By Mumtaz Moosa Saley

Mohammed has thus far managed all his fast, subhanAllah. Between school, madrassa and extras classes his days are so long.  I suggested he fast a day and skip the next but he retorted that in Ramdhaan rewards and sins are amplified by ten and that if he didn’t begin now, how would he obey Allah’s laws when he was older.

I really feel for him. His days start early and he doesn’t have the privilege of going back to bed as we pray Fajr salaah as a family. Growing up, we were allowed to climb back into bed after suhoor, for a short snooze before our days started.

Mohammed is our true inspiration especially now that he knows the importance of salaah. He tries his utmost best to pray every prayer on time and if he can’t make it to the masjid, he will pray at home and ensure that we did too. A nine-year-old who reminds his parents to pray!, I let that sink in for a moment and I realise just how far we have ventured off the path of Allah, doing the bare minimum of our religious duty. I felt ashamed of myself.

I fetched Mohammed from school and noticed that his mood was sour, he was physically as well mentally tired, but he did not complain.

“Mohammed maybe skip madrassa today” I suggest.  He shakes his head and in a no-nonsense tone asks me why I hadn’t stopped him from going to school instead. Was madrassa not as important to be a Muslim? Wow, he never fails to amaze me and to make me realise the important things I often miss.

We’re not all perfect parents but it is okay to be reminded that we need to listen carefully to our children.

On reaching home, Mohammed gets ready for madrassa while Amina begs him to play with her. He spends some time teasing her and making her laugh before he sits down to revise his sabak as she mimics his every word. My heart is warmed watching my children.

I make a note in my journal – spending time with our children is important but to instil in them the wonderful teaching of Islam can only be done if we lead by example. We’re not sinless but I vow to take a little more time in my day to stop and take a moment with my kids and teach them something new, to teach them to say Alhamdulillah for the clouds they wonder about or for the small treats they receive; I’ll take time out to talk to them more because as they grow their minds become more and more curious.  Nurturing and providing them with the love and care now will ensure that they become flag bearers of Islam.

Time flies as I complete my chores, school rounds and get Amina her bubbles at the mall. In between, I ensure that I make time for my daily prayers and spend some time memorising Qur’an.

I even manage to find a few moments to teach Amina a surah. Well, a child’s first madrassa should be their home.

Today I have realised the true meaning of Al-Quddus, the pure one

True contentment is with Allah – attaining His pleasure comes from the simple act of teaching and nurturing our children. Showing love and respect to them instils in them the ability to love and respect each other and highlights the love and mercy Allah has for His children.

Children imitate their parents and we need to make certain that our children are taught that contentment is found in seeking Allah’s pleasure by obeying Him.