On my Children’s Education (2)

I had written a previous entry where I expressed some of my views on Education in general and on my children’s education in particular. I would like to continue here and elaborate more on religious education and life skills.

The more I grow up and mature, the more I realize how much of a positive effect a solid grounding in religious education has on the Muslim individual. Teens growing up memorizing Qur’an (Muslim Holy Book) and attending the Masjid (Muslim place of worship) regularly are just so unique mashaAllah. They usually have less of the problems of their peers. Moreover, growing with religion as a priority in life and a fully embraced lifestyle gives children a clear compass for this life and the next. They know where to turn to at times of difficulty and they have a rich reference that has an answer to their every question.

I am interested in having my children acquire good work ethics. I always tell them, “I’d rather you fail altogether than obtain a good mark by cheating.” I know this is becoming increasingly hard to teach our kids these days especially when so many others around them are cheating. I always make it a point, however, that Allah does not like cheaters, and that He will never bless their success. Another very important thing is Salat (Prayer). As Muslims, we have five daily prayers that should never be missed under any circumstances (unless if one is sleeping or have completely forgotten). Some students miss prayers because of classes while I’m sure their teachers would have easily allowed them a five-minute break for praying had they demanded. You see, I always try to put akhira (Hereafter) into my perspective. Whatever I do here, I will reap its rewards in the hereafter so I must be very conscious of that, and I try to instill it in my kids as well.

One also very important aspect of their education is life skills. I want my children to learn how to fix themselves a meal when they’re hungry. I want them to make their own bed, fold their own laundry and tidy up their toys. I want them to be able to clean up after their mess and grow up to be responsible adults. Life skills also include buying their groceries, dealing with money, paperwork and taking the bus. All of that is an important part of education that should be taken care of.

At the end, I hope I have clearly communicated some of my opinions on the ideal kind of education I wish my kids to have. As I said, Education is a very broad concept that beautifully encompasses so many aspects. My main concern is religion and I hope they do have their fair share of Islamic education. May Allah give us the strength to teach them and be there for them every step of the way.