It definitely doesn’t mean by forcing them to join your salah or making them go to as many Qur’an classes as possible. It means; by getting their minds thinking about how Great and Merciful their Creator is. Make them feel how close ‘Islam’ is to their real life. Show that our worship is not just a routine chore.
It can be quite tricky at once in our busy lives and the rise of technology, but here we will discuss some easy ways to ensure that your little one’s heart is immersed in the love of Allah.
So, The Love is Already There:
Before anything, always remember that love for Allah is already there in our young one’s hearts and it is our duty as parents to help nurture and sustain that love. Don’t take it as a hugely difficult task – do not underestimate how much understanding your child already has about their Creator from a very young age.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) and his parents convert him to Judaism or Christianity or Magianism” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
SHOW THEM THE SIGNS OF THEIR CREATOR:
The importance of pondering over the Signs of Allah is understated and yet so invaluable. There are so many things around us to remind us of our Creator, and it is up to us to stimulate a child’s mind to find opportunities to contemplate on Allah’s signs in everyday tasks and conversations – whether it’s discussing the weather, eating breakfast or stuck in traffic on the school run. Soon your child will be pointing out all the signs of Allah are in many of their conversations. For example:
Your child playing with his favorite wooden train. Ask him/her, “What is your toy made of?”
Then Suggest different materials, and then conclude: “The toy is made of wood.”
You can then ask them , “where does wood come from?”
Again, discuss different places and then conclude: “wood comes from trees.”
Now, importantly, ask your child, “who created the trees?”
Without any doubt, and with full conviction, tell them “Allah The Magnificent has created the trees for the wood for your train.
This will create a dialogue where your child will automatically attribute Allah as The Designer and The Creator. Keep reminding them how many things Allah has blessed us with.
“Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allāh (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): “Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire”. [Qur’an: Chapter 3, Verses 190-191]
LEAD BY EXAMPLE:
Children love to imitate their elders; if you love the deen of Allah , let it show through your actions and this will be mirrored by your youngsters. The beauty of Islam means that there is always something to learn – yes, we can send our children to madrassah and Qur’an and Arabic teachers to learn Islam, but there is a duty upon ourselves to instill the teachings of Islam into our children, by undertaking the actions we want to see in them. We are never too old or too busy to stop learning or improving ourselves to raise the love of Allah.
Take your children to the mosque often so that the environment becomes familiar and beloved to them. Get them involved in your Salah at home, by giving them their own prayer mat and prayer cloths. Children love to play and explore and are naturally enthusiastic. Take time to carry out projects that increase Islamic knowledge. Seek knowledge together by using their areas of strength and enjoyment to deliver lessons.
Your role will determine how they look back at being taught about Islam. Their hearts are so impressionable and full of love, and as a parent you have the potential to cultivate a strong faith in them, which will prove important later on in their lives, especially during the teen years.
The love of Allah is already placed in their hearts is waiting to be nurtured by you.
What ways do you teach your children to love for Islam? Comment below and let us know!
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