Assalamu Alaikum My Dear Readers,

We begin our day with Alhamdulilah, thanking Allah for all that He (سبحانه وتعالى) has blessed us with. Amongst his greatest blessings are our precious sprouts, our beloved children (May Allah bless them and make them the coolness of our eyes, ameen).

In today’s world, we may face challenges in raising our kids and at the end of a busy day we are sometimes confused on whether what we are doing will help our kids in this life as well as in the hereafter. When such a thought comes to mind, we should not hesitate but think back to the ways of our beloved prophet, Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

Allah says:

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. Qur’an (33:21)

Starting off with little tasks like, “Assalamu Alaikum my loving son” or “Assalamu Alaikum my sweet baby girl”, is one step closer to blessing our child’s day. Beginning with the right mindset is important for success and as parents we should strive at setting the right example for our kids (as well as reminding ourselves).

We’re may not be perfect and having every single day with fixed rules won’t make us human, but by applying a little of what our beloved Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) taught us can go a far way in making our children remain on the right footstep.

For Allah says:

“O ye who believe, save yourself and your family from the fire.” Qur’an (6:66)

Here are a few tips on upbringing our kids in a Islamic Way (P.S., don’t forget ourselves):

Reciting the Qur’an

We understand morning routines are the busiest as we hurry preparing for school and work, but that shouldn’t take away the prophetic practice of reciting the Qur’an after Fajr. What we can do to ensure we have the extra blessings in the morning is to listen to the Qur’an, along with reciting the words, whilst we travel to work and school.

Whether it’s in the car, or using a head phone with your smart devices, we can still listen to the words of our Almighty  (سبحانه وتعالى).

For some, reciting the Qur’an might be a challenge, and that is why, I’ve been introducing many parents to the step by step learning on Understand Quran Academy (click to open link). After going through their renowned Read al-Quran course, you will be well versed with the rules of reciting the Qur’an and you will have a good idea of the Mahkharij and Sifat. With this, you will be ensured that a strong foundation is developed for your kids to start reciting the noble words of our creator.

Purifying our Hearts

Not all days are the same, and sometimes we may not all be in a positive mindset, but teaching ourselves, then our kids, that actions are judge by intention is very important. We should not give up on a task just because it seems challenging or because we are alone. We should teach and show our kids that by desiring good in our hearts, we will act wisely and caring towards the people around us.

Additionally, we should teach our kids and ourselves that we shouldn’t judge someone based on their looks and other characteristics. Guiding our kids to always make excuse for others will help them to be more accepting and forgiving. And one day, we may even need that important character in return.

Practicing the words of Allah and the teaching of our Beloved Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم)

Arabic may not be a part of our language, but for those who it is, then Mashaa Allah.

However, we can still incorporate it in our daily lives, by using simple words like ‘kitab” for book, ‘farawla’ for strawberry, ‘wahid’ for the number one, ‘al-ithnayn’ for Monday and so on and so forth.

My favorite go-to program when I need to do this with my kids is the Understand Qur’an course by Understand Quran Academy (click to open link). Using the TPI learning method along with poems and stories, we are thought the words of the Qur’an in a fun and meaningful way. My kids love the graphical arts and easy and understandable explanations by the qualified experts. And I’m sure that even you will steal a few moments to practice the meaning of this beautiful language, just so that you can impress your little ones when you pick them up from school or having dinner at the table.

Our Beloved Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has left us with many guidance and ways of life, and at times when we forget or lose our path, we should always refer to his great words and kind actions. If these guidelines seem overwhelming at times, we should follow the advice that a little of something daily, is much better than a lot of nothing every day, for being consistent is one of the best advices from the greatest man that ever walked this earth.

As He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are the most consistent of them, even if they are few” (Reported by Bukhari & Muslim)

We should not let the tasks of today’s world stand in our way of raising our kids with proper Imaan and knowledge of the words of Allah. Therefore, my humble advice to you is to incorporate it in your life and try your best to do a little every day.

I ask Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) to continue to guide us and bless our kids, and may He (سبحانه وتعالى) bless us and continue to grant us the strength, patience and guidance to always support and nurture our kids, ameen.

See you in my next article, In shaa Allah.

Assalamu Alaikum.

~ Sister Samina Satar ~

JazakAllahu Khair