How to Develop Your Family Ties With the Quran
ByTasnim Nazeer
Giving your children motivation and creating incentives can help build confidence and also make them feel special.
One of the greatest gifts of Allh to mankind is the revelation of the Quran and it is a Muslims source of guidance in his life.
By reading, listening, learning and reciting, we can truly benefit in this life and the next.
Therefore it is important for every Muslim to utilize his time and make reading the Quran a daily activity, for indeed The Quran will testify for or against us on the Day of Judgment.
But how can we practically integrate the Quran into our daily life and especially with our families?
Quran and the Family
Make the Quran a family event, and a cherished part of the day not a chore. Build excitement and enjoyment around the time you and your family spend with Quran. Days get so busy and fly by so set a time of a day that you will spend with your family and the Quran, even if it is just reading 2 pages after Fajr prayer at first and then you can increase once youve established a routine.
Reading, Reciting, Memorizing, Understanding, Implementing the Quran
Reading the Quran improves our intelligence as for many of us we will be reading in a script not familiar to us, and thus this challenges and pushes our mind. It is also an enjoyable activity to gather as a family to recite the Quran and test each others memorization. One can supplement this activity by reading a good translation or tafsir to understand the verses; and moreover, one can pick up a lesson or two from what was read and come up with a list of how to implement the verses in his daily life (For example spreading the salaams, feeding the poor, etc.). After all, the Quran was meant to be recited and acted upon and lived; Prophet Muhammad (sallAllhu 'alaihi wa salam) was like a walking and living Quran.
Some children and adults struggle to read the Quran, but the reward is abundant even if we are struggling and the reward is even greater when we are patient and persevere in sha Allh.
The solution is simply to read more and practice, even though it might be difficult at the beginning. The more you read, the more familiar you will become with Arabic and the vocabulary, and over time the reading will improve tremendously.
Prophet Muhammad (sallAllhu 'alaihi wa salam) said:
Verily the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward. (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
He (sallAllhu 'alaihi wa salam) also said:
The Quran is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire. (Al-Albani)
This hadith emphasizes the importance placed on the Quran in our lives as it will act as a guide for us in this world and an intercessor on the Day of Judgment when we will all be accountable for our deeds. If you neglect the Quran and do not acknowledge its importance then you have been warned about the consequences.
Teach the Noble Quran in the Community
| Giving your child knowledge of Islam and the Quran is truly one of the best (if not the best) gifts you could give your child. |
The Caliph Uthman (radiyAllhu anhu) said that the Prophet (sallAllhu 'alaihi wa salam) said:
"The best of you are the ones who learn the Quran and teach it to others. (Al-Bukhari)
If you are qualified, you can teach the Quran for example you can volunteer at an Islamic school or a mosque to teach the Arabic letters, or tajweed, or memorization. The rewards are many.
Give Your Children Islamic Knowledge from An Early Age
Enrolling your children in Quranic classes and Islamic studies can help them acquire the knowledge they need for success in this life and the hereafter, and perhaps give them the chance to teach it to others when they get older. Have high aims for your children and set them on the path to full memorization.
From an early age my parents sent me to the mosque to attend Quran classes and this has helped me today as a mother when I have to teach my children the Quran. Giving your child knowledge of Islam and the Quran is truly one of the best (if not the best) gifts you could give your child.
The Muslim scholar, Hasan Al-Basri said:Seeking knowledge at a young age is like engraving on a stone.
But its never too late. I have heard of seniors embarking on memorization; so regardless of your age, seek out memorization, tafsir (interpretation) or other Islamic studies classes.
Encourage Participation in Quran Recitation Competitions
Submerge your child in a fun Islamic environment where they are encouraged to excel in their faith, let them compete for good deeds. Some children who are confident may like to focus their time on competitions, but instead of focusing all their time on meaningless ones (eating contests, for example) you could encourage your child to participate in Quran Recitation competition. This will not only help them to learn new chapters but it will also encourage them to read out aloud and build their confidence in reciting Quran beautifully with eloquence. This will increase the childs excitement.
(Notes: If your child is shy, dont force him into a stressful situation for him/her where they will be uncomfortable and put off. Also make sure this isnt a source of showing off or upset every reciter of Quran at the event should be honored).
Provide Motivation and Incentives for Your Children
Giving your children motivation and creating incentives can help build confidence and also make them feel special. If they have memorized a chapter to the best of their ability then ensure that you give them the praise they deserve and encourage them with their achievements and learning. If children feel that they are being encouraged, they will be more likely to want to learn more and further their Quranic knowledge within the community. Why not show your approval and the pleasure that is attached to faith by planning a family outing or cooking their favorite meal for their good efforts?
The Quran is our healing, our mercy, and our guide how can we truly be successful if we turn away from the very fountain of wisdom, guidance, and success?We should all strive to engage our family in beneficial activities to work towards the mercy of Allh.
Source: Productive Muslim
