photos-of-Splendid-Light-picturesWake up parents before it's too late! Wake up before your time is over and you are full of regrets and wishes... wishing that you had raised your child in a better manner; wishing you had taken the time to enjoy every blessing your child had to offer; wishing that you had hugged or kissed your child more often.

The moments of childhood can never be replaced. You will never be able to get back the experiences that were available to you when your child was 3 months or 1 year or 5 or 10 years. They will pass quickly -- in the blink of an eye.

It is important to reflect upon the rewards that Allah has to offer us for the good deeds that we perform. Allah (ta'aala) gives gifts to those who obey him, both in this life and in the Hereafter. While children are a test for us, they are also the greatest gifts we will ever receive from Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala. 

Nothing can compare to the hugs, smiles, and laughter of children. Their innocence, beauty, and glow should remind us of Allah and the bounties He has to offer. Seeing our children should remind us of Allah's greatness even more, for it is only through Allah's grace that they are among us. 

When Allah orders us to be kind to children, the benefits of obedience to Him come only to ourselves. Allah does not need anything from us; He is Self-sustaining, beyond any need. Allah only orders things that will be beneficial for us and increase our worship of Him. When we are kind to our children, we reap the rewards and this should lead us to obey and worship Allah even more. How could we miss this wonderful opportunity to come closer to our Lord? 

Showing our children compassion reflects our level of Eemaan (faith) and the mercy that is within our hearts, as noted in the following hadeeth, "A Nomad came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and asked, 'Do you kiss the children? We do not kiss them.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, "I cannot help you since Allah has withdrawn mercy from your heart." (al-Bukhaari and Saheeh Muslim) 

Also, "When the Prophet (peace be upon him) kissed his grandson, al-Hasan ibn 'Ali, in the presence of Aqra bin Habis, Aqra said, 'I have ten children, and I have never kissed any of them.' At that, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) looked at him and said, "He who is not kind to others will not receive kindness." Kissing and hugging a child is something that should come naturally. 

When a person is not even able to do this, it is a sign that mercy and compassion have left the heart. How could a parent do more when basic emotions and actions are missing? 

If this is the case, the parent needs to evaluate his or her level of Eemaan and correct it; not only for his or her sake, but for the sake of the children. 

So, enjoy your children today. Give them a hug, a smile, a kiss. Share a story, a quiet moment, our Deen. The rewards will come to you and they are the most glorious ones that Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, has to offer. 

Avoid regret and sorrow. Direct yourself to Allah and He will guide you to one of the most beautiful signs of His majesty. It is the sign that is right before you, in the eyes of your child.

 

More articles in Raising Children:

- Entire Category -