Salaam dear young friends, and since we are still basking in the blessed birthday celebrations of the Prophet of Peace and the Messenger of Mercy, we again extend heartiest felicitations to you all for paying your sincerest respects to Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).
Indeed, last Friday on Rabi al-Awwal 17, we marked the birthday of the Prophet’s 6th Infallible Heir, Imam Ja’far as-Sadeq (AS), who was born in 83 AH on the 136th birth anniversary of his illustrious forbear, and during his fruitful life revived for the benefit of the Ummah, the Prophet of Islam’s shari’ah or the dynamic code that covers all aspects of life, which has come to be known as Fiqh-e Ja’fari.
As you know, last Saturday the 18th of Rabi al-Awwal was the birthday of the Prophet’s second and youngest granddaughter, Hazrat Omm Kolthoum (AS), who played a vital role in the aftermath of the heartrending tragedy of Karbala for the safeguarding of Islamic values, and was a toddler of almost three years when her beloved grandfather departed from the mortal world.
You are aware in today’s world, children are considered to be very important. Full attention is given by societies and governments to their upbringing and respecting their personality in the family and the society. In spite of this, people today do not pay as much attention to children’s instruction as the Leader of the Muslims did.
Although sometimes statesmen in industrialized countries visit orphanages and kindergartens, sometimes hugging children for photo ops and media publicity, to date no person can be compared to the Prophet of Islam, who taught us the correct and sincere love for children.
The Prophet had a special love of children, whether they were his own children or those of others. It has been written about him: “Kindness towards children was one of the special practices of the Prophet.”
One of the most basic factors in the development of a child’s personality is sociability and proper treatment. Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) clearly advised his followers concerning this. He told them: “Respect your children and treat them with good manners and in an acceptable way.”
Therefore, those who want to have children with a strong personality must guide them with good training and avoid treating them improperly as an improper practice cannot lead to the upbringing of worthy children who have a strong personality.
Fulfillment of promises towards children contributes to the development of their self-confidence and affects their personality. The true leaders of Islam have given much advice about the fulfillment of promises to children.
The Prophet’s First Infallible Heir, Imam Ali (AS) used to say: “It is not appropriate to tell lies, whether seriously or jokingly. It is not appropriate to make a promise to one’s children and fail to fulfill it.”
The Imam relates, the Prophet used to say: “If any of you makes a promise to his child, he must fulfill it.”
These are indeed points pondering upon by both parents and children, as well as you youngsters, the bright hope of the future.
Goodbye and God bless you until we meet again next Wednesday.