The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (part 103)

Author: Abdul Hai Lay'yan

The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (part 103)

Educational Lessons from the Story of Luqman the Wise (AS)

Lesson Fifteen: The Necessity of Raising Children upon Divine Watchfulness, Fear of Allah (SWT), and Sincerity in Every Aspect of Life

Luqman the Wise (AS), through this divine statement, intended to instill in his son a constant awareness of Allah’s watchfulness: «يَا بُنَيَّ إِنَّهَا إِن تَكُ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِنْ خَرْدَلٍ فَتَكُن فِي صَخْرَةٍ أَوْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ أَوْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَأْتِ بِهَا اللَّهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٌ» [1]; Translation: “O my son! If a deed should be the weight of a mustard seed and be hidden within a rock or in the heavens or in the earth, Allah (SWT) will bring it forth. Indeed, Allah is Most Subtle, All-Aware.”

His purpose was to awaken within him a lasting sense of Allah’s constant watchfulness, for nothing, however small or concealed, is hidden from the knowledge of Allah (SWT). Every person will be called to account for all of his deeds with perfect justice.

Undoubtedly, one of the greatest responsibilities of a father and an educator is to cultivate in a child the spirit of awareness that Allah is always watching, so that the child’s creed becomes firm and he is nurtured upon deep and conscious faith. This objective is achieved when children learn from early childhood that Allah the Exalted always sees them, hears both their spoken and unspoken words, knows their innermost secrets, and is fully aware of treacherous glances and what hearts conceal.

Developing this awareness should be the educator’s greatest concern and educational objective, for awareness of Allah’s watchfulness is not merely an abstract concept. Rather, it must become a permanent character trait in every sphere of life, especially during one’s actions and thoughts and even in the formation of emotions and feelings.

1. Nurturing Divine Watchfulness in Actions

A child should learn to perform all of his words, actions, and deeds solely for the pleasure of Allah (SWT), seeking no motive other than His satisfaction. Every action should begin with a sincere intention for Allah so that true servitude may be realized. Allah (SWT) says: «وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاءَ وَيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَذَالِكَ دِينُ الْقَيِّمَةِ» [2]; Translation: “They were commanded only to worship Allah, sincerely devoting their religion to Him, inclining to the truth, to establish prayer, and to give Zakat. That is the upright and enduring religion.”

Children should also be taught that Allah (SWT) accepts no deed unless it is performed sincerely and solely for His pleasure.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: «إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّوَجَلَّ لَا يَقْبَلُ مِنَ الْعَمَلِ إِلَّا مَا كَانَ خَالِصًا، وَابْتُغِيَ بِهِ وَجْههُ.»[3]; Translation: “Indeed, Allah accepts no deed except that which is done sincerely and solely seeking His countenance.” He also said: إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ، وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى” [4]”; Translation: “Actions are judged only by intentions, and every person shall have only what he intended.”

2. Nurturing Divine Watchfulness in Thought

Islam does not suffice with correcting outward behavior alone; rather, it also gives attention to correcting thought and directing the mind. A child should learn to employ his thinking in a way that brings him closer to Allah the Exalted and benefits himself, society, and humanity.

The intellect, heart, and desires of a person should remain within the framework of the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) and be protected from harmful ideas, satanic whispers, and false imaginations.

One of the educator’s duties is to strengthen the spirit of self-accountability in the child so that he feels responsible even for wrongful thoughts and evil inclinations. It is also appropriate to teach him the concluding verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, for these verses guide a person toward awareness of Allah’s watchfulness, self-accountability, reliance upon Allah, and seeking refuge in the Lord of the heavens and the earth.

2. Nurturing Divine Watchfulness in Feelings and Emotions

A child should be raised upon purity of feelings and sound emotions, avoiding envy, malice, tale-bearing, moral corruption, and following false desires.

Whenever a whisper from Satan or an inclination from the commanding soul arises within him, he should remember that Allah the Exalted is with him, sees him, and is fully aware of all his conditions. Consequently, he will regain awareness and recognize the right path.

This is the very level to which the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) referred when explaining the meaning of Ihsan: [5] أَنْ تَعْبُدَ اللَّهَ كَأَنَّكَ تَرَاهُ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ تَرَاهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَرَاكَ. [6] Translation: “Worship Allah as though you see Him; and if you do not see Him, then know with certainty that He sees you.”

Allah the Exalted also says: «وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ * إِنَّ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا إِذَا مَسَّهُمْ طَائِفٌ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ تَذَكَّرُوا فَإِذَا هُمْ مُبْصِرُونَ» [7]; Translation: “If an evil suggestion from Satan touches you, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is all-hearing, all-knowing. Indeed, those who fear Allah, when touched by a whisper from Satan, remember Allah, and at once they gain clear insight.”

In the light of these three educational dimensions (divine watchfulness in actions, thoughts, and feelings), a father can achieve the same great objective that Luqman the Wise (Peace Be Upon Him) pursued in raising his son: nurturing a believer who is responsible, sincere, self-controlled, and constantly aware of Allah’s presence in every aspect of life.

To be continued…

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