Knowing Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wasallam)

Marking the children’s books is one of my favourite tasks as a student volunteer in a Primary school. It’s pretty interesting reading through the work of 8 year olds, and getting an insight into their innocent (or perhaps not so innocent) thoughts, ideas and perceptions.

One of the tasks that the children were assigned over the holidays was to write about a famous figure in history; someone who they found interesting and whose work had impacted the world in a positive way. Since 95% of the class is Muslim, I was hoping to see ‘Prophet Muhammad (s)’ there at the top. However,  as I began sifting through the work, I was surprised to find that only one child, out of a class of 30 so children, had chosen to write and research about the Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam). I was so excited to have a read of that one piece of work, but became disheartened when I found that only one or two lines had been written on this incredible person. And even that, was but a few words about his position as a prophet in Islam.

I'll admit, I was gutted.

How is it the case that whilst we are the chosen members of the Ummah of Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam), ourselves and our children no nothing or but little about him and the amazing things he did for us? Why is it that when our children are told to think of a role model, or someone who impacted the world in a positive manner, they don’t think of Allah’s Messenger? Why is it that today, eight year olds, have only a line or two to say about someone you could write volumes and volumes about? Yet, in our history, we hear about eight year olds who were teaching ahadith, fiqh, and other Islamic sciences, whilst undertaking great and mature tasks for Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi wasallam).

It's no doubt a good thing that these children are educated about other historical figures in the world and in history, yet their knowledge the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) is but a speck compared to their knowledge of other people, figures and celebrities.

Change begins from within. It begins in ourselves, and then our homes, in our children and then spreads to our communities. The stronger in faith and knowledgeable those in our homes become, the stronger and knowledgeable our communities will become, and the stronger and knowledgeable this world will become. It’s a matter of starting small – but starting somewhere. Its time we revived the legacy of our Messenger, especially in the hearts of our future and aspiring leaders. Those who have the potential to become beacons of light in this dark and cruel world. That is IF they are nurtured and taught their faith well. Well enough to go out there and spread it to the world.

Another reason to add to my 'Why I believe homeschooling outshines all other schooling systems' list.

#KnowingMuhammad #SalallahuAlayhWasallam #ANewGeneration #Children #Tarbiyyah