It is He Who created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a leech-like clot; then does He get you out (into the light) as a child; then lets you (grow and) reach your age of full strength, then lets you become old-though of you there are some who die before-and lets you reach a term appointed; in order that you may learn wisdom. (40:67)
| The Position and Worth of Children Children in accordance with the Islamic concept means both male and female and they are both alike in the sight of Allah, the Almighty. These children are entitled to various right such as to be properly brought up, educated, be given with suitable, sufficient and adequate religious which may lead them for their entire of lives. “Every one of you (people) is a shepherd. And every one is responsible for whatever falls under his responsibility. A man is like a shepherd of jis own family, and he is responsible for them” (Bukhari and Muslim) Being a parent is truly a blessing and at the same time has to deal with great responsibilities as well. When Allah gives us His blesses with little bundle of joy, we would be starting to have so much hope for our kids. This is so because we will definitely plan their whole life even before they are born in this world. Children are therefore a trust given by Allah to the parents and thus parents will be responsible for this trust on the Day of Judgement. Worth Doings Parents may sometime face ups and downs in rising up their kids. It is so because children are born knowing how to be well behaved. They definitely need help and guidance from parents and other caregiver or caretaker. Being a parent is not always an easy job. "When My servants ask you (Muhammad) concerning Me, I am indeed near. I respond to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me. Let them also, with a will, listen to My call and believe in Me, that they may walk in the right way." [Al-Qur'an 2:186] Therefore, parents should always guard themselves with patience in handling their kids as they are most precious gift given by Allah. By the same token, parents should always learn the knowledge and skills to be an effective Islamic parents also to develop the unstoppable desire to put these skills into practice in our everyday life and thus aid our kids in their development. "Upon death, man's deeds will (definitely) stop except for three deeds, namely: a continuous charitable fund, endowment or goodwill; knowledge left for people to benefit from; and pious righteous and God-fearing child who continuously prays Allah, the Almighty, for the soul of his parents." (Muslim) The following are the says that can be practiced by parents each morning which act as a supplement in developing wonderful children in Islamic perspectives: 1.I am raising my child to be a successful vicegerent (khalifah) of Allah, who will help create a truly Islamic World. 2.Today I will try my best to know and understand all the influences upon my child’s development. | 3.Today I will try my best to help my child understand the power of negative influences to take him/her away from Allah, and the power of positive influences to take him/her to Allah. 4.Today I will try my best to shield my child from the power of the negative influences to take him/her away from Allah. 5.Today I will try my best to enhance (increase) the power of the positive influences upon my child to take him/her toward llah. 6. Today I will try my best to notice some positive things my child does or says, and tell him/her how much those things are appreciated by me and by Allah. 7.Today I will try my best to say nothing negative to my child. Even if I have to correct my child’s wrong behaviour I will try my best to find some positive way to do so. 8.Today I will love my child unconditionally, but I will try my best to express that love at times which are most beneficial to my child. 9.Today I will try my best to be an example of a good and right human being (Muslim) for my child. 10.Today I will pray for Allah’s help that I can be a good parent for my child. Raising Up Effectively The soul of your child resembles the uncut precious jewel entrusted into your care by Allah. To us is given the splendid responsibility of shaping that precious jewel into a very beautiful form, pleasing to the eye of Allah. Your little ones must also be taught with the oneness (tawhid) of Allah has been expressed in the unity of Islamic life. Generally, parents of young children should have a few expectations in respect with the behavior and acquisition of their kids’ as they are having cognitive limitations at this stage of growth. This means that children should not be allowed to run about and do as they please as they still require guidelines and boundaries. Here, parents should play a very important role in giving tarbiyyah refers to teaching or training, nourishment and cultivation. And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that you might give thanks (to Him). (16:78) The following are some techniques in giving tarbiyyah for early childhood: 1. Make play as a medium of teaching 2. Prevent misbehavior and avoid disruption 3. Rewarding positive behavior 4. Ignoring misbehaviour | A Wake-up Call for Muslim Parents "Every child was born in a state of innate purity [fitrah]" (Bukahri) Our children are easily get influenced by their surrounding especially those from media or even their companions. Parents will usually face difficulties in a way to protect their kids from all the negative forces that would shape their minds and finally their behavior. However, this matter can be solved by basically show our good examples and at the same time provide them with better options to be chosen as to walk on the true path. Some valuable tips that are practicable among parents are as follows: · Start to teach kids the importance of Worshipping only Allah · Treat them kindly · Tell them stories about examples of Muslim heroes · Let your kids sit with adult · Always going out as a family · Praise them and make them feel important · Avoid humiliation · Have faith in them to perform tasks · Always pray with them · Emphasize halal Allah's Apostle said, "When night falls (or it is evening), keep your children close to you for the devils spread out at that time. But when an hour of the night elapses, you can let them free. Close the doors and mention the Name of Allah, for Shaytaan (Satan) does not open a closed door." (Bukhari 4:523) |
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