ما لا يسع أطفال المسلمين جهله - 4
Here, we shall present several religious issues that Muslim children must know. Their parents must teach these issues to them at a young age. It is a simple and comprehensive course covering the topics of ‘Aqīdah (creed), Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), Sīrah (the Prophet’s biography), ethics, Tafsīr (interpretation of the Qur’an), Hadīth, morals, and Adhkār (regular supplications). It suits children as well as people of all ages and new Muslims. It is suitable for memorization and explanation. It could be taught at homes, nurseries, and educational institutions. I have arranged it in sections according to the topics and put it in the form of questions and answers, which is more appropriate for stimulating the mind and better for memorization. The mentor can choose whatever suits the age of his students.
- The Almighty's statement: {O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, and is overseen by rigorous and stern angels, who never disobey whatever Allah commands and do whatever they are commanded.} [Surat at-Tahrīm: 6]
It is also based on the Hadīth of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) that he said: "One day, I was behind the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), and he said: 'O boy, I shall teach you some words: Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Allah by your side. If you ask, ask Allah; if you seek help, seek help from Allah. And know that if the whole people gathered to benefit you with something, they would never benefit you except with what Allah has decreed for you, and if they gathered to harm you with something, they would never harm you except with what Allah has decreed against you. The pens have been lifted, and the scrolls have dried.'" [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi and Ahmad]
A child must be taught what he needs in his religion to become a perfect human being with a sound natural inclination to Islam and to become a true monotheist adhering to the path of faith.
"It has been narrated that they should be commanded to pray at the age of seven, and should be beaten for not praying at the age of ten, and should be separated in beds. Likewise, they should be taught before reaching puberty the words and deeds that Allah has made obligatory upon His servants. This way, when they attain puberty, their hearts, souls, and bodies will peacefully submit and feel familiar with such divine commands." Muqaddimat Ibn Abi Zayd Al-Qayrawāni (p.5).