Role of Muslim parents in Islamic Education & teaching kids Arabic from an early age for correct understanding and comprehension of Islam, and Qur’anic Recitations

 

“Seek knowledge and understanding (fiqh) of the Sunnah and seek knowledge and understanding of Arabic.”

 

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION OF A MUSLIM CHILD

 

Knowledge is the shortest path to Allah. Whoever travels the road of knowledge reaches Allah and the Garden by the shortest route. Knowledge also clears the way out of darkness, ignorance, doubt and skepticism. This is why Allah called His Book, "Light".
Education is the birth right of every Muslim and Muslimah. Islam puts considerable emphasis on its followers to acquire knowledge.
The greatest objective of education is to prepare the young generation for leadership. Islamic education of children from an early age, of course has the highest objective. The aim of Islamic education is Character building. Growth and development of an Islamic personality should be the final goal of any Islamic School.
We need to prepare the younger generation having leadership quality and not to be the followers of alien ideologies but to play the role of torchbearer by their excellence in knowledge, character, and positive action. Some scholars believe that this quality can be developed in Muslim youth by a direct study of the Qur'an with a view to solve the problems of life in its light.

 

 

 

ROLE OF MUSLIM PARENTS IN CHILD’S EDUCATION

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
"On the Day of Qiyaamah a crown of such brilliance will be placed on the heads of the parents of one who learnt the Qur'aan and practised on its laws, that its glitter will outshine the brilliance of the sun which penetrates your houses. What then do you think will be the position of the one who himself learnt the Qur'aan and acted in accordance with it?"
(Ahmad and Abu Dawood)

Every Muslim parent is advised to raise his or her children well and properly. A happy home, comfort, care and love, providing the necessities of life and a good education are some of the responsibilities that parents are required to fulfill.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said :
“Whoever is not kind to young people is not one of us and the best teaching that a parent can give a child is the teaching of good manners and character.”

Parents play a vital role in the education of their children. Early childhood education program emphasizes the role of parents. It declares that learning begins in the first days of life and continues for long. Parents should develop a habit to read with their children every night. Parents should provide an Islamic environment, an Islamic culture. It is hypocritical to do things differently and expect the child to have Islamic values. Parents set the best examples for their children to imbibe. Like parents, the role of family has also been considered important in learning and upbringing the children.

WHY ISLAMIC EDUCATION FROM CHILDHOOD?

Islam is very deeply concerned with the welfare of human society and the family is considered to be the cornerstone for building the right society.
Children should get Islamic education at an early age. In an effort to inculcate Islamic values, the teachings should be done at home as well as Islamic centers or Islamic schools. Islamic schools should create opportunities for Muslim children to get together to bond with each other as this would help in establishing confidence in an Islamic identity and get psychological support. When children meet other children who are Muslim, it enhances their confidence in being a Muslim and they feel more comfortable about their identity and they assert their Islamic identity in non-Muslim environment with more ease and comfort.
Apart from giving religious teachings to children at home, it is extremely important for parents to spend time with their children. The best role model is the parent's character along with the social support systems, such as Islamic centers, weekend or full time Islamic schools should be built in communities across the country.

THE ARABIC LANGUAGE IN THE QUR’AN
 

“Learn Arabic just as you learn to memorize the Qurân.”

- Ubay b. Ka’b
 (Ibn Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf Vol.7 p150)

One of the reported instructions ‘Umar wrote to Abû Mûsâ Al-Ash’arî and those under his governance during the former’s Caliphate was,
 “Seek knowledge and understanding (fiqh) of the Sunnah and seek knowledge and understanding of Arabic.”
(Ibn Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf Vol.6 p126)

HOW "SACRED" OR "IMPORTANT" IS ARABIC LANGUAGE IN ISLAM ?

Is there anything in Quran or Sunnah that directly reflects Arabic as being a language superior to rest? How important is it for Muslims to learn/understand Arabic in the light of Quran & Sunnah?
 

"We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran, in order that you may learn wisdom."
(Quran 12:2)

 

"And certainly We have set forth to men in this Quran similitudes of every sort that they may reflect, an Arabic Quran without any crookedness that they may guard (against evil)."
(Quran 39:27-28)

It needs to be appreciated that Quran was revealed in the language of its addressees so they were able to comprehend its message easily. The purpose of Quran was never meant to be recitation only, rather an understanding of the Book of ALLAH and His message to us. This is evident from the verses above, and has also been mentioned at other places in the Quran.

WHY MUST MUSLIMS STRIVE TO LEARN ARABIC?

Ninety percent of the world's Muslims do not speak Arabic as their native language. Yet in daily prayers, when reading the Qur'an, or even in simple conversations with each other, Arabic rolls off any Muslim's tongue readily. It may be broken or heavily accented, but most Muslims make the attempt to speak and understand at least some Arabic.

WHY IS ARABIC SO IMPORTANT IN UNDERSTANDING ISLAM?

Regardless of their linguistic, cultural, and racial differences, Muslims form one community of believers,  based on the shared faith in One Almighty God, and the guidance He has sent down to mankind. His final revelation to mankind, the Qur'an, was sent over 1400 years ago in the Arabic language. Arabic thus serves as a common language among this diverse community of Muslim believers.
The original Arabic text of the Qur'an has been preserved from the time of its revelation. Translations have been done into various languages, but they all refer back to the original Arabic. In order to fully understand the magnificent words of their Lord, Muslims must make every attempt to understand the rich and poetic classical Arabic language.
Since understanding Arabic is so important, most Muslims try to learn at least the basics. Many pursue further study to understand the full text of the Qur'an in its original.
It is therefore, recommended for parents to take on the responsibility of teaching their kids Arabic from an early age in order for the kids to grow up with the knowledge and understanding of the recitations of the Qur’an, and other forms of worship.

IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING ARABIC TO CHILDREN AT AN EARLY AGE

The importance of teaching Arabic to our children at an early age cannot be over emphasized. Arabic is the language in which both the Qur'an and Sunnah are conveyed to the believers. Arabic also serves as a medium of communication between Muslims.
Allah, Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, through his infinite wisdom has given children the unique ability to learn second and third languages easier than adults have. Therefore, it is important for parents to take advantage of this "critical period" to teach and speak Arabic within the home to their children.

IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING QUR’AN TO CHILDREN

Narrated Uthman bin Affan: The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said,
 

"The most superior among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it."

 

This is the importance of teaching Quran. The duty of a Muslim is not confined to reading Quran only, but it is equally important that he / she should also teach Quran. Without teaching Quran, one cannot transfer the teachings of Islam to one’s young ones. Quran is the base of our life and we are incomplete without it. Not teaching Quran means we are not giving our kids or young ones the wisdom of life. Every person wishes to give the best to their kids. There is nothing better than teaching Quran to them.

TEACHING HADITH & SUNNAH TO CHILDREN

Similar is the compulsion on teaching Hadith and Sunnah to our kids. Sunnah is the practice of our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).  Prayer is an obligation on all Muslims. To pray, one needs to learn the method of praying. Quran has given us the timings of prayer, but we learn the method from the Sunnah of Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).
 Our beloved prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhu wa sallam) said that,

 

“Pray as You Have Seen Me Pray”

To learn prayer, we need to learn more about our Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and his actions.
It is incumbent upon Muslims to ensure that their children learn to recite the Qur’an, and wherever the opportunity exists for imparting Hifz to the children, advantage should be taken to acquire this great wealth. Indeed it is a wonderful bounty. If for some reason the child does not have the time for learning the whole Qur’an, then even a portion should be taught to him/her.
In order to make the necessary arrangements for learning and teaching the Qur’an, one of the ways and means of rendering this duty is to send the children to an established maktab (or madrasah) in the locality so that the children can be taught to recite the Qur’an. Adults too should devote some time towards this acquisition.
As parents, one should now reflect and take advantage of this great treasure in store in the Aakhirah, by striving in the recitation of the Qur’an. Effort should be made to secure this wonderful wealth for one’s offspring. If one experiences difficulty in memorizing or in reciting, one should never lose hope and give up the recitation. Even reciting in such circumstances is highly meritorious.

If a free instructor or teacher is not available, the community should engage a salaried teacher. Boys who have acquired the knowledge of reciting at the madresah should teach it to the females at home. In this way all males and females will be able to recite the Qur’aan Majeed. If anyone is unable to recite the Qur’aan, he/she should at least memorize a few surahs.

"If your intention and aim in seeking after knowledge is concerning that which is between you and Allāh [تعالى], by learning knowledge and being guided, without mere showing-off; then rejoice, for the Angels have spread out their wings for you when you go out, and the inhabitants of the sea seek forgiveness of you when you proceed."

 

`Uthmān Ibn Fodio [رحمه الله]
[Kitāb Iqtibāsul 'Ilm (The Book of the Acquisition of Knowledge)]