1. Surround ourselves and our kids with good role models.

One of the essential points in raising up our kids is to surround them with good and correct role models, especially among the family members. Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) is one of the child companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). His family tree is impressive because he came from a noble family.

His father is the 2^nd caliphate of Islam and one of the 10 companions who were promised paradise, Umar Ibn Al Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him). One of the wives of Prophet Muhammad, Ummul Mukminin Hafsah (May Allah be pleased with her) is his sister. Some of the family members were among those who accepted Islam during the early time. 3 of his extended family members were among those who migrated to Abyssinia. They are known as AsSabiqun Al Awwalun.

2. Instill bravery in our hearts.

Abdullah Ibn Umar was only 3 years old when Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) first brought the message of Islam to the people of the Arabian Peninsula. Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) observed when his father proclaimed his acceptance of Islam openly. He followed in his father’s footsteps in jihad. His bravery and willingness for jihad are remarkable. Abdullah was rejected both in the Battle of Badr and Uhud due to his young age. He was then accepted in the Battle of Trench when he was only 15 years of age. He had excellent skills in fighting and horseback riding.

3. Being simple in life

Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) was a straightforward man. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “I have not seen, or I have not observed anyone who was not swayed by the life of this world or inclined towards it, except Abdullah bin Umar. He would regularly distribute charity as one who did not fear poverty, seeking the reward of Allah.

4. Careful in actions and words

Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) was a person who always being careful. He regularly guarded his tongue. He would not reply even to one who reviled him. Zaid bin Aslam reported that a man began to denounce him, but he remained silent. Then when he reached the door of his house, he turned to him and said: ”I and my brother Asim do not revile anyone.

5. Show deep love towards Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah

Abdullah Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) was a person who has deep love towards Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his Sunnah. He was always in the close company of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to learn and to emulate him. He showed total obedience towards the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Aisyah (May Allah be pleased with her) have said: ”No one followed in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) more closely than Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) did.

6. Give importance to learning the Quran

Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) was a person who always gives priority to learning the Quran. He once reported one of the hadith that provide emphasis on the importance of learning the Quran. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The parable of one who knows the Qur’an by heart is as the parable of an owner of a hobbled camel. If he remains vigilant, he will retain it; and if he neglects it, it will go away.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

These are the qualities that we should show to our kids and, at the same time, try to instill in them. The best training for our kids is through our practice. They learn through example. Make this Ramadhan a head start for us to develop all these qualities and renew our relationship with the Quran and As-Sunnah.

Written by Dr. Fadzidah Ariffin UmmAbdullah