EDUCATING Your Child 2

[bamalli]

Case 3: multi-case observation

I was recently talking to a student of the AL class, who is learning physics. I jokingly questioned him about his module called quantum physics. He laughed because to him it made no sense in real life. So this information that he has gained or stored in his memory is not of any use to him, although he has paid a lot of cash to get this information. When I turned serious and asked him as to why he is doing such a subject, he responded – "What else is there to learn?". Subhanallaah.

The same goes to all those AL business studies students who are thoroughly brainwashed, or should I say brain-damaged with a stupid theory of demand, supply and elasticity. When these young adults leave school, they have no knowledge of productive work, but joining a bank, insurance company or other similar financial institution.

During an AL class, I asked the students if they have learned about the solar system. I was not startled at their response when they began firing answers such as sun-centered system, and continued with names of different planets, etc.

Now it was my turn and I knew somehow that they were in for shock. So I put my question to them after silence had settled in. I asked them, in plain, non-technical English, how many of them could find the north looking at the night sky – i.e., the starts. They broke out with a question of surprise – "is that really possible? How could you do such a thing?" so I took advantage of my stance and justified that what they have learned is worthless information and not real knowledge. I did not of course stop with that but continued to explain that I don't believe in the scientific theory of a stationary sun... I took this as an opportunity to convey what Islam teaches.

Analysis:
·        The students are indeed instant slaves of the system
·        They have no initiative – because they are taught to lose it
·        Their choice of subjects is limited so that they fit in the system more easily
·        Most of what they are given as knowledge is of no worth.
·        True knowledge is sometimes difficult for them to accept or absorb.
·        True knowledge in certain cases contradicts the theories that they are being taught.

Case 4:

A few years ago, a certain fresher asked me about joining a MUSLIM COMMERCIAL BANK – he tried to justify his actions because of the tag MUSLIM on the ad. So I asked him, what about the 14% interest offered by that bank on savings accounts. He was lost for an answer.

Analysis:
·        We deduce a conclusive point here that when one is unable to think of a productive thing to do for a living (because of his education) he'll settle for anything, good or evil, and even go to the extent of justifying his actions.



The damaging trend

Most parents may observe a pattern in their relationship with children today.

·        They spend less time talking to them about their problems or events.
·        The children spend more time memorizing facts (data) and preparing for exams
·        So the children get less involved in the affairs of the home
·        They are being moulded as baits for the next fishing season.
·        When they complete secondary education, they will be ready to be the slaves of the SYSTEM
·        These children often have lesser concern for religion – if at all, in most cases, superficial.
·        Less religious concern is supplemented by less bondage to family members. In the mean time, parents lose control over their children.
·        The time they spend memorizing data is so much that they neglect looking after their parents
·        The method of reinforcement is such that they stay till late night doing so-called assignments in order to BEAT the deadline.
·        False competition is created and they become very self-centered.
·        Religion becomes a secondary, if not, an absent issue and they try to mould their lives on the mostly hypothetical data that they choke up.
·        Ultimately, they don't know what to do with the facts that they have gathered in their stores
·        An extension of this trend is seen when these youth compete in false standards and university education
·        Ultimately they either fall prey in full to the system or give up half way through. Then they are identified as failures or those "needing help".

What is the base for a good educational system?

I strongly believe that religion has to be the core that moulds and disciplines a person. I don't mean it in the conventional manner. Rather, it is where the individual is able to relate each and every action of his to the real world through religion. When everything is gone, he should still have religion, the formula of survival and revival. The base that supports a person. He should see that the almighty is always with him to guide him through his affairs.

Using this as the core, one can step into several branches of study, ensuring that what is gained through the different fields always falls in line with religion. This becomes disciplined education with a purpose. Thus one realizes the purpose of creation and its true meaning. Thus one is able to value what is gained as true knowledge that can be put into use in this world and be of benefit for the next.

The formula

To assist us in planning for successful religious and educational development, I have outlined a strategy as follows:

1.      Before a child is born, make sure we as parents are ready for it,
a.      by studying religious issues that are relevant to bringing up children
b.     by learning and practicing religion honestly and not superficially, to the best of our abilities
c.      by learning from the mistakes of others and their success stories
d.     by discussing anticipated issues and how to tackle them.
2.      When a child is born implement FULLY what has been learned and keep in mind our objective of pleasing the almighty and thanking Him for His favours
3.      Continuously practice religious duties correctly such as prayer and Al-Qur'aan recitation in the presence of the child. This is meant to be a rehearsal for them and they start memorizing and imitating the parent
4.      Encourage the child when he imitates the parent in religious acts and household chores. You will notice that children pretend to offer prayer and recite the noble book even though they don't really understand what they are doing.
5.      Children start questioning – it is their tool of learning. Encourage questioning where it should be done and tactfully discourage it when it is irrelevant. But don't keep answers pending because they are going to ask the wrong people.
6.      Teach kids the prayers and their meanings with purpose for –
a.      going to bed
b.     waking up
c.      going to the bathroom
d.     greeting – whom to greet and the benefits, etc
7.      Gradually build up on this and give them credit for their good conduct. Encourage them to increase their good manners and help others
8.      When the time is right, start teaching the children how to read the ARABIC alphabet and then the Qur'aan
9.      DON'T put your child in a school, daycare center or nursery of ANY KIND until he is at least 4 ½ years old. Forget school calendars, rules of the people, etc. Forget the worldly rules, and those set by relatives and friends. Take advice from those who use religion as their base
10. When it is time, put your child in a school that has religion as the base. Don't worry about fees. Allaah is the provider. He is al-Razzaaq. If you can't find such a school, educate your child at home. Allaah is the one who guides us.
11. Guide your child about the choice of subjects he has to offer. Talk to the school to implement specific subjects of benefit. But DON'T overload the child.
12. Each child has his own pace. Don't expect to see all at the same level. Some pick up late. Some need to accelerate but don't always give them what they ask for. You are the adult, you set the limits. If you find this difficult, talk to someone who can help you out in defining the limits.
13. If your child is being taught something that you think contradicts religion, talk to the head of the school and those concerned. If this is not going to solve the problem, take your child out of that school – easy said than done. But no, it is easy to do as well.
14. When your child starts picking up in his mother tongue, make sure that you give him compulsory language study in Arabic. If not, make Arabic his mother tongue.
15. Encourage your child to relate from what he learns and teach him the use of tools for carrying out different types of work.
16. If your child is in your presence when you work, let him observe you. Perhaps this may give him a liking for the work that you do. It could help him decide what he needs to do for his career.
17. Periodically, give the child a change, only to observe how he responds to different situations. Let him mix with different people – under observation of course. Let him join you on a trip. Let him visit orphans or poor. All for a lesson.
18. Encourage your child in a sport that is useful. Explain to him the benefit of sports to the mind and body.
19. Keep regular informal conversations with your child.
20. Always be firm but very open and reachable. This way your child would talk to you rather than to a stranger about his problems, insha Allaah.

All success is from Allaah.

Compiled with the help of the Almighty,
By: M.I.Z. Khalid, 09 April 2005.