Assalam Alaykum, dear moms!
Today, I want to share with you a topic close to my heart – the importance of kindness in Islam, especially when it comes to teaching our little ones. As a mom of two myself, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to instill these values early on.
Islam places a tremendous emphasis on kindness, or “ihsan” as it is called in Arabic.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Allah is kind and loves kindness in all matters” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This beautiful teaching reminds us that kindness should be at the core of our interactions, especially with our kids.
One of the most significant ways we can teach kindness to our children is by example, particularly in how we treat our parents.
The Quran tells us:
“Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him, and (that ye show) kindness to parents. If one or both of them attain old age with thee, say not “Fie” unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word.” (Surah Al-Isra, verse 23)
This verse beautifully shows us the importance of being kind and respectful to our parents, especially as they age. But how do we translate these teachings into practical lessons for our children?
In our book, Being Kind to Mommy, We introduced young readers to Ali, a boy who shows kindness to his mother in various ways throughout his day. Through Ali’s actions, children learn that kindness is a very important virtue in Islam and can be expressed in simple, everyday gestures.
We need to make our little ones understand that these simple acts of kindness not only make our parents’ lives easier but also bring us closer to Allah (SWT). Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized when he said,
“Paradise lies at the feet of your mother”
To help kids understand the importance of kindness in Islam and practice it, here are some interactive activities I like and think you should try:
- Role-play scenarios: My kids loved this one and responded very positively to it. What I did is, I would act out situations where kindness is needed, allowing them to practice how to respond with ihsan.
- Try Creating a Kindness Calendar: Create a weekly calendar with daily acts of kindness for your child to complete. And when they complete it, celebrate with them by giving them some incentive. This helps kids to understand that kindness is rewardable. Some moms might prefer using a kindness jar but both work just as good.
- Storytime Discussions: After reading Islamic books about kindness like Being Kind to Mommy with my kids, I would discuss how the character (Ali) showed kindness and explain to them how they can apply those lessons.
- Get a Guide on Islamic Teachings About Kindness: As moms, we always do our best to ensure that our kids learn and practice the virtues of Islam. And I believe it’s common knowledge that nobody could be better at it than we are. But sometimes, in teaching these virtues using extrahands like a guide makes our work way easier. I use this Guide on Islamic Teachings About Kindness and my work has never been easier!
Remember…
As the primary caregivers of our kids, we have the beautiful responsibility of nurturing kind, compassionate members of the Ummah who will grow to be a blessing to their families and the entire Muslim Ummah.
If you would like to up your game in teaching kindness to children through Islamic principles, I recommend you to buy Being Kind to Mommy for your little ones. It is a heartwarming tale that not only educates but also provides practical examples of how important kindness is in Islam.
May Allah (SWT) guide us all in raising kind and righteous children who bring us joy in this world and the hereafter. Ameen.
What are your thoughts on teaching kindness to children? Do you have any special ways you encourage kindness in your family?
I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
