Part 17

Special love and affection should be given to Prophet Muhammad (38) by the believers. Loving the Prophet (2) is one of the obligatory duties in Islam. Children should be taught to love the Prophet (3) more than their own selves and everything else in this world. Their love for him should be second only to love for Allah. Allah (3g) informs us,

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118 The Prophets and Messengers

A child must understand that the strength of love for the Messenger is connected to his or her level of eeman. When his or her faith increases, his or her love for the Prophet (2s) increases, and vice versa. Love for the Prophet Muhammad (4) is thus a measure of one’s faith and inner conviction. This love for the Prophet (:#) is an act of obedience to Allah and a means of drawing closer to Him.

As part of this love and respect, children should become familiar with the etiquette of sending blessings upon the Prophet (2) whenever his name is mentioned. This is an order from Allah. He (3) declares,

indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.) (Quran 33: 56)

In this verse, Allah and His angels are honouring the Prophet 2), and Allah requests the believers to do the same. For this reason, we continually send prayers and blessings upon him.

Another aspect of loving the Prophet (z) is to follow his example. Allah (@) indicates,

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To follow means to love, to honour, to obey, and to emulate. The best model for people in all matters is Prophet Muhammad (:28). It is our duty as parents to instruct our children in his teachings and the importance of obeying him. Allah (32) declares, gee ce he Oh cae ta Smt AS ST 6 AT gh Sai bash a A Gaal Gian Sul >

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€O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.} (Quran 4: 59)

120 The Prophets and Messengers

In practical terms, children should be taught the Sunnah of the . Prophet (;2%) in all areas of life. This can be accomplished through learning the hadiths of the Prophet (j%). Children should be encouraged to memorize hadiths along with the Qur’an. This can begin at an early age with short hadiths. The meaning of the hadiths must also be emphasized. The Prophet’s Sunnah should be followed in word and deed so that it is the path they follow throughout their entire lives. His example should be implemented in all aspects of life - eating, sleeping, praying, working, and even playing. Appropriate supplications should be memorized for the various occasions. Children should be proudly reminded that they are following the Prophet’s example when they engage in these particular behaviours and supplications. The Prophet (:) should be their ideal role model.

When decisions need to be made or problems are encountered, children should be encouraged to research the Qur’an and the Hadith for possible answers or solutions. They are our best guidance for how to deal with various problems and issues in our lives. There must be trust that following these sources is the best thing for this life. If the answers are not there, there may at least be some indication as to the direction that should be taken. As with the Sunnah, the prayer for guidance should be made when important decisions are made.

In order to instil love of the Prophet (3) in children, it will be indispensable for them to learn about his seerah, or life story. Regular sessions or family times should be established for this purpose, or it can be integrated into a weekly home study circle. There are many books available for children in the Arabic and English languages, as well as in other languages. Appropriate material should be selected based upon the ages and developmental levels of the children.

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Through the seerah, they will discover the character and traits of this great man, the message that he conveyed, and the ways in which he sacrificed for the sake of the community. They will learn of his bravery and courage as he strived to defend and propagate Islam. They will hear about the numerous miracles bestowed by Allah upon him as an indication of his role as prophet of Islam. They will discover how the Companions of the Prophet (2%), even young Companions, responded to his call, obeyed his commands, and fought those who attempted to harm him and the message. This knowledge will increase their fondness, attachment, and belief in him. It will bring them closer to him and increase their desire to follow his example in life. It will enhance their connection to the Qur’an and the meanings of the Qur’an, as the Hadith and the Sunnah provide more detailed explanation of our holy Book. In essence, it will stir up their emotions and have a wondrous effect upon their souls and their eeman.

Chapter 9 The Books and Revelation

Belief in the books and revelation

The fourth basic principle of faith is to believe with conviction in the messages that Allah revealed through His prophets and messengers. Allah (4) tells us,

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The messages brought to people by the prophets and messengers were all revealed from Allah. The essence of the calls of all messengers and messages was to tawhid — to the worship of Allah alone with no partner or associate. This is clearly detailed in the Quran. Allah (¢) indicates,

And We did not send before you any messenger] except that We revealed to him: There is none worthy of worship except Me, so

The stories of the prophets illustrate this point further:

€... [Prophet Noah] said: ‘O my people, worship Allah; you have no

¢And [Prophet] Abraham said to his people: ‘Worship Allah, and fear Him. That is best for you if you should know.’} (Quran 29: 16)

124 The books and revelation

Revelation also demonstrates to humans the true path and way of life that is pleasing to Allah. When one knows Allah, there is a desire to know how to please Him and avoid His displeasure. This is - mentioned each day in the prayer,

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This leads to proper behaviour, manners, and character, and develops a complete and balanced Islamic personality.

As a component of belief, a believer accepts as true what was said in previously revealed messages, and that ruling according to them was obligatory upon the nations to whom the books were sent. However, s/he does not believe in the existing books held sacred by the Jews and Christians, due to numerous changes and distortions that have been introduced by people over the centuries. In addition, previous messages were connected to particular times and groups, and thus their rulings were only temporary. Allah did not guarantee to preserve them; rather He entrusted this task to the rabbis and priests of each nation. They were unable to preserve their books and betrayed their trust by altering and distorting their content.

The sacred book of Muslims, the Qur’an, is the final message that encompasses or abrogates that which was written in the Torah and the Gospels. The Qur’an is a general message for all of humankind since Muhammad (3) is the Seal of the Prophets. It is distinct from other messages in that it is suitable for all times and places, as it transcends circumstances and eras. It is addressed to human nature, which does not alter or change, by providing holistic and general rulings as well as detailed laws. Every aspect of life is dealt with in one way or another.