Teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH on the Moral Upbringing of Children, Stressing Love and Kindness to Them
By Kaniz Fatma, New
Age Islam
17 August
2024
Some Instructions On How Muslims Should Deal
With Youngsters
Main Points
1.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) believed in
instilling moral values in children from a young age.
2.
He used storytelling to teach
children about honesty, kindness, and compassion.
3.
He emphasized the importance of
respecting parents, teaching them to uphold virtuous behaviour in society.
4.
He stressed the importance of
truthfulness in all aspects of life, teaching children to always speak the
truth.
5.
His teachings were comprehensive,
guiding children towards a life of righteousness and compassion.
------
As Muslims,
we believe in the importance of our children and the need for constant love and
care to develop their intrinsic characteristics and potential. We believe that
every child is unique and deserving of respect and dignity. As parents, we have
a responsibility to instil a deep love for Allah, His teachings, and the
principles that underpin our faith. We equip our children with courage, faith,
and integrity by fostering a strong bond with our values. We also have a sacred
responsibility to raise our children according to the teachings of Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him), who exemplify compassion, righteousness,
kindness, empathy, and humility. We must prioritize our children's holistic
development as stewards of the future generation, taking inspiration from the
timeless teachings of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. By modelling his virtues and
values in our actions and attitudes, we can leave a legacy of faith,
compassion, and service to humanity.
Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) was a compassionate and empathetic figure who exhibited
extraordinary sensitivity towards children. His kindness and gentleness
exemplified the importance of raising young minds with tolerance and
understanding. He emphasized the need for treating children with dignity and
compassion, providing them with advice and insight that fosters confidence and
love. His treatment of children set a timeless model for adults to interact
with and relate to the younger generation, creating a supportive environment
that fosters their development. His ability to relate to children on their
level, pay close attention to their thoughts and feelings, and respond with
compassion and guidance is still inspiring.
An
exemplary story about our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his interactions
with kids describes a heart-warming moment when a child was playing with a
bird. As the child tightly grasped the delicate creature, causing it to
struggle in fear, the compassionate Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) approached the
child with a gentle demeanour. Taking the bird from the child’s hands, the
Prophet carefully set the bird free and seized the opportunity to impart a
valuable lesson. With wisdom and tenderness, he explained to the child the importance
of showing kindness and mercy towards all living beings, highlighting the
sanctity of life, no matter how small.
This
touching narrative not only demonstrates the Prophet's deep-rooted compassion
for every creature but also serves as a reminder of the significance of
instilling empathy and love for all in the hearts of children, nurturing a
spirit of compassion and kindness that resonates with the teachings of our
beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Children
are the embodiment of innocence and purity, and our beloved Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH), showed them a great deal of warmth and compassion. He aggressively
sought out opportunities to form bonds with kids through humorous conversations
and loving gestures, in addition to his enjoyment of spending time with them.
He was often seen putting kids on his shoulders, holding them in his arms, and
giving them toys while giving them hugs and kisses that made their hearts happy
and full of love.
This
profound care and tenderness that the Prophet displayed towards children serves
as a timeless lesson for adults, emphasizing the importance of treating the
young with utmost kindness, respect, and love. His actions demonstrated the
value he placed on nurturing the younger generation, teaching us all the
significance of preserving the innocence and purity that children embody, and
the profound impact that affectionate and respectful treatment can have on
shaping their character and fostering a nurturing environment filled with love
and compassion.
Our beloved
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not only a spiritual guide to the adults but also
recognized the importance of instilling important moral values and principles
in children from a young age. He believed that laying a strong foundation of
honesty, kindness, and compassion early on was crucial for their development.
One of the approaches he often used was through storytelling, as he found it to
be an effective tool to impart these valuable lessons in a more engaging and
memorable way. Through these stories, children would learn about the
significance of being truthful, showing kindness to others, and practicing
compassion in their daily lives.
Furthermore,
the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the value of respecting one's parents,
teaching children that honouring and obeying their parents was a fundamental
aspect of their faith and essential for leading a righteous life. By nurturing
a sense of respect and obedience towards their parents, children were not only
fostering a harmonious family environment but also laying the groundwork for
upholding virtuous behaviour in society.
In addition
to emphasizing these moral values, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also stressed
the importance of truthfulness in all aspects of life. He encouraged children
to always speak the truth, regardless of the situation, as honesty was seen as
the cornerstone of good character and integrity. By instilling this value early
on, children were taught the importance of being truthful and trustworthy
individuals who could be relied upon in their interactions with others.
The
teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to children were
comprehensive, encompassing a wide array of moral values and principles that
were essential for guiding them towards a life of righteousness and compassion.
Through his guidance and wisdom, children were not only taught the importance
of honesty, kindness, and respect but also inspired to embody these virtues in
their everyday actions, thus shaping them into responsible and ethical members
of society.
In one of
his profound narrations, the Prophet emphasized that true faith is reflected
not only in acts of worship but also in the manner in which believers conduct
themselves, particularly within their own families.
The
Prophet, peace be upon him, said,
“Indeed
among the believers with the most complete faith is the one who is the best in
conduct and the most kind to his family.” (Sunan At-Tirmizi)
This hadith
served as a gentle reminder of the importance of fostering harmony and
compassion within familial relationships, highlighting the significant role
that good upbringing and kindness play in shaping a strong and cohesive
household. By embodying these principles, individuals not only strengthen their
faith but also contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious society, rooted in
the values of empathy, patience, and love towards one’s family members.
It is
narrated that Aqra' bin Habis once had the privilege of witnessing a tender
moment between Allah's Messenger and his beloved grandson, Al-Hassan, where the
Prophet bestowed a loving kiss upon the child. Struck by this display of
affection, al-Aqra' felt compelled to share a personal revelation - that
despite having ten children of his own, he had never once kissed any of them.
His confession hung in the air, waiting to be acknowledged. In response, the
wise words of the Prophet echoed through the space between them, resonating
with a gentle yet profound truth: "He who does not show mercy towards his
children, no mercy would be shown to him." (Sahih Muslim)
Anas ibn
Malik, a young boy at the time, had the esteemed privilege of serving the
Prophet with unwavering dedication and loyalty. According to his own account,
over the span of ten years in the Prophet's service, not once did the Prophet
express impatience or reprimand towards him. Hazrat Anas fondly recalls that
amidst his tenure, no harsh words of impatience such as 'Uff' were uttered by
the Prophet, and neither was he ever questioned with a tone of reproach such
as, "Why did you do this?" or "Why didn't you do that?" This
remarkable anecdote stands as a testament to the Prophet's kindness, patience,
and exemplary manner of guiding and mentoring those under his care with
gentleness and respect. Hazrat Anas' unwavering admiration for the Prophet's
impeccable character shines through as he reflects on the profound impact of
those invaluable years spent in the service of the Messenger of Allah.
Whenever
the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was visited by his beloved youngest
daughter, Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her), a heart-warming display of
affection and respect would ensue. As Fatimah entered the room, the Prophet
would rise to greet her with a smile that illuminated the space, his eyes
reflecting the deep bond they shared. Tenderly, he would extend his hand towards
her, enveloping her fingers in his warm grasp, a gesture resonating with
paternal love. Following this, the Prophet would place a gentle kiss on
Fatimah's forehead, a silent acknowledgment of their cherished connection that
transcended words. Finally, with a sense of grace, he would guide her to his
own place, a symbolic act of honouring her presence. In return, the purity of
Fatimah's love shone brightly as she reciprocated each gesture when the Prophet
visited her. These touching moments, infused with simplicity yet radiant with
love, encapsulated the undeniable affection and mutual reverence they shared.
Aishah, the revered mother of the believers (may Allah be pleased with her),
eloquently captured the essence of their bond by remarking, "I have not
seen anyone who resembled the Prophet PBUH in terms of conduct, way, and
manners, more than Fatimah". (Aishah continued,) "When the Prophet
saw her coming, he would stand up for her, took her hand, kissed her, and
brought her to sit in his place. When the Prophet PBUH visited her, she would
stand up for him, take his hand, kiss him and brought him to sit in her place.”
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
It is
unfortunate that a prevailing issue within families is the tendency for parents
to show favouritism towards one child over another. The importance of equality
and fairness in parental treatment is emphasized by the teachings of the
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). An incident narrated by An-Nu'man
illustrates this principle when his father sought the Prophet's approval for a
gift he gave him. The Prophet, discerning the lack of parity in the gifts given
to all his children, refused to bear witness. He wisely questioned the father,
"Wouldn't it bring you greater joy if your children respected you equally?"
(Sunan An-Nasa’i). This poignant exchange underscores the intrinsic value of
fair treatment among siblings. It serves as a timeless reminder for parents to
maintain impartiality and equity in their interactions with their children to
foster harmony and unity within the family unit.
Parenting
is a profound responsibility that requires constant awareness of the impact our
actions have on our children. It involves navigating a multitude of challenges,
from the temptation to overly praise one child while neglecting another, to the
harmful habit of comparing siblings or showing favouritism based on gender.
Such behaviours can sow seeds of discord and resentment among siblings,
fostering an environment where self-worth is measured by external validation
rather than intrinsic value.
To
safeguard our children from developing feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt,
it is crucial that we heed the wisdom of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),
a paragon of compassion and guidance in nurturing young hearts. His teachings
exemplify the essence of fostering a nurturing and loving relationship with
children, emphasizing the importance of expressing genuine affection and
appreciation for their presence in our lives. By following his example, we can
cultivate an environment where our children flourish emotionally, spiritually,
and intellectually.
In essence,
children are not only our descendants but also our legacy in this world and the
key to our success in the hereafter. When we raise them with love, respect, and
faith, they become the living embodiments of our values and beliefs, enriching
our lives and paving the way for a brighter future. As parents, it is our duty
to invest our time, energy, and resources in nurturing these precious gems,
ensuring that they grow into individuals who are devoted to Allah, dutiful to
their parents, and a source of blessings for society. By prioritizing their
well-being and spiritual development, we shape not only their destinies but
also the legacy we leave behind.
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Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a
regular columnist for New Age Islam.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism