The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 134)
Educational Lessons from the Life of Prophet Jesus (Isa) (AS)
The upbringing of human beings is one of the most important missions of the Prophets of Allah (peace and blessings be upon them) and one of the fundamental needs of the family and society. From the perspective of the Holy Quran, a person’s character is not formed merely through the acquisition of knowledge; rather, faith, morality, conduct, and sense of responsibility also require proper upbringing.
For this reason, alongside explaining beliefs and rulings, the Holy Quran also presents the lives of the Prophets of Allah (peace and blessings be upon them) and their chosen families as practical models for guiding humanity.
Among these models, the family of Imran and the lives of Maryam and Prophet Jesus (peace be upon them) hold a special place.
Allah (SWT) says, [1] “إِنَّ اللهَ اصْطَفَىٰ آدَمَ وَنُوحًا وَّآلَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَآلَ عِمْرَانَ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ.” Translation: “Indeed, Allah (SWT) chose Adam, Noah, the family of Ibrahim, and the family of Imran above the worlds (of their time).” [2]
The story of the family of Imran is accompanied from the very beginning by faith, sincerity, devotion, supplication, and divine care. Maryam (AS) was raised in a pure environment under the guardianship of Prophet Zakariyya (AS), and afterward, Prophet Jesus (AS) was born by the command of Allah (SWT).
In introducing the personality of Prophet Jesus (AS), the Holy Quran speaks of qualities such as servitude to Allah, purity, knowledge, wisdom, kindness toward his mother, calling people to monotheism, and a sense of responsibility.
These qualities demonstrate that divine education is not merely the teaching of information. Rather, its purpose is to nurture a human being who, alongside knowledge, possesses faith and good character, recognizes his responsibilities, and remains steadfast upon the path of truth.
On the other hand, the story of Maryam (AS) clarifies the role of the family and a healthy environment in raising children. A child learns the first lessons of life within the family, and the behavior of parents and the atmosphere of the home have a significant influence on the formation of his character.
Therefore, the faith and morality of parents, the selection of a suitable environment, a qualified guardian, supplication, and a connection with Allah (SWT) are among the important factors in the proper upbringing of a child.
Quranic upbringing encompasses all dimensions of human personality, from faith and worship to morality, intellect, emotions, and social responsibility. Its purpose is also to prepare a person to worship Allah (SWT) and fulfill his individual and social responsibilities.
On this basis, examining the story of Prophet Jesus (AS) and the family of Imran can also provide valuable lessons for today’s families. This story presents principles before us, which, when put into practice, can help raise a generation that is faithful, pure, knowledgeable, well-mannered, responsible, and committed to the truth. In this section, the most important of these educational principles have been extracted from the verses of the Holy Quran and the works of Tafsir and are presented to you, dear readers.
The First Lesson: Beginning the Upbringing of a Child with the Parents’ Sincere Intention
The upbringing of a child does not begin on the day he opens his eyes to the world. Rather, it begins much earlier with the heart, intention, thoughts, and mindset of the father and mother.
Before a child learns to speak, parents should know what kind of person they want to raise and what path they want to place him on.
The first step in upbringing is neither speaking to the child nor teaching him; rather, it is the correction of the parents’ intention. If a child is viewed by his parents merely as a means of gaining honor, achieving material success in the future, or fulfilling personal ambitions, then the upbringing will also tend to take on a worldly character. However, if they regard the child as a trust from Allah (SWT) and hope that their child will become a righteous and believing servant who benefits the servants of Allah (SWT), then the path of upbringing takes on a completely different character from the very beginning.
The Holy Quran presents a beautiful example of this perspective in the story of the family of Imran. Before the birth of her child, the wife of Imran, with a hopeful heart and sincere intention, dedicated what was in her womb to Allah (SWT): [3] “إِذْ قَالَتِ امْرَأَتُ عِمْرَانَ رَبِّ إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لَكَ مَا فِي بَطْنِي مُحَرَّرًا فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي إِنَّکَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ” Translation: “When the wife of Imran said, ‘My Lord! Indeed, I have dedicated to You what is in my womb, devoted entirely to Your service. So, accept it from me. Indeed, you are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’” [4]
Hannah, the daughter of Faqoza and the wife of Imran, made this vow according to the custom of that time, saying, “O Allah (SWT), I dedicate the child in my womb to You and set him free for Your sake.” Her intention was that the child would be free from worldly occupations, marriage, and similar concerns so that he could devote himself entirely to the worship of Allah (SWT) and the service of the church. She said, “O Allah, by Your grace, fulfill my vow! You hear my supplication and know the sincerity of my intention!” It was as though she subtly prayed that she would be granted a son, because girls were not accepted for such services at that time. [5]
This verse and its interpretation demonstrate that the intention, supplication, and purpose of parents in raising a child are of fundamental and essential importance. Believing parents do not desire their child merely for worldly success; rather, they hope that he or she will become a faithful and righteous person devoted to serving the truth.
