New parents

Very cute baby ... isn't it !! What a innocence in his face. But things take a different shape as he grows. As parents it has become important to shape them rightly to face the dynamic world.

We are parents ourselves now .... and I spend several nights thinking what my baby will grow like. We want to be merciful, forbearing, easy-going and approachable, not foul-mouthed. But I know sometimes the kids can get real tough..... !! They have fun doing the DON'TS sometimes.

This concern brought me close to look upon what Islam has to tell to those fearful couples who are now new parents. Islam says ......

Raising and educating children is one of the duties required of parents. Raising them in the light of Islam really makes a big difference in their life. Allah has enjoined that in the Qur’an, and the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also enjoined that in his sayings. Allah says :
"O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allaah, but do that which they are command"

We must keep them away from the places of immorality and misguidance. Whoever sows thorns cannot grapes. That should be done when they are young, so that it will be easy for them when they grow up, and they will get used to it, and it will be easy for you to tell them what to do and what not to do, and it will be easy for them to obey you. Iman comes not from learning but from living.

Discipline is the nourishment of the soul, and training it for the Hereafter. For a father to discipline his child when he reaches the age of discernment means that he should raise him with the characteristics of the righteous believers. If he teaches him properly, his actions will be among his ongoing charity that will last as long as the child lives.

Don't forget this .....disciplining one who is good and noble is different from disciplining one who is difficult and ignoble.... !! Concerning such matters the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) advised parents to discourage their children from doing wrong.

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Hang your whip where the members of the household can see it, for that will discipline them.”

So raising children should be a balance between encouragement and warning. One of the ways in which a parent may be successful in raising his children is to play Qur’aan recitation, khutbahs and lessons of scholars.

Afterall the future of the child lies in our hands.