have both Islamic and worldly education should be established far and wide.

 

The revered Mufti said that the father should watch over the kids in his own way and the mother in her own way.  The parents should keep an eye on the coming and going of their children as well.  When they leave home, are they actually reaching school/college or not.  Parents should be in regular contact with the teachers/lecturers regarding the educational status of the child.  Parents should save their children from bad company as well.  Parents shouldn’t speak harshly to their children.  Instead they should talk to them encouragingly and affectionately.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  You order your children to offer Salaat when they reach 7 years of age.  Punish them on not doing so when they are 10 and separate their beds.

 

        First and foremost the children should be taught the basic beliefs of Islam.  After that, they should be instructed in the rules of worship, lawful and unlawful and the rights of Almighty Allah and the rights of the creation.  They should be exhorted to spread what is good and to stop evil.  They should be taught high morals and should be saved from blameworthy traits.  They should be instructed in patience, reliance on Allah Most High, humility, etc. as well.  The revered Mufti gave many examples from Quranic verses, Hadith and the Traditions of the Companions.

 

The session ended with Salaam and Dua.  Maulana Hafidh Syed Ahmed Ghouri, Teacher, Jamia Nizamia, led the proceedings.