By Rabiyah khan
Islam is a complete guideline for perfect and well-mannered child nurturing. It teaches us the basic and overall directives to hold control over life. And being a Muslim it is mandatory to raise our children according to the commands of Islam. In this fast era where life meets fantasies, it is being necessary to make aware our children the values of Islam.
Child Nurturing According To Islam-Parenthood
Nourishment
Muslim parents have a responsibility to take care of their children physically and emotionally. Their goal is for their children to grow into a self-disciplined and well-mannered adults. Parents are expected to teach children right from wrong with the eye of Islam; they are expected to teach them the way of living life according to Islam, gradually from childhood.
There is a clear distinction between the standard of the education process versus Islamic upbringing. This is undoubtedly a huge responsibility, which can be a great blessing and source of reward if fulfilled correctly. And what can be the better practical guidance and solution than the Sunnah of our beloved prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)?
Following are the tips which may help you to bring your children with the commands of Allah. Islam has provided some wonderful guidelines for parents in order to raise their children.
Give Them A Pious Environment
First of all, parents should make the Islamic environment at home. They should practice offering Salah five times a day and make a habit of reciting the Quran on a daily basis along with the kids.
Read The Quran Together
Instilling a love and appreciation for the Quran right from the beginning will In Sha Allah make our children excited to spend time with it and begin a long and fruitful journey reciting, memorizing, and pondering over the Quran verses these all will help you in childhood nurturing according to Islam.
“Your wealth and your children are only a trial, whereas with Allah!
With him is a great reward (Paradise).” [#64 verse 15].
Indeed, the upbringing of children is stated as a ‘trial’ in our religion. Parenting is the hardest job ever. Our children are mandated by Allah. The best gift we can possibly give to our Muslim children is a proper upbringing.
“Play with them for the first seven years; then teach them for the next seven years; then advise them for the next seven years (and after that)”. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)
The above Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) gives us guidance to divide the upbringing of a child into three stages.
First Seven Years (0-7)
This is the time to let the child play but also the hard and responsible time for parents to build a strong connection with their child. It is the formation stage where a child is constantly influenced by the surrounding environment. Children imitate their parents more than anyone if you find any undesired behavior in your children check yourself first.
Next Seven Years (7-14)
Once the child reaches seven, it the time that they are ready for logical education and Islamic ethics. This is a time when our children are ready to soak up everything and anything you show and teach them the possible right and wrong. This is the stage of upbringing where we should teach them secular and religious knowledge, halal vs haram, and all the things they need to know, this is the stage where children are young and enthusiastic they are absolutely in the phase of learning it is the parent’s responsibility to teach the child how to behave, how to choose the right and healthy environment. Parents also should keep a firm watch on children’s activities at this age.
The Next Final Seven Years (14-21 and ever after)
Once a child hits 14 or the age of puberty, children achieve independence and develop their own personality and responsibility. During these critical and crucial years, befriend them, advise them and do your best to make them aware of their responsibilities, make them aware that they are now full adults according to Islam it is their choice to make the decisions right or wrong. As parents, our responsibility to advise them.