Good character is a major factor that determines one’s success in this world and the hereafter.
Many studies have shown that those who are successful in their life and work are not due to their high IQ but mainly on how do they interact with others, how they manage stress, how discipline they are and how good they manage their emotion. Many of us have read many books on emotional intelligence and good character. All sort of ideas are given by many authors on this issue. In this short article, I would like to share with you 5 tips on how to instil good character and high EQ in our kids, inclusive of the spiritual perspective as what has been given example by our beloved prophet, Muhammad (peace & blessing be upon him).
Point #1 Always start with yourself
Point #2 Calm parenting style
Point #3 Praise, accept their ability and not being judgemental
Point #4 Learn and teach the character and attitude of our beloved Prophet with our kids
Qatadah reported: I said to Aisha, “O mother of the believers, tell me about the character of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)” Aisha said, “Have you not read the Quran?” I said, “O course.” Aisha said, “Verily, the character of the Prophet of Allah was the Quran.” [3]
The best of example comes from him. He has shows us a lot of example of good character and how he managed stressful condition. As parents, we are required to do research and learn these qualities from hadith Sahih and most importantly practice and share this knowledge with our children. Knowledge Dunes has come up with an activity book that is suitable for children aged 10 and above, to teach about the character of Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessing be upon him) was the Quran. The activity book is equipped with word search, crossword, anger management log and many more. Click here to know more about the book.
Point #5 Read dua for protection continuously
Allaahumma ‘innee ‘a’oothu bika minal-hammi walhazani, wal’ajzi walkasali, walbukhli waljubni, wa dhala’id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijaal
(O Allah, I seek refuge in You from grief and sadness, from weakness and from laziness, from miserliness and from cowardice, from being overcome by debt and overpowered by men (i.e. others). [4]
Therefore, we have to always remind ourselves to always read this dua and teach other kids to do the same. ‘The Dua Journal Poster’ is designed by Knowledge Dunes for us to remind ourselves and our kids to read it every day, asking Allah to protect us from the 7 problems faced by many people today. You may stick the poster on the fridge, on the stairs, walkways, bedroom doors or any other easy access places. Make sure you tick in the provided box indicating that you have read the dua on that particular day. Allah answers all His slaves’ dua. Never give up by repeating the dua. ‘The Dua Journal Poster’ is free for download by clicking here.
I do hope that these 5 tips may benefit you and your children. If you find it beneficial please click here.
Written by UmmAbdullah
References:
- Sahih Muslim
- https://abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2012/08/11/prophet-character-quran/
- https://preciousgemsfromthequranandsunnah.wordpress.com/2018/11/25/dua-for-anxiety-sorrow-laziness-miserliness-cowardice-debt-protection-from-enemies/
Bibliography:
[1] Sahih Muslim 2659
[3] Ṣaḥii Muslim 746.
[4] [Al-Bukhari 7/158. See also Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 11/173].