5 minute read
HEALTH EDUCATION ~ HIKMAH OR HYPE
By: Shaista Khurshid, Calgary, Alberta
We are blessed to live in a place where we can educate our children without breaking our banks. Our masjids, imams, and learned folks help us build our foundations of Islamic education. Even though most of our education base is covered by outsourcing, there are still many areas where we, as parents, need to educate our children. We can also outsource it to someone who is trustworthy and educated in Islamic knowledge. One of these topics which needs to be discussed with every child at an appropriate age is health education.
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Since Muslims have neglected this crucial education for a long time, the gap has long been filled by unislamic and flawed knowledge bases. This neglect is coming to haunt us badly. Unfortunately, when left alone by the caregivers, this education can be taught by individuals who themselves might be unaware of its requirements. For this reason, any individual can fall through the cracks, potentially getting harmed, both physically and spiritually.
Cleanliness, purification, and relationships are not a simple matter, especially when there is another person or a family involved. A child must be taught all of the above within the appropriate time frame. For example, how to clean himself after using the washroom, or how to take a bath by himself. Or how to do wudhu, do ghusl, what is satr (minimum covering requirements), how to be intimate, what are halal and haram relationships. Furthermore, as they go through various phases of their lives, they should be helped to understand the nuances of getting married or having children of their own.
The burning question here is, who is going to open this pandora's box? School does play its part but their teachings might not be in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah. Islamic school also does its job to an extent but still there is plenty left to be taught.
We as parents are responsible for the well -being of our children. Our child belongs to Allah first as they are Allah’s creation and are given to us as a test. - “Your wealth and children are only a test, but Allah ˹alone˺ has a great reward.”(64:15) When we hold the hand of our baby for the first time- the one we gave birth to, or have carried in our arms to safely bring home - this test begins
What is this test?
The test is, what are we going to do with this sweet little bundle of joy? Are we going to educate them to be our future beneficiary (financial support in our old age), or to be Allah’s servant? Will we choose to make him or her successful with worldly possession and education or make them into a righteous, pious citizen? Will we make him or her into someone who can only benefit himself or the one who is beneficial to others at large? Will we raise them into a critical thinker or an arrogant or selfish person? These questions are critical, and we must think about it. And as we plan for their professional and financial future, we should also plan for their physical, spiritual and emotional future. As we will be asked about them on the day of resurrection in front of all.
I have compiled a rough guideline below of what a child should know at an approximate age level. Though be mindful, as each child is different, and each child grows at their own pace. I strongly recommend parents to pay attention to the pace of their children’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development. One child cannot be compared with another.
Keep in mind the curiosity level of the child too. Some may take the knowledge and run with it, while some take time to process it; while others will ask questions to satisfy their curiosity.
For this, we need to be our child’s best friend with a positive mindset. Our children should be comfortable with us, so much so that they can reach us confidently and freely discuss with us anything they are inquisitive about.
We, as their parents, should pass down the gift of appropriate knowledge compassionately. Remember - these are necessary matters to teach. We should not be shy about it; instead be that parent who can confidently educate our children with the tools necessary to live their lives.
`~A Rough Guideline
By age 5: How to clean themselves after using the bathroom, wash hands before and after eating, brush daily
By age 7: Take a bath or shower, know how to clean themselves with help and start to learn to do wudu, and know what satr is
By age 9: Know what the fundamentals of ghusl are, cutting of nails
By age 12: What is ghusl taharah and why it’s needed, managing of hair by keeping them groomed, cleanliness and removal of underarm and pubic hair
By age 15: Know the difference between halal and haram relationships and the difference of male and female friendships and their etiquettes with reason
By age 16: They should know the guidelines of intimate relationships and why intimacy is needed and important, but also what is haram and halal.
By 18: The child should understand the importance of responsibility and their role in this world and have some tools to lead his or her future life effectively.
There are many books available by Muslim authors; you can read them and educate your child. One such book is The Miracle of Life by Fatima M. D'Oyen (The Islamic foundation United Kingdom).
Footnote:
Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran (64:14)
Photo By Larisa Birta on Unsplash
Cover Photo By Heather Barnes on Unsplash
