TEACHING ERRORS
Thul Hijjah 13/1,429
Mississauga, Canada
By sister (Cristina) Mariam Ignat
TEACHING ERRORS
This topic is of utmost importance because it can affect the future generations of the ummah.
Did you generally notice that our children like to go to the (kaafir) schools, but they do not like to go to madrasah (or Islamic classes)? Unfortunately the opposite to this statement (children like to go to madrasah and not school) is very rare. Did you ever wonder why this is all happening? Are you parents/ teachers/ educators worried of what is happening to our children? This article explores the parents-teachers-students relationships in the role of educating our Muslim children in the deen and what may be the factors which drive children out of the religion.
EVERY CHILD IS A MUSLIM:
It is clear in Islam that every child is born in the fitra, as a Muslim; thereafter, the parents change his natural disposition to worship Allah alone and without any partners based on their own biases and things they were taught in the past. There is the proof from Qur’an and Hadith:
Narrated Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle said, "Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) but his parents convert him to Judaism, Christianity or Magainism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?" Then Abu Huraira recited the holy verses: "The pure Allah's Islamic nature (true faith of Islam) (i.e. worshipping none but Allah) with which He has created human beings. No change let there be in the religion of Allah (i.e. joining none in worship with Allah). That is the straight religion (Islam) but most of men know, not." (30.30) (Sahih Bukhari, Book #23, Hadith #441)
THE MUSLIM PARENTS:
Unfortunately, we have reached a stage where most of the Muslim parents try to change a child’s natural disposition based on whatever biases they may have. This is due to the major state of Jahilia (ignorance) most parents find themselves in. The unfortunate reality of our Muslim ummah is that most mothers or fathers have very limited knowledge of religion – therefore, it is very difficult for them to give that child true Islam. Even when the knowledge is there, the problem is the desire to practice what they preach is lacking – due to the reality of worshipping the dunia in whatever of its aspects (such as buying apartment/house or car on interest, slave of clothes, food, etc.)
Also, an effect of colonialism in many Muslim countries is that many people look towards the Western culture as a panacea for solving there problems, forgetting that Islam has an answer for everything in our lives. What the kufaar governments did whenever they ruled in Muslim countries was that they “attacked” primarily the personality of the Muslim woman in terms of what she is supposed to do (how to talk, dress, work, learn, teach, etc.) and propagated anti-Muslim ideas in regards to her lifestyle; therefore, by destroying the Muslim woman’s thinking they succeeded in destroying entire generations of Muslims – and get them Westernized. How many hours are being spent on TV by housewives on non-sense programs (such as dramas, TV series, etc.) – which really is the call of Shaitan?
In Muslim countries, Islamic schools are very cheap to send the kids to – but the English/ French school s are the expensive schools because they can get you a “better job” in the dunia. On the other hand, what is the proportion of schools where Arabic is being taught and given importance as the language of the Qur’an and our deen? The curriculum in public schools in Islamic countries is primarily based on the colonial model, therefore Islamic studies are given hardly any importance or enough hours of learning.
As it currently stands, the majority of parents have to rely on the few teachers of religion to impart whatever religious knowledge they may get to their children.
THE BLESSINGS OF KNOWLEDGE
It is of utmost importance that we teach the children the Deen, as to preserve our Muslim identity and ensure future generations of strong Muslims. Here are some hadeeth, which emphasize the importance of learning and teaching Islamic knowledge.
Narrated Muawiya(RA) : I heard Allah's Apostle (saaw) saying, "If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion. I am just a distributor, but the grant is from Allah. (And remember) that this nation (true Muslims) will keep on following Allah's teachings strictly and they will not be harmed by any one going on a different path till Allah's order (Day of Judgment) is established." (Sahih Bukhari, Book #3, Hadith #71)
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (RA) : The Prophet said, "Do not wish to be like anyone except in two cases. (The first is) A person, whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously; (the second is) the one whom Allah has given wisdom (the Holy Qur'an) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others." (Sahih Bukhari, Book #3, Hadith #73)
Narrated Abu Huraira: I said: "O Allah's Apostle! Who will be the luckiest person, who will gain your intercession on the Day of Resurrection?" Allah's Apostle said: O Abu Huraira! "I have thought that none will ask me about it before you as I know your longing for the (learning of) Hadiths. The luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said sincerely from the bottom of his heart "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah." And 'Umar bin 'Abdul 'Aziz wrote to Abu Bakr bin Hazm, "Look for the knowledge of Hadith and get it written, as I am afraid that religious knowledge will vanish and the religious learned men will pass away (die). Do not accept anything save the Hadiths of the Prophet. Circulate knowledge and teach the ignorant, for knowledge does not vanish except when it is kept secretly (to oneself)." (Book #3, Hadith #98)
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: The Prophet said, "Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence, and tell others the stories of Bani Israel (which have been taught to you), for it is not sinful to do so. And whoever tells a lie on me intentionally, will surely take his place in the (Hell) Fire." (Book #56, Hadith #667)
Narrated Uthman bin Affan: The Prophet said, "The most superior among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it." (Book #61, Hadith #546)
THE MUSLIM TEACHERS (OF DEEN) & TEACHING ERORS
I currently live in Canada – as I tried to educate my daughter and give Islam as a way of life – Allah wanted it so that she ended up having numerous teachers of diverse Islamic backgrounds, some of whom she was more attached than others. I also went with her for a few years in a row to her madrasah classes, so that I myself could learn some knowledge; especially as a reverted Muslim I had to start with zero knowledge right from learning the Arabic alphabet. There I also met students from the different backgrounds, from the subcontinent (India, Pakistan) to Middle East to Africa, etc. – each of them carrying some different concepts about the way to teach and learn Islam, based on whatever experience they had previously, whether from their Muslim country or Canadian based.
Although I do not have much knowledge in the deen, I was a teacher of secular subjects before and I worked in both public and Islamic schools and that gives me a good insight in understanding some aspects on teaching.
Overall, all teachers I met had good intentions, Alhamdulilah – whether I worked with them directly or indirectly.
However, one of the major problems I saw is that many teachers, in spite of their good intentions, manage to drive away the desire to learn from many children because of the wrong methodology of teaching . For example, one of the major problems is that children are still being taught in the West the way they were being “taught” back home – by being very strict and get some “beating” if they cannot learn something. Also, I have seen and stopped teachers from slapping kids (on the face – which is Haraam) or beating them with the stick, etc. The point is – what are you beating them for? Who is really a Muslim? (the child as we know is on the fitra, but we have to ask ourselves – are we really a Muslim, or what kind of Muslim we are). Is this the Way Prophet Muhammad (saaw) taught? Is being extremely strict a way of teaching? – up to the point the kids want to run away from madrasah and enjoy the Kaafir(public) schools? In the West we have a second major problem because we Muslims have to also compete with the public “education system”, who are mostly Kaafirs teaching all the wrong anti-Islamic values to our kids – but the smile and make it all fun.
What is the problem – brother or sister, when the kid wants to run away from the masjid and stay home to watch a video game, etc.? This is the question all teachers should ask themselves – am I making students learn for the sake of Allah or am I driving them away? And stop the beating or whatever you are doing majorly wrong because you do not know which child can go into Kufr because of what you did (Authu Billah) – meanwhile we all “feel safe with Allah” because we are “teaching the kids”. This does not mean that kids should not be disciplined in any way – we can be firm – but not up to the point where students are running away from the Deen.
TEACHING SOLUTIONS:
As we know, Islam is a simple way of life and we should make the religion easy – so that everyone can take whatever they can/want from the knowledge, according to their knowledge and submission to the Lord.
WHO IS THE MUSLIM TEACHER?
Prophet Muhammad (saaw) was our best teacher and sent as a mercy to mankind:
“And We have sent you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him) not but as a mercy for all the worlds.” (Al-Anbiyâ 21:107)
“Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allâh. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves.” (Muhammad 48:29)
Narrated Malik: We came to the Prophet and stayed with him for twenty days and nights. We were all young and of about the same age. The Prophet was very kind and merciful. When he realized our longing for our families, he asked about our homes and the people there and we told him. Then he asked us to go back to our families and stay with them and teach them (the religion) and to order them to do good things. He also mentioned some other things which I have (remembered or) forgotten. The Prophet then added, "Pray as you have seen me praying and when it is the time for the prayer one of you should pronounce the Adhan and the oldest of you should lead the prayer. (Book #11, Hadith #604)
WHO WILL BE SHOWN MERCY?
“Allâh will show mercy to those who show mercy to people. Show mercy to those who are on the earth, the One Who is in the Heaven will show mercy to you.”
“People of Paradise are three: (1) a leader who is generous, spends in charity and is guided to the right course; (2) a man who is compassionate, kind to every relative and every Muslim and (3) a poor person who is virtuous and has dependants.” (Muslim)
The Prophet’s manner (saaw) was impeccable and had patience even with the most difficult of people; his manners were also why so many people became Muslims.
Do we thus try to resemble anything from the manners we know in Islam, as to attract these children to the right guidance? Do we explain an issue many times in a row – until the child really understands the concept before we rush to apply any sort of punishment? Do we have any patience? As far as I noticed, in general Muslims manage to break each others’ hearts more than the kufaar – and even within the family structure – if we can call nowadays whatever we have as a real Muslim family (by trying to truly submit to their Lord). Do we have any of the mercy and compassion necessary of teaching anything, especially the Deen?
With this in mind, I let anyone reflect on the way they teach and learn and may Allah bless those who try his best for His sake. May Allah guide all of us on the Right Path and change us to be effective teachers and students for His Sake. Ameen.
===========================================
for any comments, questions or concerns - please email sister mariam at cristinna&@yahoo.com
Mississauga, Canada
By sister (Cristina) Mariam Ignat
TEACHING ERRORS
This topic is of utmost importance because it can affect the future generations of the ummah.
Did you generally notice that our children like to go to the (kaafir) schools, but they do not like to go to madrasah (or Islamic classes)? Unfortunately the opposite to this statement (children like to go to madrasah and not school) is very rare. Did you ever wonder why this is all happening? Are you parents/ teachers/ educators worried of what is happening to our children? This article explores the parents-teachers-students relationships in the role of educating our Muslim children in the deen and what may be the factors which drive children out of the religion.
EVERY CHILD IS A MUSLIM:
It is clear in Islam that every child is born in the fitra, as a Muslim; thereafter, the parents change his natural disposition to worship Allah alone and without any partners based on their own biases and things they were taught in the past. There is the proof from Qur’an and Hadith:
Narrated Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle said, "Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) but his parents convert him to Judaism, Christianity or Magainism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?" Then Abu Huraira recited the holy verses: "The pure Allah's Islamic nature (true faith of Islam) (i.e. worshipping none but Allah) with which He has created human beings. No change let there be in the religion of Allah (i.e. joining none in worship with Allah). That is the straight religion (Islam) but most of men know, not." (30.30) (Sahih Bukhari, Book #23, Hadith #441)
THE MUSLIM PARENTS:
Unfortunately, we have reached a stage where most of the Muslim parents try to change a child’s natural disposition based on whatever biases they may have. This is due to the major state of Jahilia (ignorance) most parents find themselves in. The unfortunate reality of our Muslim ummah is that most mothers or fathers have very limited knowledge of religion – therefore, it is very difficult for them to give that child true Islam. Even when the knowledge is there, the problem is the desire to practice what they preach is lacking – due to the reality of worshipping the dunia in whatever of its aspects (such as buying apartment/house or car on interest, slave of clothes, food, etc.)
Also, an effect of colonialism in many Muslim countries is that many people look towards the Western culture as a panacea for solving there problems, forgetting that Islam has an answer for everything in our lives. What the kufaar governments did whenever they ruled in Muslim countries was that they “attacked” primarily the personality of the Muslim woman in terms of what she is supposed to do (how to talk, dress, work, learn, teach, etc.) and propagated anti-Muslim ideas in regards to her lifestyle; therefore, by destroying the Muslim woman’s thinking they succeeded in destroying entire generations of Muslims – and get them Westernized. How many hours are being spent on TV by housewives on non-sense programs (such as dramas, TV series, etc.) – which really is the call of Shaitan?
In Muslim countries, Islamic schools are very cheap to send the kids to – but the English/ French school s are the expensive schools because they can get you a “better job” in the dunia. On the other hand, what is the proportion of schools where Arabic is being taught and given importance as the language of the Qur’an and our deen? The curriculum in public schools in Islamic countries is primarily based on the colonial model, therefore Islamic studies are given hardly any importance or enough hours of learning.
As it currently stands, the majority of parents have to rely on the few teachers of religion to impart whatever religious knowledge they may get to their children.
THE BLESSINGS OF KNOWLEDGE
It is of utmost importance that we teach the children the Deen, as to preserve our Muslim identity and ensure future generations of strong Muslims. Here are some hadeeth, which emphasize the importance of learning and teaching Islamic knowledge.
Narrated Muawiya(RA) : I heard Allah's Apostle (saaw) saying, "If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion. I am just a distributor, but the grant is from Allah. (And remember) that this nation (true Muslims) will keep on following Allah's teachings strictly and they will not be harmed by any one going on a different path till Allah's order (Day of Judgment) is established." (Sahih Bukhari, Book #3, Hadith #71)
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (RA) : The Prophet said, "Do not wish to be like anyone except in two cases. (The first is) A person, whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously; (the second is) the one whom Allah has given wisdom (the Holy Qur'an) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others." (Sahih Bukhari, Book #3, Hadith #73)
Narrated Abu Huraira: I said: "O Allah's Apostle! Who will be the luckiest person, who will gain your intercession on the Day of Resurrection?" Allah's Apostle said: O Abu Huraira! "I have thought that none will ask me about it before you as I know your longing for the (learning of) Hadiths. The luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said sincerely from the bottom of his heart "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah." And 'Umar bin 'Abdul 'Aziz wrote to Abu Bakr bin Hazm, "Look for the knowledge of Hadith and get it written, as I am afraid that religious knowledge will vanish and the religious learned men will pass away (die). Do not accept anything save the Hadiths of the Prophet. Circulate knowledge and teach the ignorant, for knowledge does not vanish except when it is kept secretly (to oneself)." (Book #3, Hadith #98)
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: The Prophet said, "Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence, and tell others the stories of Bani Israel (which have been taught to you), for it is not sinful to do so. And whoever tells a lie on me intentionally, will surely take his place in the (Hell) Fire." (Book #56, Hadith #667)
Narrated Uthman bin Affan: The Prophet said, "The most superior among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it." (Book #61, Hadith #546)
THE MUSLIM TEACHERS (OF DEEN) & TEACHING ERORS
I currently live in Canada – as I tried to educate my daughter and give Islam as a way of life – Allah wanted it so that she ended up having numerous teachers of diverse Islamic backgrounds, some of whom she was more attached than others. I also went with her for a few years in a row to her madrasah classes, so that I myself could learn some knowledge; especially as a reverted Muslim I had to start with zero knowledge right from learning the Arabic alphabet. There I also met students from the different backgrounds, from the subcontinent (India, Pakistan) to Middle East to Africa, etc. – each of them carrying some different concepts about the way to teach and learn Islam, based on whatever experience they had previously, whether from their Muslim country or Canadian based.
Although I do not have much knowledge in the deen, I was a teacher of secular subjects before and I worked in both public and Islamic schools and that gives me a good insight in understanding some aspects on teaching.
Overall, all teachers I met had good intentions, Alhamdulilah – whether I worked with them directly or indirectly.
However, one of the major problems I saw is that many teachers, in spite of their good intentions, manage to drive away the desire to learn from many children because of the wrong methodology of teaching . For example, one of the major problems is that children are still being taught in the West the way they were being “taught” back home – by being very strict and get some “beating” if they cannot learn something. Also, I have seen and stopped teachers from slapping kids (on the face – which is Haraam) or beating them with the stick, etc. The point is – what are you beating them for? Who is really a Muslim? (the child as we know is on the fitra, but we have to ask ourselves – are we really a Muslim, or what kind of Muslim we are). Is this the Way Prophet Muhammad (saaw) taught? Is being extremely strict a way of teaching? – up to the point the kids want to run away from madrasah and enjoy the Kaafir(public) schools? In the West we have a second major problem because we Muslims have to also compete with the public “education system”, who are mostly Kaafirs teaching all the wrong anti-Islamic values to our kids – but the smile and make it all fun.
What is the problem – brother or sister, when the kid wants to run away from the masjid and stay home to watch a video game, etc.? This is the question all teachers should ask themselves – am I making students learn for the sake of Allah or am I driving them away? And stop the beating or whatever you are doing majorly wrong because you do not know which child can go into Kufr because of what you did (Authu Billah) – meanwhile we all “feel safe with Allah” because we are “teaching the kids”. This does not mean that kids should not be disciplined in any way – we can be firm – but not up to the point where students are running away from the Deen.
TEACHING SOLUTIONS:
As we know, Islam is a simple way of life and we should make the religion easy – so that everyone can take whatever they can/want from the knowledge, according to their knowledge and submission to the Lord.
WHO IS THE MUSLIM TEACHER?
Prophet Muhammad (saaw) was our best teacher and sent as a mercy to mankind:
“And We have sent you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him) not but as a mercy for all the worlds.” (Al-Anbiyâ 21:107)
“Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allâh. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves.” (Muhammad 48:29)
Narrated Malik: We came to the Prophet and stayed with him for twenty days and nights. We were all young and of about the same age. The Prophet was very kind and merciful. When he realized our longing for our families, he asked about our homes and the people there and we told him. Then he asked us to go back to our families and stay with them and teach them (the religion) and to order them to do good things. He also mentioned some other things which I have (remembered or) forgotten. The Prophet then added, "Pray as you have seen me praying and when it is the time for the prayer one of you should pronounce the Adhan and the oldest of you should lead the prayer. (Book #11, Hadith #604)
WHO WILL BE SHOWN MERCY?
“Allâh will show mercy to those who show mercy to people. Show mercy to those who are on the earth, the One Who is in the Heaven will show mercy to you.”
“People of Paradise are three: (1) a leader who is generous, spends in charity and is guided to the right course; (2) a man who is compassionate, kind to every relative and every Muslim and (3) a poor person who is virtuous and has dependants.” (Muslim)
The Prophet’s manner (saaw) was impeccable and had patience even with the most difficult of people; his manners were also why so many people became Muslims.
Do we thus try to resemble anything from the manners we know in Islam, as to attract these children to the right guidance? Do we explain an issue many times in a row – until the child really understands the concept before we rush to apply any sort of punishment? Do we have any patience? As far as I noticed, in general Muslims manage to break each others’ hearts more than the kufaar – and even within the family structure – if we can call nowadays whatever we have as a real Muslim family (by trying to truly submit to their Lord). Do we have any of the mercy and compassion necessary of teaching anything, especially the Deen?
With this in mind, I let anyone reflect on the way they teach and learn and may Allah bless those who try his best for His sake. May Allah guide all of us on the Right Path and change us to be effective teachers and students for His Sake. Ameen.
===========================================
for any comments, questions or concerns - please email sister mariam at cristinna&@yahoo.com
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