WHAT parents do not wish to have children who love and practise Al-Quran?
The first step toward this is creating a home where parents read, cherish and practise Al-Quran, because children learn by examples.
Teaching the children Al-Quran and encouraging them to memorise it is an honourable duty in life, wrote Dr Saad Riyadh in his book Kaifa Nuhabibul Quran li Abnaina (how to instill the love for Al-Quran in our children), before commencing on the need to build a home where a love of Al-Quran can be fostered. Build a model home, he said.
If you wish your children to love Al-Quran, turn your home into a model home where interaction with Al-Quran proceeds in the best manner.
This is a home where Al-Quran is read in a beautiful voice and in tranquillity, instead of in a loud voice that disturbs other people.
'Ignorant' Home
This is the house where no one cares about Al-Quran. Nobody reads it. Or are reluctant to read it.
Yet the parents of the house think that it is important that their children learn Al-Quran, so they send the youngsters to Islamic schools or places where they can memorise the Book. It does not occur strange to the parents that they themselves do not read it, or even if they behave in ways that are against Al-Quran. The children may memorise some chapters of Al-Quran, but those verses remain mere words that they can utter if they have to but not something that the children live. The words of Al-Quran do not enter their hearts, and they will be forgotten soon.
'Rigid' Home
This is the home where Islam is practised by the parents in ways that do not give any space for the children to be relaxed or creative.
Parents insist that their children study Al-Quran through methods that disregard the uniqueness of each child, their characters, abilities and inclinations.
Children will remember this inflexibility and it will be difficult for them to associate learning Al-Quran with ease, affection and comfort.
'Quran-less' Home
This is the home where its inhabitants have forgotten all about Al-Quran, and so Al-Quran has forgotten them. Instead of Al-Quran, the noise of all kinds of musical instruments enters the mind and the heart of the children.
'Model' Home
This is a home where its inhabitants love, read, practise and translate Al-Quran into their daily lives. Al-Quran is alive amongst them, and so love and compassion grow strong in their hearts. The children believe in Al-Quran and the guidance provided therein for their lives. When Al-Quran says this or that, they believe in that guidance and follow it. They love Al-Quran because they believe and witness all the goodness that comes from it in their own lives.
My Parents, My Teachers
When parents say they wish their children to love and know Al-Quran, they must first know and close to Al-Quran and love it thoroughly. They say to their children, Al-Quran is the Book of Allah. Whoever guards it, Allah will guard him or her. Whoever holds on to it for guidance in life, Allah will help them. This is the Book that will help us become good people, loved by Allah.
After that, the parents go on to show that their behaviour, too, is according to Al-Quran. Which child would want to heed a parent who tells him that Al-Quran will make him a good person, but then goes on to do things that prohibited by Al-Quran?
Winning Childrens Hearts
Parents need to realise that Allah has planted in their hearts the love for their children, but that they will need to work to have that love reciprocated. Before parents can expect their children to love Al-Quran, they need to first win their childrens love and respect for them. Here are some tips from various experts.
Build closeness with the children. Pray that Allah grant good for your children, and pray that Allah unite your heart with theirs.
When introducing your child to Al-Quran, treat him in accordance to his ability. Do not push him excessively.
Be creative and use different methods when teaching, including games and quizzes, so children will not be bored. Use CDs, pictures, or films and colourful books for your study sessions with the children.
Give rewards. Or withhold rewards, as a form of punishment this is better than snapping or humiliating your children for failing to achieve something. In this way the children will be able to maintain their self-respect, and will in turn respect their parents.
Know your children well, so you can appeal to their uniqueness.
Try to be your childrens friend, instead of an instructor or even a hero who gives them a home, food and clothing and thus has the right to demand that they give back by learning Al-Quran for you.
Be sensitive and pay attention to anything that might prove to be obstacles in your childrens happiness and tranquility at home. Try to prevent any elements that might be harmful, even in the forms of friends of your children or television.
You can never say I love you enough so express your love to your children as often as possible.
Original Source: The Brunei Times
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