In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and bles...
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions.
Dear brothers and sisters! International Children’s Day is a global observance dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children around the world. This day focuses on ensuring that all children have access to education, healthcare, and protection from harm. It is a time to celebrate the joys of childhood, recognise the importance of nurturing and safeguarding children, and advocate for policies and practices that support their development and future.
Respected brothers and sisters! International Children’s Day is an annual event that highlights the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of children everywhere. This day serves as a reminder of the need to address the challenges that children face, including poverty, lack of access to education, and exposure to violence or exploitation. It also celebrates the potential of children to shape a better future and calls for actions that ensure they grow up in safe, healthy, and supportive environments.
International Children’s Day is celebrated on different dates in various countries, but it is most commonly observed on June 1st. The date varies depending on the country, with some celebrating it on November 20th, which coincides with Universal Children’s Day as declared by the United Nations.
There are many meaningful ways to celebrate International Children’s Day and support the well-being of children:
1. Spend Quality Time with Children
Dedicate the day to spending time with your children, nieces, nephews, or other young ones in your life. Engage in fun and educational activities that foster learning and creativity.
2. Support Children’s Rights
Advocate for policies and initiatives that protect and promote children’s rights. This could include supporting organisations that work to provide education, healthcare, and protection for vulnerable children.
3. Donate to Child-Focused Charities
Consider donating to charities that focus on improving the lives of children, whether through education, nutrition, healthcare, or protection from abuse and exploitation.
4. Raise Awareness
Use social media, community events, or educational programs to raise awareness about the challenges that children face globally. Share information about the importance of ensuring that all children have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
5. Organise or Participate in Events
Join or organise local events that celebrate children and their rights. This could include community festivals, educational workshops, or fundraisers aimed at supporting children’s causes.
My beloved people! The origins of International Children’s Day date back to the early 20th century when various countries began establishing days to focus on children’s issues. The day was formally recognised in 1925 during the World Conference on Child Welfare held in Geneva, where June 1st was declared as International Children’s Day. Since then, the day has been observed in many countries around the world, with various dates being chosen to reflect local traditions and priorities. The United Nations also recognises November 20th as Universal Children’s Day, which marks the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.
Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, 1446 years ago, Islam declared that the children are priceless treasures from Allah. And as Muslims, we consider human life sacred, and that every child is a unique being, worthy of respect and dignity. Islam declared that children are made to be loved, cherished, and provided with the opportunity to grow up in a healthy, happy environment.
Islam taught us that every child is precious in Allah’s eyes and deserves to be loved, nurtured, and honoured with quality care, to enable them to develop their full potential.
It is indeed an Allah-given responsibility of every Muslim parent to impart to their children a deep appreciation, respect, and love for Allah, His Messenger, His Religion and the sacred principles contained therein; and to impart to their children the love of their country and it's citizens.
We must, therefore, give utmost importance in the upbringing of our successors, by drawing upon lessons from the beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) who has been the greatest role model for humanity throughout history, not just through his words which serves as a guidance for mankind, but also through his actions, which is a source of inspiration for many.
The Prophet Muhammad's personality was not merely exemplified for a specific period, generation, nation, religion, tribe, region or place. Rather, he is a lasting global symbol for all people, transcendent through time. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
"Indeed among the believers with the most complete faith is the one who is the best in conduct and the most kind to his family.” [Sunan At-Tirmizi]
In Islam, our parents have rights upon us, and when we become parents ourselves, our children have rights upon us.
The key qualities every parent should strive to attain are epitomised by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), who adopted the following non-exhaustive approaches:
1. Prophet Muhammad’s love and attention towards children
Needless to say, the Prophet’s innate nature of being a mercy for all of Allah’s creations is undisputed. His mercy is unparalleled and indeed, his treatment of children, and not just his own progeny, is an example to us all. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) would kiss and embrace children often, as an expression of his tender love and mercy towards them. In this Hadith about children, Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that Al-Aqrah Bin Habis saw Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) kissing Al-Hassan (the Prophet's grandson). He (Al-Aqrah) said:
“I have ten children, but I have never kissed any of them.”
Whereupon Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) replied:
"He who does not show mercy (towards his children), no mercy would be shown to him.” [Sahih Muslim]
He (Peace be upon him) would also take an active interest in their lives, despite his busy schedule. For example, when the pet bird of a young child, Abu Umair, died, he went out of his way to try and console him. Anas Bin Malik (RA) said:
"The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) used to come to visit us. I had a younger brother who was called Abu Umair by nickname (kunyah). He had a sparrow which he played with, but it died. So one day the Prophet (Peace be upon him) came to see him and saw him grieving. He asked: 'What is the matter with him?' The people replied: 'His sparrow has died.' He (the Prophet) then said: 'Oh Abu Umair! What has happened to the little sparrow?'" [Sunan Abi Dawud]
In this Hadith, we see the example of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) who goes out of his way to help a young child, whereas many adults would brush away from such a seemingly trivial situation. This kind of relationship can build trust, open communication, and validation for the child.
In today’s day and age, many parents are struggling to spend sufficient time with their children so it is vital that any time spent together is of the best quality. A combination of heartfelt playful activities, combined with loving conversations will provide security and comfort, thereby ensuring that a child has a healthy emotional development.
2. Prophet Muhammad’s patience with children
Our beloved master, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was very patient with children. Anas Ibn Malik was a young boy when he had the honour of serving the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). It is narrated from him that during his ten years of service, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) never said a word of impatience or rebuked him. Narrated by Anas (RA) himself:
“I served the Prophet (Peace be upon him) for ten years, and he never said to me, ‘Uff’ (a minor harsh word denoting impatience) and never blamed me by saying, "Why did you do so or why didn't you do so?” [Sahih Bukhari]
A child is bound to err at times but we are to bear with it patiently, whilst advising and guiding them. We shouldn’t be constantly admonishing our young ones. Making supplications or Du'a for your children is also the Prophetic way. It is reported that a parent’s supplications for one's children are not rejected by Allah Almighty.
3. Prophet Muhammad’s trust in youth
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to play with Usamah Ibn Zaid (RA) when he was young. At around the age of 17 years old, he entrusted Usamah with the leadership position in commanding the defence force of Madinah. Despite his young age, he was given such immense responsibility.
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) also reminded his Ummah not to criticise Usamah’s leadership merely due to his young age. In a Hadith, it was mentioned that:
"If you are criticising Usamah's leadership, you have then criticised his father's leadership from before. By Allah, He was worthy of leadership and he was one of the dearest persons to me, and (now) he (Usamah) is one of the dearests to me after him (Zaid)'." [Sahih Bukhari]
Parents should not be afraid to trust or rely on their children according to their capabilities. A child yearns to be trusted, and a good way a parent may illustrate their trust is to make them a part of family decisions. By asking for their opinions and including them in important discussions, a child will feel that they are an important part of the family unit which can pave the way to strengthening family ties.
4. Prophet Muhammad’s immense respect for his daughter Fatimah
Whenever the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was visited by his youngest daughter, Fatimah (RA), he would stand to welcome her when she entered the room, take her by the hand, kiss her and make her sit where he was sitting. Conversely, she would do the same when he visited her. These beautiful acts, though simple, show the profound love and respect they held for each other. Aisha, the mother of the believers (RA) said:
"I have not seen anyone who resembled the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in terms of conduct, way, and manners, more than Fatimah." (Aisha continued,) "When the Prophet (Peace be upon him) saw her coming, he would stand up for her, took her hand, kissed her, and brought her to sit in his place. When the Prophet (Peace be upon him) visited her, she would stand up for him, take his hand, kiss him and brought him to sit in her place.” [Sunan At-Tirmizi]
Respecting your child is so important and it must not be forgotten, that respect also includes keeping a child’s secrets confidential as well as not humiliating them publicly.
5. Prophet Muhammad’s emphasis on treating children equally
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) emphasised that parents treat children equally. But sadly, a common problem amongst some parents today is to favour one child over the other. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) commanded justice and fairness in the treatment of one’s children.
It was narrated from An-Nu'man that his father brought him to the Prophet (Peace be upon him) to bear witness to a present that he gave to him. He said:
"Have you given all your children a present like that which you have given to him?" He said: "No." He said: "I will not bear witness to injustice. Will it not please you if they were all to treat you with equal respect?" He said: "Of course." He said: "Then no (I will not do it)." [Sunan An-Nasa’i]
Always praising one child, constantly comparing children, preferring sons to daughters or showering one with gifts at another’s expense are all prevalent issues we face with parenting. This should be avoided at all costs, as it is dangerous to a child who may develop low self-esteem and in turn, an inferiority complex.
Indeed, we have seen how our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was a role model in caring for children. He has taught us how to treat them well, and how to express our love and joy for the gift of having them in our lives. It is now our obligation to learn how best to treat our children, and to incorporate these teachings into our own daily life.
Children who are devout to Allah, filial and regularly supplicate for their parents are the priceless gems we leave behind in this world. They are the true investments we should make in this world, for our hereafter.
Fellow brothers and sisters! For some of you who want to donate to orphans under our care and Islamic projects FISABILILLAH, those who want to send their Sadaqah and Zakat, here are the bank account details:
1. Account number: 0048647196.
- Account name: Murtala Muhammed.
- GTBank
Or:
2. Account number: 1779691620
- Account name: Murtala Muhammed.
- Access Bank.
Jazakumullah Khairan as you kindly assit, help, donate and contribute to the cause of Islam. Allah Almighty says:
"Verily, Allah will help those who help His cause. Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty." [Qur'an]
May Allah Almighty accept your sadaqah and sacrifices, amplify your intentions, and bless you, your families with peace and barakah here and the hereafter, ameen.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.
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