Ramadan Ihya Forum of Islamic Affairs held in Addu City

The last session of the Ramadan Ihya (revival) Forum organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has been for the first time held outside Male’. 

Last evening’s session of the forum was held in Addu City. The lecture for the night was delivered by Idrees Hussein.

Speaking on the topic of ‘Raising Children in Islam”, Idrees said that the parents have to understand that Allah has given them responsibility over their children, and they have to fulfil the trust as Allah has enjoined in the Quran. He said that the Sunnah also confirms this command in many authentic traditions. He added that the texts of the Revelation also warn the one who does not look after his flock sincerely and who neglects the trust with which Allah has entrusted him. 

Idrees said that Allah has enjoined those who are in charge of children to raise them from when they are very small to obey Allah and love Islam. He also said that even though they are not accountable because they have not reached puberty, one should not wait until puberty to teach them, guide them and tell them to obey Allah, because in most cases at that age (i.e. puberty) they will not respond unless they have been brought up in this manner and have learned it from their families since a young age. He said that hence parents are enjoined to teach young children how to pray from the age of seven and to smack them if they do not pray when they are ten.

Furthermore, Idrees mentioned that the Sahaabah used to make their young children fast, so as to get them used to loving Islam and its rituals, so that it would be easy for them to follow its commands and keep away from the things it forbids when they grow up. 

Idrees said that the success or failure of the Muslim in raising his children depends on a variety of factors, which undoubtedly includes the environment in which they live, which plays a major role in the success or failure of that upbringing.