Author: Shaykh Muhammad Yunus Khalid
The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 137)
Educational Lessons from the Life of Prophet Isa (AS)
The Sixth Lesson: Moral Upbringing Alongside Worship-Based Upbringing
In the school of the Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them), worship is not separate from morality. Alongside prayer and zakat, Prophet Isa (AS) speaks of kindness to his mother and the rejection of tyranny and misery. Therefore, proper Quranic upbringing has three important dimensions:
-
Relationship with Allah (SWT): Faith, prayer, worship, and piety;
-
Relationship with the family: Respect and kindness toward parents;
-
Relationship with society: Humility, goodwill, and avoidance of oppression and arrogance.
Conclusion
Principles for Raising Children in a Muslim Family
From the lives of Maryam and Prophet Isa (peace be upon them), the following principles can be derived for families today:
-
Begin the upbringing of children before birth;
-
Supplicate to Allah for our children;
-
Make the home an environment of faith and good character;
-
Become practical role models for our children;
-
Familiarize children with sacrifice in the path of Islam and the worship of Allah (SWT);
-
Cultivate chastity and modesty in them;
-
Choose righteous mentors and good companions for them;
-
Teach them to respect their parents;
-
Strengthen their sense of responsibility;
-
Keep children away from arrogance and feelings of superiority;
-
Provide them with knowledge alongside faith and striving in the cause of Allah;
-
Prepare children to serve the Islamic society.
Therefore, the divine model of upbringing presented in the story of the family of Imran begins with a righteous intention and sincere supplication, continues through providing a pure environment, choosing a suitable guardian and qualified mentor, nurturing faith, worship, and moral character, and ultimately leads to a sense of responsibility and service to people.
This story teaches us that the upbringing of children does not begin on the day of birth; rather, it begins with the intentions and thoughts of the parents. The supplications of the father and mother, the selection of a suitable environment, providing the conditions for growth, entrusting the child to a qualified mentor, and providing proper education all play a role in shaping the child’s personality. A child who is raised in such a pure and faith-filled environment gradually develops faith, worship, good character, and a sense of responsibility and becomes prepared to fulfill duties and serve others.
The story of Maryam (AS) is a clear example of this divine upbringing—an upbringing that began before birth, continued in a pure environment, and, through faith, worship, and proper upbringing, transformed her into a pure and chosen servant of Allah (SWT).
To be continued…
