Food For Thought (EP 6): Building the future of the Ummah (A note for Muslim parents and educators.)

Omer Arif  

Proper Early childhood education is undoubtedly a prerequisite for a bright future. Like Hasan Al Basri’s saying goes: “Seeking knowledge at a young age is like engraving on a stone. While seeking knowledge at old age is like writing on water.” Thus, building a healthy future for this ummah is only possible by giving the young generation a comprehensive education. Raising an Anas ibn Malik or Abdullah ibn Abbas in this generation will only be wishful thinking if certain factors are not taken into consideration. The most important of these factors would be the provision of a suitable environment for the kid. An environment that will not be based on a conflicting life between the home and the school.

              Other factors are as follow:

1.       Be a good role model.

The tending of children following examples more than instructions is what every Muslim educator and parent should know. Anyone who wants to educate a child in the path of Islam must practice it too. Role-playing has been deemed the most effective way to teach a child. Thus, anyone who is working on raising the children of this ummah should be a good example.

On this note, it is important to call our attention to one of the misconceptions of our time. We confuse an orator for a scholar.  The future generation should be entrusted to conscious educators and not just the one who speaks and writes. Speaking and writing are easy. On the other hand, proper tutelage is tougher and requires more effort and sacrifice. Of course, this is not to mean oratory is of no use.

2.      Compassion is the cornerstone of child upbringing.

The difficulty encountered in teaching should not lead an educator to bully a child. Educational service is a selfless effort that comes with its up and downs.  As time goes, the enthusiasm decreases and reluctancy comes into one’s service. At this stage, some educators become hostile and cold towards the children they teach. A situation that affects the ability of the child to learn properly.  

Research has shown that the abilities of students that are exposed to violence and bullying, become vague and lost over time. Besides, a child taught with fear and anxiety, will not only lose trust in the teacher but might also suffer low self-esteem. Breaking the bonds of compassion weakens or breaks completely the learning bonds in the child.

3.      Help the child to build self-esteem.

Parents, guardians, and educators should make children know that the family and the teachers trust and care about them. Every child must feel that he is of great value to his family and teacher. Words like “you cannot do it”, “you can’t make it, “you are useless” are nothing but disincentives for children which make them lose self-confidence.

On the contrary, children that are motivated with words of encouragement, reminded of how much they mean to the ummah, and told how much they can benefit humanity, will tend to work towards these lofty goals. Thus, words of encouragement should be said frequently to children so that they will not retreat into their shells and become less productive.

4.      Children should be granted gradual freedom.  

At a certain point in life, a child should be made to enjoy his freedom of making decisions. He should not depend on others for everything. Children making decisions by themselves gives them a sense of responsibility. Of course, a child that has been nurtured in the way of the prophet and pious predecessors will tend to manage this stage way. Meanwhile, if a child is modelled the other way round might find freedom difficult to manage. In a nutshell, in as much as freedom is good for a child, a child should be given an adequate foundation on how to manage freedom.

5.      Let them understand the essence of life.

Every minute of our life is precious, and no memory should be wasted. Every moment lost will never come back. And once the blessing of life goes, it will never be regained. On this note, a child should be made to appreciate the preciousness of time, and why every second of it should be spent in a way that Allah is pleased with.

Children should be taught how to plan their life and the consequence of an unplanned life. At the same time, a child should be taught to uphold their plans and principles. If not, children will follow a disordered life which may be disastrous for them in future.

Moreover, the meaning of life is shaped by the family’s profile. Children should be guided to evaluate and emulate the lives of the pious predecessors and scholars. Let them know that life is not all about eating and comfort in the world; It is important to explain that the main essence of life is to live according to the will of Allah.

6.                  Setting a goal

Leaders and achievers often emerge from a series of set goals. The children of this ummah should be made to appreciate and implement the act of goal setting too. They should know that the best worldly goal is being useful to society, in service to Allah.

Children should be made to understand the importance of focusing on attaining the pleasure of Allah and not that of the people. They should be individuals who are conscious of the plights of the ummah and can provide strategic solutions.

              Of course, while setting their goals, there should be acquainted with reality. They should be taught that for every goal in life, there are obstacles. All they need to do is to face and find solutions to them.