The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 136)
Educational Lessons from the Life of Prophet Isa (AS)
The Fourth Lesson: The Role of a Righteous Mentor and Good Companions in the Upbringing of Children
One of the important factors in the proper upbringing of children is having a qualified mentor and a good role model.
The Holy Quran says concerning Maryam (AS): [1] “وَكَفَّلَهَا زَكَرِيَّا” Translation: “And He entrusted her to Zakariyya.” [2]
Prophet Zakariyya (AS), who was a righteous Prophet, took responsibility for the care and upbringing of Maryam (AS).
This demonstrates the great importance of choosing a qualified guardian and mentor in the development and upbringing of children, because a child learns not only from the words of the mentor but also takes the mentor’s behavior and character as a model.
Likewise, choosing good companions is very important in the upbringing of a child.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, [3] «الْمَرْءُ عَلَى دِينِ خَلِيلِهِ، فَلْيَنْظُرْ أَحَدُكُمْ مَنْ يُخَالِلُ. » Translation: “A person follows the way and religion of his close friend, so each of you should consider whom he befriends.”
It is also narrated in another Hadith: “عن أبي موسى رضياللهعنه عن النبي صَلَّیاللَّهُعَلَيْهِوَسَلَّمَ قال: مثل الجليس الصالح والسوء كحامل المسك ونافخ الكير فحامل المسك إما أن يحذيك وإما أن تبتاع منه وإما أن تجد منه ريحا طيبة ونافخ الكير إما أن يحرق ثيابك وإما أن تجد ريحا خبيثة.” Translation: Abu Musa al-Ashari (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of a musk seller and a blacksmith working the bellows. The musk seller may give you some perfume, you may purchase some from him, or you may simply experience a pleasant fragrance from him. As for the blacksmith working the bellows, he may burn your clothes, or you may experience an unpleasant smell from him.” [4]
Mawlana Jalal al-Din Muhammad Balkhi (RA) said,
“The company of the righteous makes you righteous,
while the company of the wicked makes you wicked.”
Attar of Nishapur (RA) said:
“To remain safe from blame and reproach,
Always keep the company of the righteous.”
Attar (RA) also said:
“O son, keep the company of the righteous,
And stay apart from the sinful.
Whoever sits in the presence of the righteous becomes righteous.
But whoever sits with the wicked becomes corrupt.
Whoever becomes a companion of the righteous
Becomes worthy of nearness within the special presence of Allah.”
Therefore, parents should be careful in choosing the environment, mentors, and companions of their children, because association with righteous people provides an environment for the development of faith and good character, while an unhealthy environment can have a negative effect on a child’s behavior and personality.
The story of Maryam (AS) and the Prophetic Hadiths both emphasize an important principle: a healthy environment and worthy role models are essential for the proper upbringing of children.
The Fifth Lesson: Faith-Based and Spiritual Upbringing — The Model of Faith in the Lives of Maryam and Prophet Isa (Peace Be Upon Them)
In the story of Maryam and Prophet Isa (peace be upon them), the Holy Quran presents a clear example of faith, chastity, worship, and submission to the divine command. Maryam (AS) is introduced as a pure and chosen woman.
Allah (SWT) says, [5] “وَإِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللهَ اصْطَفَاكِ وَطَهَّرَكِ وَاصْطَفَاكِ عَلَىٰ نِسَاءِ الْعَالَمِينَ” Translation: “And when the angels said, ‘O Maryam! Indeed, Allah has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above the women of the worlds.’” [6]
This verse demonstrates the lofty status of Maryam (AS) because of her purity and devotion and indicates that faith should be manifested practically in a person’s life.
Prophet Isa (AS) also identified himself from the very beginning through his servitude to Allah: [7] Translation: “He said, ‘Indeed, I am a servant of Allah (SWT).’” [8]
This statement expresses a fundamental principle of faith-based upbringing: servitude to Allah (SWT) is the foundation of the personality of a believing person. A person must not replace servitude and humility before Allah, the Most Generous and Merciful, with status, knowledge, or ability.
Prophet Isa (AS) then described some practical manifestations of this servitude: [9] “وَأَوْصَانِي بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ مَا دُمْتُ حَيًّا وَبَرًّا بِوَالِدَتِي وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْنِي جَبَّارًا شَقِيًّا” Translation: “And He has enjoined upon me prayer and zakat as long as I remain alive and to be dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me arrogant and miserable.” [10]
In these verses, faith is linked with conduct: prayer and zakat, kindness toward one’s mother, and avoidance of oppression, arrogance, and tyranny.
Therefore, faith-based upbringing is not limited to teaching beliefs. Rather, it must be reflected in a person’s worship, character, and behavior.
Thus, the lives of Maryam and Prophet Isa (peace be upon them) teach us that the purpose of faith-based upbringing is to nurture a person who maintains a strong relationship with Allah (SWT), is devoted to worship and goodness, treats his parents well, and avoids arrogance, tyranny, and rebellion.
