Raising Children To Know Allah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

We tell our children not to waste their time. But do they really understand what not wasting time means. They don't. A lot of adults don't. If they do, we would be another best generation. We wouldn't see people having TV on 24 hours a day, whatsapping endlessly, surfing the internet aimlessly, listening to music, passing time on social media, watching ballgame, or window shopping. Instead, they would be earning a living and if they are not doing that, they would be gathering good deeds.

Most of us have curiosities. These curiosities and our desires dictate our moves. That is why you see many children (even adults) on the internet, smartphones or TV for most of their awake time! For someone who is with Allah, his move is dictated by what Allah wants him to do at that moment, not a desire to fulfill a curiosity. Even if it is nothing unlawful, he would do no less than the optimal thing that he can do for Allah at that moment.

You want to raise your children so they know Allah. Because when they know Allah, they will love Allah, and when they love Allah, they will do what Allah wants them to do and it will be easy for them to do what Allah wants them to do. Your sons and daughters who know Allah, will love Allah and will love to do certain things that some youth might find difficult to do. For example putting on the hijaab or niqaab and lowering their gazes simply to please the One they love.

No doubt, it is a huge challenge to raise children in this high technological era, but you have to be strong and you have to start somewhere. That somewhere starts at removing them from these modern addictions (of course you have to use good wisdom to be effective) and you have to keep trying. If you fail the first time, the second time, the third time, keep trying. Sometimes you can be alone on this. Make du'a. Allah listens.

Their hearts need to be emptied of the images of created things for the knowledge of Allah to enter into their hearts. Knowledge of Allah is valuable and anything of value requires big payment, big sacrifices and hard work.

Teach your children this hadith.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wassallam) said: "Take advantage of five matters before five matters--you youth before you before old; and your health before you fall sick; and your riches before you become poor; your free time before you become busy; and your life before your death."

BTW, when you tell your children not to waste their time and read Qur'an instead, it might help them to understand you and your dilemma by asking them, "Would you like to have parents who waste their time on the internet, smartphones, TV, or playing computer games?" You will be amazed by their looks and their answers.

May Allah help us raise our children to be His obedient slaves. Ameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wassallam.

And Allah alone grant success.

Wassalaam