Learn how to raise children to be pious, virtuous, and knowledgeable from the scholars who have successfully done so. Discover their valuable insights here!
Scholarly Approaches to Child Rearing
Educating children is a significant responsibility for every parent. How can we ensure our children grow up to be virtuous, well-mannered, and knowledgeable individuals? We can certainly draw inspiration from scholars who have excelled in raising their children. Here are some scholarly tips on nurturing children that we can emulate:
1. Reciting Ayat al-Kursi and Short Surahs While Breastfeeding
Scholars advise their wives to regularly recite Ayat al-Kursi, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas while breastfeeding their children. This practice aims to provide protection against the influence of evil spirits and jinn, as well as to instill a love for Allah and His Prophet from an early age.
2. Teaching the Declaration of Faith as the First Utterance
Scholars teach their children the declaration of faith as their first spoken words when they begin to talk. The declaration of faith goes as follows:
"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger."
This statement is of great importance to every Muslim as it signifies their faith and testimony to the truth of Islam.
3. Waking Children for Night Prayers or Fajr
Scholars encourage their children to wake up for night prayers or the Fajr prayer before dawn. Night prayers are deeply cherished by Allah and His Prophet as they represent a time of closeness to Allah. Fajr prayer holds significant virtue as it is the first prayer of the day.
4. Motivating Children to Engage in Acts of Worship during Blessed Months
Before entering blessed months like Ramadan, scholars gather their children and inquire about their plans for the month. They inspire their children to engage in more acts of worship such as Quranic recitation, remembrance of Allah, charity, voluntary fasting, and more. This is done to boost their enthusiasm for worship and seize the blessings of these special months.
5. Teaching Good Intentions Alongside Surah Al-Fatihah
Scholars teach their children not only Surah Al-Fatihah but also the importance of making good intentions. Intentions form the foundation of every action, and good intentions lead to righteous deeds. Proper intentions are a requirement for the validity of worship and enhance the rewards of such acts.
6. Hosting Knowledge Gatherings at Home
Scholars arrange gatherings of knowledge at home, involving all family members. They engage in collective Quranic recitation (Tadarus) and discussions on Hadith, jurisprudence, and various other fields of knowledge. These gatherings conclude with prayers and sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This fosters a pursuit of knowledge, strengthens Islamic bonds, and brings the family closer to Allah and His Messenger.
These are some valuable tips on child rearing inspired by scholars that we can apply in our homes. May these guidelines be beneficial, and may we become parents capable of nurturing a generation that is virtuous, well-mannered, and knowledgeable. Amen.
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