It is evident that a parent’s heart is naturally filled with love for their child. This feeling seems to be embedded in their hearts from the beginning of creation, allowing them to support and protect their child with this emotion. Parents are inherently kind and caring, striving to bring their children benefit while warding off harm. Without such feelings, the human race would not endure; no parent could endure the challenges of raising children and manage their upbringing until they achieve independence and self-sufficiency. The many issues that arise, such as parents’ vigilance over their child’s well-being and their constant efforts to ensure welfare, stem from this deeply rooted love. Raising a child requires immense patience and tolerance, all nurtured in the shadow of this profound affection.
The Importance of the Family in Raising Children
In both Islamic and non-Islamic societies, the family plays a significant role in child-rearing. The family serves as the first nursery where a child grows and learns from its members. This environment is crucial for building society; it is the foundation upon which society stands. Families are the first universities, educating and nurturing individuals to become valuable members of their communities.
Unfortunately, many families struggle in this responsibility, allowing significant harm to befall their children. Therefore, the adversaries of Islam target this vital institution through various means, undermining its ability to fulfill its essential role.
The First Amendment: The Amendment of the Parents
It is important to recognize that the behavior and actions of parents greatly influence their children. Children carefully observe and internalize these behaviors, often without their parents being aware of the impact. For example, if a parent watches immoral movies, neglects attending the mosque, fails to recite the Quran, lacks reading in their daily schedule, spends excessive time on cell phones and the Internet, and predominantly discusses trivial matters like football, the children of these parents will absorb these habits. When they open their eyes to the world, they may only see parents pursuing their carnal desires and yielding to negative influences, rather than embodying the love of Allah Almighty or the teachings of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Such children are likely to suffer spiritually.
Conversely, imagine a family where the father recites the Quran at home and encourages his son to do the same daily. During prayer, he holds his child’s hand, and they partake in congregational prayer at the mosque together. He dedicates time to reading beneficial books and strives to teach his child something new about religion each day, enrolling him in Quran memorization classes or educational and religious centers. Certainly, such a child will grow to be a source of pride and honor for both the family and society.
