Moral Education through Stories (Part 2)
Islamic history is full of incidents from which various morals can be derived. Right from the creation of Adam (peace be upon him), we have the story of Shaytan being disobedient and not even caring to seek forgiveness, eventually being kicked out of heaven. Every incident in the life of Prophet Muhammad and the Ahl-ul-Bayt has a moral and a lesson behind it. It is up to the parents as to how they are going to convey them to their children.
The story of a woman who threw garbage on Prophet Muhammad explains the Prophet's patience and tolerance. The story of Imam Ali buying a barren land, digging a well and then donating the land to the trust, when all the people were wondering about the riches Ali could derive from it, explains about the importance of charity. The story of Ali's family fasting for three consecutive days and donating the only food they had to break their fast on all the three days explains about the importance of selflessly helping the needy. The way Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein (peace be upon them) explained to the elderly person the correct method of performing Wudhu explains about manners and respect for elders.
Parents should read such stories at bed time or whenever the child is in a position to listen to them. The same amount of time taken to tell the story should be spent in explaining the moral of the story to the kids.
Before our children search out their own ideal, it is our duty to present a good ideal to them who can guide them all throughout their lives.
Imam Ali (A.S) said: "Teach your children from our knowledge, what Allah will help them with, so that those who have gone astray will not affect them with their opinions."
It is the responsibility of parents to introduce their children to the personalities of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Ali (A.S), Lady Fatima (A.S), Hazrat Zainab (A.S), Hazrat Sakina (A.S), Imam Haasan (A,S). Imam Hussein (A.S), Hazrat Abbas (A.S) and other Islamic role models before they get caught in the nonsense of Spiderman, X-Men, Cinderella, or Tom and Jerry.
Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: "Take action in teaching traditions (of the Ahl-ul-Bayt) to your children before the corrupted persons precede in corrupting them."
No efforts can succeed without the help of the Almighty. Here is a supplication that can be recited after every daily prayer for a virtuous progeny. It is derived from the supplication of Prophet Zakariyyah (peace be upon him) found in Surah Ale-Imran, verse 38 of the Holy Qur'an:
"In the name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful
O Allah, bless Muhammad and his family
My Lord! Grant me, from Yourself, a good (virtuous) offspring.
Surely, You are the Hearer of prayer.
O Allah, bless Muhammad and his family."
Source: islamicinsights.com
Other links:
Raising an Honourable Child
