OUR CHILDREN are facing ever-increasing challenges to their faith. It is our God-given obligation to help them beat these challenges.
We can take pointers from the actions of our Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) on the method to adopt in guiding them.
PATIENCE
Once a child was brought to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and it urinated on his clothes. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) merely asked for water and cleaned the soiled place. He did not react in any other way.
How many of us would react with anger or irritation? Our Noble leader set a beautiful example of patience and understanding.
THROWING STONES
Another child was brought to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) after he had thrown stones at a tree in someone’s yard to get dates. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) asked him why he threw stones. He said, "To eat dates." The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) told him to eat the dates which had fallen on the ground and not to throw stones. Then he stroked his head and prayed for him.
Look at how the child was taught in a kind and loving manner.
IMMORALITY
On every front immorality is calling us and our children towards adultery. The TV and its family of movies, videos, DVD’s; the Internet, wap on cellphones; newspapers and magazines - all entice lust.
To top it all, school sex education espouses alternatives to intercourse such as masturbation and oral intercourse which are prohibited in Islam.
We will allow everyone to teach our children this important aspect of life while we shun discussing it in our homes. The sins of lust are the greatest impediment to progress in Islam and worldly affairs.
DUTY
It is imperative that we take an active hand in our children’s education, using the wisdom, patience and kindness shown to us by the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).
If we do not, then we are shirking our compulsory duty and pushing our youth into the fire.
The Childhood Challenge
