Parenting is one of the responsibility that is more than a burden. To bring up a child in a way that enables him to grow up to be useful to society requires dedication, lots of patience, and wisdom. The basic tenets of balanced parenting may not change, even as the tasks a parent has to do in the evolving world.
Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf jilani, who is the founder of Noorain educational institute, agrees, stating that parents must look for professional help when it comes to parenting. This is how he puts it: “Every child is raised differently and has individual features, including preferences and dislikes. Parents should not be concerned with this. Consider that there are specific techniques that they are supposed to master.
Moreover, in what way will they do it? In a manner where you will study Seerat-e-Mutahara. In Seerat-e-Mutahara, the events or examples of how Prophet PBUH used to interact with kids, how he PBUH allocated with kids, such examples, you will comprehend and will study.
While learning, it is natural for you to remember the techniques regarding the way children are brought up. Children should not be completely spoiled in terms of love and should not be excessively well organized as well. Gentle caring, and nurturing that is what you have to be towards them but only when the situation calls for it, be firm. So that the children can get good upbringing very easily.”
Lessons from the Life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
1. Showing love and affection:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is characterised by his great deal of love and compassion with children because he knew how to treat them in an endearing manner, enjoy their company, and make them special. One instance that stands out in history is his connection to his grandsons, Hasan (RA) and Hussain (RA). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would kiss the two of them, pick them up on his shoulders, and include them in his prayers.
However, this love did not apply merely to his family; rather, all children attracted his love. In a hadith, Anas bin Malik (RA) describes the Prophet’s amusing habit of stopping children on the roads to ask them questions and running around with their length. His affections made children feel loved, which was very encouraging to children’s emotional development.
2. Understanding Each Child’s Unique Nature:
Difference in children is something in their nature, as they all have different personalities and different strengths and weaknesses. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) noticed this in every child and thus behaved appropriately with the particular child.
For example, he understood the diverse character behaviors demonstrated by his grandchildren, Hasan (RA) and Hussain (RA). While Hasan would always stay quite composed, Hussain was full of energy. That is why Prophet (PBUH) was assisting every child based on his peculiar character and dynamism in order to raise them all as balanced individuals.
3. Tender Encouragement and Appropriate Punishment
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would never use severe punishment towards children for whatever reason. Rather, he would use kind reminders, logical reasoning, and motivation to fix the errors.
An interesting example is of a young boy who used to serve the Prophet. Once, when the boy did not finish a task given to him, the Prophet (PBUH) neither scolded him nor punished him. He simply said that such actions should not be repeated as they have responsibilities to fulfil. Not only did this change the behaviour, it also instilled a sense of responsibility in the boy for his actions.
Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf jilani sheds light on this moderation as follows:
“Sometimes the teachers have to be a little angry with the children, and at times it is not necessary to be too angry. We have to be nice and loving towards children and at the same time maintain a certain amount of firmness and discipline towards them.”
Tips for Parents Achieving Balance in Their Parental Duties:
1. Provide a Warm Environment:
Children love to stay in places where they are loved and valued. A parent should frequently express love words, hugs, and positive support.
2. Establish clear boundaries:
Boundaries teach the limits of acceptable behaviour to children. However, these boundaries need to be taken with calmness and enforced regularly.
3. Imitate good behaviour:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led by example, and parents should do the same. Children often imitate their parents, so displaying honesty, kindness, and patience teaches them these virtues.
4. Encourage open communication:
Listening to children and understanding their perspectives promotes trust and strengthens the parent-child bond.
5. Teach Through Stories and Examples:
The Prophet (PBUH) often used stories to impart lessons. Parents can adopt this approach, sharing moral tales that inspire and educate.
The role of faith in parenting:
The Seerat-e-Mutahara stresses the aspects of imparting faith and character values to the little ones. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed children about Allah’s mercy, the value of prayer, honesty, and sympathy.
Parent can use it today by bringing this kind of lesson into daily life. Therefore, for example, starting the meal with Bismillah or talking about the value of helping others sets a strong faith and moral platform in children’s lives.
Conclusion
Parenting is a substantial responsibility, shaping not only the lives of children but also the future of societies. In this era, despite diverse challenges thrown by parents, maintaining a balance between love, discipline, and guidance is rather essential. The Seerat-e-Mutahara, or the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), implies timeless wisdom and practical lessons about parenting and dealing with children. His model interactions with children demonstrate how to cherish, guide, and discipline while fostering love, respect, and moral character.
Parenting is at once both a blessing and an opportunity to balance love, discipline, and understanding. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s life is a treasure trove of wisdom for those of today who would want their children to be emotionally secure, morally upright, and spiritually connected.
As Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf jilani remarks with great wisdom, we have to learn parenting from experts.”
In addition, who better to learn from than the greatest teacher of all, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)? By studying the Seerat-e-Mutahara and applying its lessons, parents can come upon a balanced approach to parenting that will benefit both their children and society in general.
