Part 10

Parents must put it in their minds that it is an obligation for them to learn the Arabic language (if they do not already know it) and to teach it to their children. Arabic should be the first language that a child hears (call to prayer at birth) and his or her ‘first language’ throughout his or her lifetime. Studying, learning, and speaking Arabic should be a daily routine, for it is essential for understanding the Qur’an, the narrations Prophet Muhammad (), and the entire religion. As a former non-Muslim who has gone from not even knowing a letter of the Arabic alphabet to reading the Qur’an fluently with comprehension, I can attest that I now truly appreciate the significance and depth of the Arabic language.

It is interesting to note that research has confirmed that language acquisition is much easier during the childhood years. In fact, research has found that the time span from birth to age five is critical for language acquisition. At birth, children have the ability to produce any sound from any language in the world. With exposure and shaping, they lose the ability to make sounds that are not heard or are infrequent. For this reason, parents should expose their children to Arabic from birth. It is important for them to hear the sounds and to begin to communicate in the Arabic language. Arabic is a complicated language to learn, as anyone who has attempted it in

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adulthood will attest to. For children however, it comes very easily due to these natural processes. This, of course, applies as well to learning the Qur’an and the rules for precise articulation in the recitation of the Qur’an. Parents should take advantage of these precious years before they fade away.

Prophet Muhammad’s methods of education and teaching

The Prophet (3) is the ideal example to follow in all aspects of life, including education and teaching. He was the best educator and teacher for his Companions, and he spent many hours teaching them detailed aspects of the religion. In his teaching, he utilized various educational methods that may be applied to parenting. Some of these are discussed below in order to assist parents in developing and improving their own style.

It is important to understand that education and training are complex processes. They involve more than just teaching the principles of religion and the rules of Islamic law. A parent as teacher must first make a connection with his or her children, and then continually strive to establish concepts firmly in their minds and hearts through the utilization of various methods. For this purpose, the Prophet (:#z) varied his techniques, which included the following: illustrative parables, narrative stories, making oaths, examples, and exhortation. The choice of technique may depend upon the nature of the topic or problem, the personality of the person(s) involved, and situational or circumstantial aspects.

The Prophet (322) often used parables when illustrating abstract concepts to assist the people in comprehension. A parable is a short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle. Parables have been used throughout the course of history by prophets

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At times, the Prophet (3%) would gain a person’s attention by means of an oath. This is a valuable technique, particularly for the

‘* Muslim ‘5 Muslim

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Understanding the complexities and difficulties of life, Prophet Muhammad (x) took a gradual approach in teaching several of the principles of the religion. This was most often used in the prohibition of social evils such as alcohol, but it can also be applied to commandments as well. The rationale for this method is to take the time needed to change hearts and minds through persuasion and education, rather than simply imposing rules and laws. This will ensure that children accept the customs of Islam by their own choice, rather than being forced to accept them. Practical examples of application may include wearing the hijab, learning how to pray correctly, fasting during Ramadan, and so forth.

Offering a viable alternative

'" gibla (qiblah): the bearing from the Kaaba (Ka‘bah) to any point on Earth; the direction that all Muslims must face in prayer

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Paying attention to inherent aspects in human nature

Chapter 5 Fitrah. The Innate Nature of Children

Ti is it that children have no difficulty believing in Allah and His Message, even though they cannot see Him? Why is it that a child finds it so effortless and natural to pray, to fast and to wear the hijab, oftentimes delighting in the process? Why is it that a child as young as two years old can be found praying by himself or herself, protective against any type of intrusion?

The answer to these questions is clear and simple — Allah has placed within each of us an intriguing and special gift that we would not even be aware of if not for Islam. This is the gift of the fitrah (the innate tendency to know Allah). It is one of the ways that we come to comprehend the existence of Allah (in addition to nature, revelation, and reason) and realize the purpose of our creation. It is also an important favour for parents as they strive to teach their children about Allah and the religion of Islam. It is the foundation upon which all else is built, already present at birth. It is the seed planted within each of our children that needs to be nourished in order to produce a beautiful flowering plant. As parents, we are only required to provide the water and sunlight. With this understanding, the approach to parenting becomes more positive and hopeful.

Fitrah is usually described as the innate and pristine nature

* within humans that makes humans capable of knowing Allah and accepting His religion. It is an inborn tendency toward awareness of Allah and affirmation of His existence; the knowledge that there is a Transcendent Being who created us and the world around us. This is a

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faculty created by Allah within humans which is engraved upon our souls. It is described in the Qur’an by Allah (4),

BS SSIS OO 3S os Ls oa as €So direct your face [meaning, yourself] toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not