Farz Uloom | 2nd Kalma

What Children Should be Taught and when it should be taught

As far as teaching children is concerned, they should be taught the Holy Quran. In addition to instructing them to offer Salah at the age of seven, they should also be taught the important rulings of Salah and cleanliness. Nurturing children aged seven to nine is extremely important, particularly girls of this age, as they can become Baalighah at any point thereafter. In addition to this, worldly education which is in accordance to Shar’i requirements can also be provided. Ala Hazrat, the Imam of Ahl-us-Sunnah, Maulana Shah Imam Ahmad Raza Khan رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه, has stated the rights of children upon parents. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. As soon as they begin to speak, teach them [to say] ‘Allah Allah’, and then ‘لَا اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اﷲ ُ’, followed by the complete first Kalimah.

2. Upon reaching an age when they can judge matters, teach them the manners of eating, drinking, laughing, speaking, sitting, standing, walking; modesty; tolerance; respect of elders, parents and teachers; and teach a daughter about the etiquette and obedience of a husband. .

Teach them the Holy Quran

1. Educate your child under the tutelage of a pious, aged and virtuous teacher who holds sound beliefs. Assign a pious and chaste woman to educate your daughter

2. After completion of the Quran, always emphasise its (ongoig) recitation.

3.  Teach them the doctrines of Islam and Sunnism, because children are born with an Islamic-oriented disposition to accept the truth. Whatever they are taught at this stage will be engraved on their minds.

4. Instil the love and reverence of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم in their hearts, for it is the reality and essence of belief.

5. Teach them the love and reverence of the household and companions of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم and the love of pious saints and scholars, for it is the essence of Sunnism and the ornament of faith; in fact, it is a cause for it to remain

6. From the age of seven, verbally emphasise the importance of Salah

7. Teach them the rulings of Wudu, Ghusl, Salah and fasting; the virtues of reliance [upon Allah Almighty], contentment, asceticism, sincerity, humility, trust, truthfulness, justice, modesty and the soundness of the heart and tongue, etc; the contemptibility of greed, avarice, love of this world, desiring fame, showing off, narcissism, arrogance, treachery, lying, oppression, immorality, backbiting, jealousy, malice, etc

8. The specific rights of a daughter include not being unhappy upon her birth, rather she should be considered a blessing from Allah Almighty. She should be taught how to sew and cook and be educated on the teachings of Surah Al-Noor .

Some recommended important points

1. Until the age of three, with the intention of teaching the child, utter ‘Allah Allah’ before it so that the first word it says is ‘Allah’, and when it begins to speak a few words, it is habitual in saying ‘Allah’.

2. Between the age of three and four, teach the complete Kalimah ‘لَا اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اﷲ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُول اللّٰہُ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم).’

3. Teach the Madani Qai`dah to your children from the age of four. It has been the practice of some of the pious predecessors to conduct the بِسْمَ اللّٰہ ceremony—where بِسْمَ اللّٰہ is taught—when the child is four years, four months and four days old.

4. From the age of four, a child should be taught the manners of the following: eating and drinking (e.g. washing the hands prior to eating, eating whilst seated, covering the head whilst eating, etc.), walking, speaking, wearing clothes properly and modesty. In terms of educating a child on the foundational matters of manners, this age is of particular significance.

5. From the age of five, begin to teach children these things: miracles of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم and the other Blessed Prophets عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلاَم; accounts of the honourable companions and the pure family عَـلَيْهِمُ الرِّضْوَانْ of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم; the saintly miracles of the pious predecessors رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَیْهِم; start making children memorise some couplets of Na’at and If possible, occasionally arrange for food to be made at home to convey the rewards of Fatihah to the souls of these pious saints. The benefit of doing so is that children will have love created in their hearts for these pious saints from an early age, and it is possible that the love created at an early age will remain until death.

6. From the age of five to seven, with love and friendliness, teach the respect of scholars, Quran reciters, the Imam, the teacher and that of elders. The benefit of doing so is that children will also respect their parents, and after marriage, a daughter will respect her husband.

7. On the day that a child becomes seven years old based on the Islamic calendar, if possible, arrange a programme at home (complying with rulings of Veiling and Shar’i commands). If the child’s father is alive, then he should take the leading role, and if not, then the guardian, in instructing the child to offer Salah so that the importance of Salah is imbedded not only in that child’s mind, but also in the mind of all the children of the family. At this age, a Salah diary should also be used and if possible, on a daily basis, you should assess their performance regarding offering Salah and place a tick in the diary. This practice will prove to be beneficial in making them into Salah offering children اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه. Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat states on page 54 of his book ‘Faizan-e-Namaz’: ‘When children reach the age of seven, make them offer all five Salah so that they become habitual of doing so. Get them into the habit of waking up early in the morning and making Wudu and offering Salah. However, in the winter, ensure that the water is suitably warm for Wudu, lest the cold water dissuades them from performing Wudu and offering Salah. A father should take his child with him to the Masjid for Salah once his son reaches the age of seven. However, prior to doing so, the child should be taught the etiquette of the Masjid: not to make noise, not to run here and there, not to pass in front of those performing Salah etc. In a congregational Salah, the child should be made to stand alongside other children in the row behind the final row of men. By virtue of this wise act, children will establish a spiritual connection with the Masjid اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه. Bacha’oon ko bhi aye bhaiyon parhwaye Namaz Khud seekh kar kay un ko bi sikhlaye Namaz

8. From the age of seven, develop the child’s concept regarding Allah Almighty that He is near, omniscient, all-hearing, all-seeing, does whatever He wishes, does not have hands and feet like us and that our intellect is little, but the power of Allah Almighty is extremely great.

9. It is common in our community for a ceremony to be held upon the child’s first ever fast in Ramadan. Firstly, if a child has the ability [to fast], the commandment is to make the child fast at the age of seven. If, however, a child has the ability to fast and understands the concept of fasting before the age of seven, then fasting should be observed even before that age. Secondly, if a child feels intense hunger or thirst whilst fasting, then it is necessary to give him food and that fast does not have to be made up for afterwards. Even if a child feels intense hunger or thirst on the day of the ceremony marking the child’s first ever fast, food and water must still be given. Instead of holding this ceremony, preparations should be made for the first fast of the month of Ramadan that arrives after the child has turned seven years old. In this, the child should be made to have Sahari, and the family members should pray for the child and offer encouragement on his first fast.

10. The time between the age of seven to nine is the most important for teaching the rulings of Shari’ah and delivering a religious upbringing. After instructing children to offer Salah, gently bring them closer to Salah. If possible, make them habitual of waking up themselves by using an alarm, etc. Teach them how to ascertain the Salah timings and provide a timetable for Salah. Gradually cover Salah, Surah Fatihah, other Surahs and Azkaar of Salah [whatever else is recited in Salah apart from recitation]. Begin by teaching and practising well the recitation of the word ‘اللّٰہ اکبر’, Surah Fatihah, any other surah, التحیّات and Salam. Moreover, from this age begin to give young girls the mindset in relation to veiling. Segregate the girls from men, boys and their [male] cousins. As a girl can become Baalighah after the age of nine, do not get men to teach her the Holy Quran or deliver any other form of education. Exerting effort between the age of seven to nine will prove to be of great benefit اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه.

11. At this age, gradually educate children on Islamic doctrine according to their level of understanding. Make them practice the practical method of Wudu and Salah. Teach the method of performing Ghusl and Tayammum (dry ablution), fasting and purifying clothes (e.g. say, ‘If blood gets onto clothing, it should be cleaned in such and such way.’ etc.)

12. To refine their character, now cover the harms of the things that lead to destruction (e.g. greed, avarice, love of this world, desiring fame, showing off, narcissism, arrogance, treachery, lying, oppression, immorality, backbiting, jealousy, malice, etc.). If possible, share stories that will produce abomination for such traits. Likewise, tell them the virtues of those things that lead to salvation (e.g. reliance [upon Allah Almighty], contentment, asceticism, sincerity, humility, trust, truthfulness, justice, modesty and the soundness of the heart and tongue, etc.) If possible, read out stories that will create love for these qualities. Note: Consulting the children’s syllabus of Dar-ul-Madinah, Madrassa-tul-Madinah, Jami’ah-tul-Madinah, Madrassa-tul-Madinah Online and the syllabus for New Muslims will be beneficial in relation to points number 10, 11 and 12.

13. Commence study of the books from level one, so that these children know the knowledge that is obligatory before becoming Baaligh. Understand the importance of educating children about these matters by referring to what Allamah Maulana Mufti Muhammad Amjad Ali A’zami رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has said: ‘If a child who was not Baaligh offered Salah within its stipulated time and then became Baaligh towards the end of that Salah’s stipulated time, it is now obligatory for him to repeat that Salah.’ (Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 1, p. 444, Maslah 5) This is because the Salah that was offered first was voluntary, and after becoming Baaligh, the Salah for that time is an obligation.

14. When a boy reaches 12 years of age, the father should teach him the specific rulings relating to manhood. When a girl reaches nine years of age, the mother should teach her the specific rulings of womanhood. This duty should never be assigned to someone else.

15. In the case of a boy, teach him the translation and commentary of Surah Al-Ma’idah after completing the level one books, or get him to do this independently. In the case of a girl, adopt the same method for Surah Al-Noor. So that the teachings of these Surahs become customary in the society, if possible, arrange a programme (compliant with Shar’i rulings and guidelines on segregation) at home upon their completion.

16. Most part of a man’s life is spent with his wife. It is necessary for a person to make his wife an aid in the Madani expedition of nurturing children. As well as making her a companion in knowledge, action and piety, associate her to the Madani environment and works of Dawat-e-Islami, or make her actively participate in its departments for the purpose of inviting towards good and nurturing children so that ease is found in accomplishing the duties pertinent to the upbringing of children. The best time for this is immediately after marriage, for it is easy to mould her character at this early stage. Remember! Among the rights of women over men, it is also necessary for men to teach virtuous things, manners of modesty and Islamic veil to their wives. (Fatawa Razawiyyah, vol. 24, p. 372)

17. Even after a child becomes Baaligh, he should be encouraged to continue reciting the Holy Quran and gaining knowledge that is obligatory. Encouragement should be given in reading the level two and level three books. The process of questioning and answering should also continue in a friendly manner.

18. To get further information on the upbringing of children, consult part 24 of Faizan-e-Madani Muzakarah, ‘Bachoon ki Tarbiyyat kab aur Kaysay ki jaye?’ issued by Dawat-e-Islami’s publishing department Maktaba-tul-Madinah. Also refer to part 38 of Faizan-e-Madani Muzakarah, ‘Chutiyyan Kayse Guzarayn?’

Parents should Nurture their Children as follows before [their] Practical Life

1. Teach them how to recite the Holy Quran and offer Salah.

2. Teach them authentic Islamic doctrine.

3. Teach them the necessary rulings of Shari`ah, the detail of which has been mentioned above (arrange for a Sunni scholar to teach at least the books of level one, and if you have the ability to do so, then teach them yourself).

4. After this, if you now wish for your child to join you in your business or work, then go ahead. However, if your child is intelligent, allow him to remain occupied in seeking and teaching religious knowledge. Ideally, the most intelligent child should be designated for the pursuit of gaining Islamic knowledge, because we should give the greatest thing we have in the path of Allah Almighty. As encouraged by Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat, there should be at least one scholar in each household. `Allamah Maulana Mufti Muhammad Amjad `Ali A’zami رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه stated: ‘First and foremost, children should be taught how to recite the Glorious Quran and the important matters of religion. Education should be delivered on the rulings of fasting, Salah, purification, transactions and employment and other necessary matters which are faced in daily life and ignorance of which results in people become involved in committing offences which are contrary to Shari’ah. If you observe that an intelligent child is inclined towards gaining knowledge, then what greater work is there than to serve Islamic knowledge? Conversely, if the child does not have the ability [to become a scholar], then you have the choice to make the child pursue whichever permissible occupation he wishes after covering Islamic doctrine and other necessary rulings.’ (Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 2, p. 256) After teaching Islamic doctrine and the necessary rulings to your female child, she should be taught by any woman the skill of sewing, embroidery and other such works which women are often in need of. Try to make her a skilful cook and someone who is well versed in doing other domestic chores because the beautiful manner in which a woman who is skilful at such things lives her life cannot be matched by a woman who is not as skilful. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 2, p. 257)

Some suggestions

1. The management of every school, Madrasah and religious institute should form their syllabus in such a way that a child can learn the knowledge that he should learn according to his age level.

2. Parents should inspect the syllabus of the religious or worldly institute in which their child is studying. If obligatory knowledge is not part of the syllabus, parents should make their own arrangements for this. If obligatory knowledge is part of the syllabus, assess whether the child is properly engaging in acquiring such knowledge.

3. Islamic publishers should work under the mentorship of Sunni scholars in forming an age-appropriate syllabus that parents can teach themselves.

4. Parents should not merely suffice with having their children taught the Quran by a Qaari; rather, such teachers should be selected who will also teach them necessary Islamic knowledge.

5. Islamic Institutions offering religious education should make arrangements on weekends for such parents to gain knowledge that is necessary, or the institutions that teach online should make arrangements for this.

6. If parents cannot make any arrangements in this regard, they should seek assistance from the books of Sunni scholars that have been written on these topics. Furthermore, help can also be sought by visiting Dawat-e-Islami’s website, clicking on ‘Farz Uloom’ under the ‘Departments’ tab