One of the important issues in raising children is managing their idle and free time. From the moment a child can walk and stand on their own, there is a strong need for movement and play. Children and teenagers are very interested in traveling and enjoying natural landscapes. If we observe closely, we can see that they participate in various sports activities such as climbing, football, and other physical exercises, utilizing their energy through play.
Therefore, educators and parents should harness this extraordinary energy so that children and teenagers can benefit from their free time through health maintenance, physical education, and the joy of life. If suitable environments for play, recreation, sports training, and scientific engagement are not provided, children and teenagers may be drawn to negative and unproductive activities. With its guidance, Islam presents practical solutions for utilizing these energies and leisure time for children and teenagers.
Islam takes the first step in this direction by focusing on spiritual thought and activity. Worship, particularly prayer, manifests itself in its most complete form. We must accustom our children to worship—especially “prayer”—from an early age. This is because prayer is a fundamental pillar of religion, with numerous spiritual and physical benefits, and it has remarkable effects on human morals and personality.
Below, we briefly outline the key benefits of prayer to highlight its importance and the reasons for its legitimacy:
1. Physical Exercise: Prayer movements serve as a form of mandatory exercise that engages all the body’s organs and joints. These actions positively impact muscles, enhance blood circulation, and are generally beneficial for overall health.
2. Hygiene and Cleaning: Regular hygiene practices begin with ablution. Through ablution, external parts such as the face, hands, feet, hair, mouth, and nose are cleaned. This regular routine, beyond ordinary bathing, promotes cleanliness.
3. Encouragement of Activity: Prayer requires physical movement; for instance, we walk from home to the mosque five times a day and night. These trips significantly contribute to physical vitality and help alleviate boredom and lethargy. As we often hear from doctors, inactivity—especially after meals—can lead to discomfort, indigestion, and exacerbate heart conditions.
It is not surprising that our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged parents and teachers to instruct their children to pray at the age of seven, emphasizing the importance of incorporating worship into their free time.
Of course, it is essential to note that prayer is primarily a form of worship and supplication to Allah, with a vital role in the reformation and cultivation of a Muslim’s soul and spirit. We should approach it as a religious duty rather than turning to it solely for personal benefits or physical advantages.
Other useful activities that can fill the free time of children and teenagers include various sports, such as horse riding, swimming, wrestling, and military training. It is beneficial to encourage our children to take advantage of opportunities that promote purposeful study, healthy recreation, and diverse sports.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: «عَلِّمُوا أَبْنَاءَكُمُ السِّبَاحَةَ وَالرَّمْيَ» (Teach your children to swim and shoot).
Let us strive to build swimming pools where this sport can be taught according to the principles of religion and its respectful customs.
