Salaam dear young friends. How are you? Hope you are all doing well by the Grace of Almighty Allah.
Isn’t it exciting to be back at school and college; of course in higher grades, and with new books to study!
You youngsters are the hope of the future, so keep it up, but be mindful of your health at this time of the year when autumn has just started and the weather is playing tricks with temperatures falling and rising in a matter of days.
Monday, October we marked the Day of the Elderly in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with special ceremonies for senior citizens. Children presented parents with gifts and made them feel that they have indeed fulfilled their duty towards their offspring and are now reaping the benefits of proper bringing of the next generation.
Islam cares about children and their rights by instructing Muslims to raise them in a proper manner in order to enable them to be prepared to face the difficulties of future life. Taking care of the coming generation by catering to its needs is the most important thing for bringing up citizens best equipped to serve the community.
Islam says parents are obliged to properly feed, clothe, educate, and protect their children, until they reach adulthood. Whether boys or girls, as well as orphans, they are fully entitled these rights.
Children should be instilled with the spirit of monotheism, taught virtue, inculcated with devotion for Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) and his Blessed Ahl al-Bayt, and shown the perils of vices and negative behaviour.
On the other hand, there are certain rights of parents which children should consider. It is important for children to show deference at all times when interacting with their parents. When speaking to them, youngsters should use a calm, gentle tone; even in debate, they must remain respectful. Becoming angry or argumentative is considered disrespectful and raising the voice over one’s parent is considered a sin. Even when we are walking together, we should walk slightly behind.
Unlike the Western society, due to the moral breakdown where there is no consideration of a good and healthy family concept, Islam considers family to be sacred. Even when our elders are no longer physically or mentally able to play a leadership role, they are lovingly cared for by their families.
It is considered extremely shameful to put an elderly family member in a nursing home or to become irritated when he or she becomes difficult. Islam in general considers the opportunity to care for their elderly family members a great honour.
That is all for this week, and goodbye until we meet against next Wednesday.