One of the best sounds in the world is that of a child's laughter. It doesn't really matter if you're upset or feeling glum, hearing their giggles will inevitably make you smile. Alternatively, one of the worst sounds in the world is that of a child crying. Children have many different types of cries, the worst of which is a genuine cry of fear or pain. If you beg to differ, then I suspect your heart may need a little dusting.
So why is it that most 'normal' people have an inclination toward children? Aren't children whiny? Messy? Noisy? Pesky? Sometimes, but still they're gems, the worth of which nothing can compare. Their greatest value is not attributed to their charm, beauty, silliness, and honesty; it is attributed to their brilliant innocence. It doesn't matter how hard we try, we cannot claim as much innocence as young children.
It hurts to see children caught in the middle of adults' petty and selfish problems and arguments. One blog makes a good point in that children do not see the intricacies of the world. Their world view is pretty black and white - i.e. heroes and villains, love or hate. It is quite unfortunate that there are some parents in the world who don't care to attend to children and their emotional and psychological needs [Of note, there are of course many more really committed parents too].
I'm not talking about the extreme view of doting on children's every whim and desire. If you did that, you'd rid yourself of your good sense and wisdom. What I mean here is that the world is a very confusing, hurtful, and dangerous place with some pockets of love and mercy. Children need to know how to understand it at their level of comprehension. Children need to be taught to develop an optimistic view of humankind, life, and death.
As always, it's much easier to talk about it than it is to achieve it. So how do we do it? The Prophet Muhammad (may God's peace and blessings be upon him and his family) exemplified the best of ways, and he taught us to approach children with love. He taught us how to appreciate children, care for them, and to teach them with a balanced hand. Best of all, he taught us how to develop our character. He showed us, throughout his life, the meaning of perfection in human existence, which of course always means submission to our Lord.
The starting point for myself and all those looking to try to make the world better for ourselves, our biological children, and our children of humanity, is based, as I see it now, in the development of our character and moral principles. Ultimately, we cannot think that we will reach a point where we can say "Yes, now I am ready to share my skills with the world for the sake of improving the world." Death may reach us before that ever happens, if that ever happens. As long as we have one inkling of good character and ethical stewardship, we have to share it with others, starting with those closest to us... our very own children.
-- Dawud W. Ali
4 comments:
Ahh ... so much sense you make ..so much sense. Kids subhan'Allah are innocent, but exteremly smart... a lil sneaky too :) How'd ya think they figured out the art of tantrums? ;)
Yah it's true, they need a balance of everything... love, patience, happiness, even the occasional anger (without abuse of course)etc. Once they can see it, they can recognize it in themselves and once they can do that they can see what is fitting for situations.
Assalamualaikum...
write a book already.
Interesting article. Being a father doesn't mean merely having children, but fatherhood is associated with the responsibilities that comes with it...that sounds too good for me to have come up with hehe...but I read it somewhere...
I think there is a need for positive reinforcement. We need to motivate children by rewarding them rather than punishing them when they go wrong. You're a Psych major, ya know what I mean. Our next generation of kids gotta be leaders and intellectuals...and leaders come from healthy family environment...
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu my dearest Farzeen,
I totally agree with everything you said! Only you always phrase it better (masha'Allah).. I second what Yusuf said.. Shireen can find a publisher :)
Masha'Allah.. keep writing.
Ma'salaama
Farhana
Shireen: Assalaamu'alaykum sunshine
Oh yes.. sneaky indeed! Well I guess it's just as well you've figured out their manipulations in this art of tantrums..hehe.
Yusuf: Wa 'alaykum assalaam
What's up with this book writing idea?
Every role is associated with responsibilities. I guess that's the beauty of life. Otherwise we'd all be even more selfish..subhanAllah.
Well... I think sometimes punishments are necessary. Misbehaviour needs to be addressed and have consequences, but kids need some slack too. They like to test their limits.
Farhana: Wa 'alaykum assalaam wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakaatu!
Hey, make no mention of publishing. Everybody can write, some can write really well and keep readers' attention, but of those not all should be publishing... I suppose. Each their own. :)
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