Mumtaz Moosa | mumtazs@icloud.com
01 August 2024 | 21:00 CAT
1 min read

Photo Credit: Orphic Magazine

We live in unprecedented times, and our children lead such hectic lives that they seem to be working nine-to-five jobs. Balancing school, extracurricular sports, madrassa, and additional tutoring has become a significant challenge. Mentally, they are exhausted daily, and finding a balance seems nearly impossible.

When I look online at how some religious questions are being answered, I feel compelled to stress the importance of madrassa classes for our children. Continuous learning is integral to Deen; our children should never stop acquiring this knowledge. When children reach grade eight, many have left madrassa entirely or only attend Quran classes. This is a common scenario, and many madrassas report that attending twice-weekly is difficult for most kids. But what is the cost of this neglect? What are the long-term implications for our children’s eemaan, society, and Deen?

Just as we invest in extra lessons for subjects like math, we must also prioritise fiqh and Islamic history. These subjects will support our children into adulthood, allowing them to deeply understand and love their religion. We should encourage our children to become scholars of Deen before pursuing other careers. While we do need Muslim professionals in the world, isn’t it refreshing when a doctor or lawyer references Allah’s laws first? We should strive to nurture our children to be the best because they are from the best Ummah.

Balance is essential for all of us, and it is a core principle of Islam. We must ensure that our children have a balanced daily life and avoid stressing them to the point of burnout at such a young age. Let’s commit to guiding our children towards a harmonious blend of religious and secular education, ensuring their well-being and the strength of their faith.