Raising Visionary Children

Bismillah

From an early age, my goal will be for my children to memorize the Quran, the beautiful and inspiring words of Allah. Many Muslim parents aim for the same thing and I’m no different Alhamdulillah. I also want for them, from an early age, to understand what that the Quran is the Words of Allah, that they are the an absolute truth, and that implementing them in one’s life is a sure means of attaining success both worldly and after wards. Inshallah I’ll be working to help them understand the meaning of the words in the language they are most comfortable in and learn to see the Quran in their daily living so they may be guided inshallah.

I think I would also like to create a routine where all of us purposely pick something from the Quran (portion we are memorizing or just what strikes our fancy or moves us etc) and spend 10 minutes contemplating this verse/s and see what we can gain from it. Then spend 5 minutes enumerating benefits or explaining our insight or simply discussing it for the benefits of all inshallah.

I haven’t started on this yet but think it is something dh and I can start inshallah, maybe after breakfast or before bedtime, and then when our little ones are a bit older and able to think more critically, they can be included in this routine inshallah.

Most importantly, I’m looking to gain the benefit of bringing the family together through Quran reading, contemplation/understanding, and sharing of thoughts and ideas that inspire and teach inshallah.

Have each of us make a list of things we are grateful for and the blessings in our lives and have a circle of gratefulness. It can be something we do at dinnertime or family times; where we speak about these things and thank Allah together as a family for the many blessings inshallah.

Another off shoot from this can be us listing people/situations of others to pray for, things to do for others to show kindness and generosity, etc. I hope to do this as a family inshallah in order to shift the focus from personal needs to the needs of others who have less than us and are in need. I want to teach my children and practice myself that even if we can’t physically do something for another, we can certainly make Dua for them and expect through that prayer that inshallah, Allah can and will change their condition for better. I believe this will reinforce reliance upon Allah, that He is able to do everything and that in the end, the ultimate power in any situation starts and ends with Allah’s will and appealing to Allah for ourselves and especially for others, will garner reward for everyone involved inshallah.

Finally, the character of our prophet (salallahu alayhe wasalaam) is the character of the Quran and he (salallahu alayhe wasalaam) is the best role model, the one set for us to follow by Allah Himself. In addition to having my whole family working to implement as many of the exemplary actions and characters from the prophet (salallahu alayhe wasalaam), I inshallah wish to give as examples to inspire and encourage, the many wonderful sahabah (radhiallahu anhum), who were followers of Muhammad’s (salallahu alayhe wasalaam) beautiful manners and examples, just like we are trying to be followers.

To sum up my hopes for my family inshallah

1. Using the Quran to deal with life’s problems. Memorize then live the Quran with understanding, implementing the injunctions and using the guidance in the Quran in tackle daily problems, gain direction and focus, and attain wisdom through practicing what is preached inshallah.

2. Being grateful and humble. Exercise gratefulness in its various aspects, strive for discipline in living life diligently, and work to be humble through observing and working together with those of greater need, as well as keeping other who are too far to reach, in mind and heart while praying to Allah.

3. Concerned with character evaluation and improvement in light of the beautiful example Allah has set for us. Constantly work to improve the self by following the correct guidance, avoiding pride, avarice, and delusions of grandiosity that have no place if following the truth and the beautiful example of our Prophet (salallahu alayhe wasalaam) and his companions (radhiallahu anhum).