The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 150)
The Educational Models in the Life of the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH)
Chapter One: Basic Concepts
Second Topic: Divine Education
Definition and Characteristics of Faith-Based Education
Therefore, an educator should take the following points into consideration when providing faith-based education:
1. Beginning a child’s speech with the words “لا اله الا لله”
Al-Hakim narrates from Ibn Abbas (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “افتحوا علی صبیانکم أول کلمة بلاإله إلاالله.”
Translation: “Begin your children’s speech with the words ‘لا اله الالله'” (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah (SWT)).
(That is, the first words you teach a child to pronounce.)
What is the wisdom behind this instruction? The wisdom and benefit underlying this blessed teaching is that the declaration of monotheism and the symbol of entering Islam should be the first words to reach a child’s ears, the first words to flow from the child’s tongue, and the first expressions and sounds to come to the child’s mind. [1]
2. Introducing and teaching the child about Allah (SWT) in a very simple manner.
Allah (SWT) should be introduced to the child in a way that is appropriate to the child’s understanding, awareness, and level of intellectual development.
It is sufficient for the child to know that Allah (SWT) is One and has no partner; that He is the Creator of everything; and that Allah created the heavens, the earth, human beings, animals, trees, streams, rivers, and everything else.
The educator should take advantage of suitable opportunities to ask the child questions. For example, when they go out for recreation and find themselves in a garden, an orchard, or an open field, the educator may ask: “Who created the rivers, trees, the earth, and things like these?” This helps the child recognize the greatness of the Lord and understand the truth of His power.
The educator should teach the child to love Allah and draw the child’s attention to the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon the child, other people, and animals. For example, the educator may ask: “Who gave you your ears, eyes, and intellect? Who gave you the strength and ability to move? Who provides sustenance for you and your family?”
The educator should also encourage the child to appreciate these blessings. Such an approach is found in the words of Allah in the Qur’an. [2] For example, in many verses of the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) draws His servants’ attention to His blessings and says:
Translation: “Have you not seen that Allah (SWT) has subjected to your service whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth and has showered His blessings upon you, both apparent and hidden? Yet among people are those who dispute concerning Allah without knowledge, guidance, or an enlightening Book.” [4]
Elsewhere, he says, “يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللهِ عَلَيْكُمْ هَلْ مِنْ خَالِقٍ غَيْرَ اللهِ يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ فَأَنَّى تُؤْفَكُونَ”[5] Translation: “O mankind! Remember Allah’s favor upon you. Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? There is no deity worthy of worship except Him. How, then, are you turned away from the truth?” [6]
He also says, [7] “وَمِن رَّحْمَتِهِ جَعَلَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ لِتَسْكُنُوا فِيهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِهِ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ.” Translation: “And out of His mercy, He made for you the night and the day, so that you may rest during the night, seek His bounty during the day, and perhaps be grateful.” [8]
Developing the Sense of Allah’s Presence and Watchfulness
We should accustom the child to regard Allah (SWT) as present and watching over all their circumstances and actions and to understand that Allah, the All-Knowing, knows all the secrets within the child’s heart, sees the treachery of the eyes, and is aware of everything that hearts conceal. This should therefore be the educator’s primary objective throughout the child’s educational development.
The child should become accustomed to being conscious of Allah’s presence while working, thinking, or experiencing emotions.
This awareness of Allah’s presence during one’s actions develops a spirit of sincerity in the child, and this quality will extend to the child’s other words and deeds. Consequently, every step the child takes in life will be directed towards seeking Allah’s pleasure and fulfilling His will. Gradually, the child will attain the noble rank of sincere servitude to Allah. Thus, the child will become among those described in the following blessed verse: “وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاء وَيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَذَلِكَ دِينُ الْقَيِّمَةِ”[9] Translation: “They were commanded only to worship Allah, devoting their religion sincerely to Him, inclining towards the truth, to establish prayer, and to give Zakah. That is the upright religion.” [10]
On this basis, the educator should also explain to the child that Allah (SWT) accepts only those deeds that are performed sincerely and solely to seek His pleasure. This is because the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah (SWT) accepts only those deeds that are performed sincerely and solely for the sake of seeking His pleasure.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud and al-Nasa’i). [11]
