Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Qur'an: "Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope."[1]
Honorable Muslims,
A child is the loveliest of all blessings bestowed upon us. They are the most innocent guests of our homes, and the barakah of our families. They are the joy of our lives, and the light of our eyes as expressed in our Sublime Book, the Qur'an. They are the sources of benevolence that will keep our book of deeds always open for record of good deeds. They are the most precious treasure entrusted to us, and a reason for test with their existence and absence.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The most valuable guide for us in shaping our relations with children is our Beloved Prophet (saw), who was sent as a mercy to the worlds. He loved children the most among all the creatures. His merciful heart was opened to children most. He showed his vast compassion by caressing children's heads, embracing them, and kissing them. Not only his own children and grandchildren but all children around him took their share from his compassion.
Dear Muslims,
The Messenger of Allah (saw) would value children, and made them feel that they were valuable. He would give seat to them right beside himself, and he would begin with children while offering something to eat. He would greet them and ask about how they were while passing by them. He would sometimes joke with them, and even accompany them in their games. He (saw) would never let them to be sad or their sense of confidence to be damaged. He would listen to them patiently and give advices no matter what mistake they made. He would attach special importance to girls and orphans; he would cherish them as beloved entrustments, and would never let them be insulted. All the efforts of our Prophet (saw) were for the children to grow up with strong personalities as a generation with sound faith and good morals.
Honorable Muslims,
Today, humanity needs the timeless exemplary character of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) more than ever. Then, let us give an ear to our beloved Prophet (saw) who says, "There is no gift that a father gives his child more virtuous than good manners."[2] Let us set an example for our children with our words, behaviors, and personalities. Let us not deprive them of our care and love. Let us raise them with mercy and compassion, and with the awareness of servitude and responsibility to Allah (swt). Let us take care of their spiritual needs as well as the material ones. Let us never forget that the love and attention shown to children, and the moral and value education given to them are the best investment for our life both in the world and in the Hereafter.
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[1] Kahf, 18/46.
[2] Tirmidhi, Birr, 33; Ibn Hanbal, IV, 77.
General Directorate of Religious Services