Living in a fast pace, modern city with all the facilities and technology today has a lot of benefits and advantages for many of us. However, it can’t be denied that it could also be a set back for some of us, especially for our kids. We live in a community that is too busy with our own life and matter. The uncle who lives next door may be lonely, need assistance, or may need somebody to talk to or the street worker who was always resting under the tree in front of our house may not have been eating for more than 18 hours. Kindness is all that matter
We never know that a little bit of caring and kindness can give a little bit of happiness and create a smile on somebody’s face. A little bit of compassion will make somebody feel good, and, most importantly, we will feel good. Kindness is a character that has to be mold since young. Kindness and compassion are not only between a person to another person, but it also should involve kindness towards animals and other creatures of Allah. Here we share with you some easy tips to instill this noble character in our beloved kids.
1. Always start with ourselves
Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessing be upon him) said, “Each child is born in a state of “Fitrah,” then his parents make him a Jew, Christian or a Zoroastrian, the way an animal gives birth to a normal offspring. Have you noticed any that were born mutilated?” [1]. As parents, we are responsible for our children’s way of life. To teach them to be kind, we are the first person to do so. They are observing each and every action that we, as parents, do. Our actions speak louder than our words.
2. Teach them about gratitude
A suggestion that we should try is by guiding our kids to walk in somebody else shoes, especially those who are less privileged than us. By doing this, it could help to remind them about all the blessings that we received from Allah. They are countless. Allah says in surah An-Nahl (with an English translation), “And if you would count the favors of Allah, never could you be able to count them. Truly, Allah is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” [2]. Do remember that a kind person is a person who is always thankful.
3. Make a trip to the less privileged.
All of us like to travel on vacation, it can’t be denied. Traveling widens our knowledge and view towards life. A study by Dr. Margot Sunderland shows that traveling and vacation help to boost child brain development. To make it more beneficial during our trip, take them to a place where less privileged people live. For example, traveling to a safari in Africa could be an enjoyable moment. It is better when we combine the trip to the orphanage or the poor in the city that we visit. During this trip, bring along something simple like toys, books, or some clothes to be given away to them. This action can help them to develop kindness in their heart.
4. Tell them the story about the Prophet’s kindness and compassion towards others.
Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) is the best role model for all. He is the man with the best character, showed his kindness towards others regardless of their status. He was kind towards Muslims and non-muslims alike and showed his generosity towards the old and even the young ones.
Anas reported that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), would visit the homes of the Ansar, greet their children with peace, pat their heads, and supplicate on their behalf. [3] He was always kind towards his wives and family members. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The best of you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best of you to my family.” [4] Teach them more about Prophet Muhammad’s kindness and other quality with help from our activity book ‘ The Character of Prophet Muhammad was the Quran’ activity book. Click here for details.
5. ‘The Kindness Journal’ to keep you organized.
To act kindly needs motivation and encouragement. Keeping a kindness journal for your kids and yourself can help to see the progress about your kind acts and remind you about your target to be achieved. Ilma Education has produced ‘The Kindness Journal’ to help you organized in doing this noble act. Get it from here today. InsyaAllah, when you keep yourself trained, being kind would no longer be a struggle for your kids and yourself. It would be a natural routine.
6. Apply the knowledge about kindness especially in Ramadan
Last but not least is to apply the knowledge shared with your kids in Ramadan. Ramadan is the best month to train yourself spiritually. Do a lot of charities in this blessed month. Help others in needs, help out in the nearby mosque, feed the needy, and practice a lot more other acts of kindness in this blessed month.
We hope that these 6 easy tips help you to teach and train your kids the act of kindness in our daily life. May Allah grant you the ease to shape our future leaders to be the leaders of tomorrow with a kind heart towards others, following the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessing be upon him).
Written by:
Dr. Fadzidah Ariffin UmmAbdullah
Bibliography:
[1] (Collected by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim).
[2] Surah An Nahl[16:18]
[3] al-Sunan al-Kubrá Lil-Nasai 8028, Sahih according to Al-Albani
[4] Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (3895) and Ibn Majah (1977). Classed as Saheeh by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.
References:
Wow!! Loved reading this!
Thank you