Be Nice to Children | ||
Arsalan Zibaii The Holy Prophet(PBUH) of Islam has presented numerous guidelines and advices on behavior towards children including the following: “Every kiss given by a parent to her/his child provides that parent with a place in Paradise.” “In the first seven years of life, a child should be treated as a master (should be tolerated and obeyed as far as possible) and during the second seven years (age of 7-14) he/she can be guided and in the third seven years of life (14-21), the (now) youth can be in the position of an adviser and aide.” Also, in another Hadith, children have been compared by the Holy Prophet(PBUH) to flowers, from which comparison, it can be concluded that children like flowers are very delicate and in need of much care. Likewise, from other Ahadith narrated from the Infallible Imams we know that proper behavior towards children can well result in their growing up to be well-behaved and nice persons who treat the others properly. In this regard, Muslims have been taught by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) of Islam and by his infallible successors to play with their children in a childish way, because it helps children to receive feelings and lessons which will be of great benefit to them for their whole lives as well as for their societies. It has been quoted from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that “In the presence of children, behave like children.” Likewise, Imam Ali(AS), the commander of the pious, has been quoted: “The one who has a child to breed, for breeding that child should lower him/her to the level of childhood.” Also, Imam Ali(AS) has advised his followers to kiss their children, regarding kissing children as bringing Rahmah (Divine Mercy). In the same vein, Muslims have been advised by their Infallible teachers to greet the children affectionately and respectfully and that in case the children greet them first, return their greeting with an even nicer and more respectful greeting, whereby making the children feel loved, cared and respected. About the conduct of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) towards children, it has been narrated that His Holiness would always greet the children and would behave towards them most affectionately and respectfully, and that His Holiness would even play with the children, both his own children and the others’ children, thus setting a very nice example. Moreover, our Divine teachers have taught us to never ridicule children for their childish acts and never let them think they are acting foolishly. We have been warned not to be too restrictive towards our children and not to keep bothering them with unnecessary orders and/or reproaches, since according to the Infallible, those not recommended manners cause the children to become stubborn in adolescence. | ||
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