Prophet Ibraheem (AS) is one of the most revered figures in Islamic history, known for his unwavering faith and devotion to Allah. As a prophet, he faced numerous challenges and hardships throughout his life, but his steadfastness and resilience continue to inspire Muslims around the world today.
In this article, we will explore five valuable life lessons that we can teach our kids from the example of Prophet Ibraheem (AS). These lessons are timeless and relevant to our lives, as they teach us how to navigate the challenges of the world with grace, courage, and faith. Whether you are facing personal struggles or seeking to deepen your spirituality, these lessons will help you to stay true to your convictions and emerge stronger than ever before.
1. Allow your child to be curious and inquisitive
As child, Prophet Ibraheem (AS) was known for his curiosity. He would often question the beliefs and practices of those around him, seeking knowledge and understanding about the world he lived in. This curiosity would shape his life and lead him to become one of the greatest prophets in Islamic history.
Prophet Ibraheem’s (AS) example teaches us the importance of being curious, especially when it comes to questioning people’s wrongdoings. In today’s world, it is all too easy to accept things at face value, without stopping to question their validity or morality. But by cultivating a spirit of curiosity and questioning, we can challenge harmful beliefs and practices, and work towards creating a better world for ourselves and future generations.
The Quran encourages us to seek knowledge and to ponder the signs of Allah’s creation. Curiosity is the driving force behind this search for knowledge, as it compels us to ask questions and seek answers. When we question things that seem wrong or unjust, we are taking an active role in shaping our own beliefs and encouraging positive change in the world.
Prophet Ibraheem’s (AS) curiosity was not simply a matter of idle questioning. It was a reflection of his deep commitment to truth and justice, and his unwavering faith in Allah. His example reminds us that curiosity is not just a personal trait, but a powerful tool for effecting positive change in the world.
2. Don’t fear or grieve when you are upon Allah’s path
Our kids might feel intimidated or scared to hold on to the path of Allah because of being labelled as “backward”, “close minded” or “out of touch with reality and modernity” by their friends at school. Satan always tries to sow seeds of doubt and inferiority in our minds, prodding us to do things that displeases Allah. This is where the example of Prophet Ibraheem (AS) comes into play. His life was full of challenges, but he faced them all with courage and resilience. One of the most remarkable events in his life was when he was thrown into a fire by the king of Babylon, Nimrod. Despite the danger and fear surrounding him, Prophet Ibraheem (AS) did not falter in his faith.
The king of Babylon, Nimrod, had ordered that anyone who challenged his authority should be thrown into a raging fire. When Prophet Ibraheem (AS) refused to bow down to Nimrod’s idols and continued to preach monotheism, he was thrown into the fire. The flames were so intense that even birds flying overhead would perish from the heat.
Despite the danger and fear surrounding him, Prophet Ibraheem (AS) did not hesitate or waver in his faith. He remained steadfast and submitted fully to Allah’s will. He had complete trust in Allah’s protection, and he knew that nothing could harm him without Allah’s permission. As a result, he did not fear or grieve, but instead remained calm and focused on his faith.
Allah says in the Quran, “We said, ‘O fire, be coolness and safety upon Ibraheem.'” (21:69). Indeed, Allah protected Prophet Ibraheem (AS) and saved him from the fire. The miracle of his survival was a clear sign of Allah’s power and mercy.
The story of Prophet Ibraheem (AS) being thrown into the fire teaches us an important lesson about faith. It shows us that when we are true to Allah and submit fully to His will, nothing can harm us without His permission. It also teaches us that Allah’s protection does not always come in the form of a physical shield, but that He can protect us from harm in many ways.
In our own lives, we may face challenges and struggles that seem insurmountable. We may feel overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, and may be tempted to give up on our faith. But the example of Prophet Ibraheem (AS) teaches us that faith and trust in Allah can help us overcome even the most difficult obstacles. By remaining steadfast in our beliefs and submitting fully to Allah’s will, we can emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.
3. Tawakkul gives you success in dunya and akhirah
Life is full of both ease and difficulties, and it is crucial that we remember to thank Allah during the good times and put our trust in Him during the hard times. By placing our complete trust in Allah, we can continue to strive towards finding ease even in the most challenging moments. This trust allows us to navigate life with hope, keeping Allah at the centre of our lives. With this mindset, we remain on track to achieve success both in this world and the hereafter.
Prophet Ibraheem’s (AS) ultimate goal was to please Allah and attain paradise in the hereafter. He knew that his success in this life was temporary and that the true reward lay in the hereafter. Therefore, he directed all his efforts towards pleasing Allah, and this is what made him successful in the eyes of Allah. His tawakkul gave him the strength and resilience to face the many challenges and hardships that he encountered throughout his life, such as being thrown into a fire and being commanded to sacrifice his own son.
Furthermore, his unwavering faith in Allah’s promises and ultimate justice allowed him to accept whatever trials and tribulations came his way. His commitment to Allah was so strong that he was even willing to sacrifice his own son, Ismail, when commanded by Allah to do so. Allah then replaced Ismail with a lamb as a sign of His mercy and approval. This act of obedience and trust in Allah’s plan earned Prophet Ibraheem (AS) the ultimate reward of being known as the “Friend of Allah.”
4. Never lose hope in your duas
Have you often wondered how you can make your kids understand the importance of dua and why we need to be persistent in making our duas, even when we don’t see immediate results? The story of Prophet Ibraheem (AS) is an excellent example to get started.
Prophet Ibraheem (AS) faced many challenges and trials throughout his life, but his unwavering faith in Allah and his constant reliance on Him helped him to overcome these difficulties. One of the most remarkable examples of this is when he and his wife, Sarah, were blessed with their son, Ishaq (AS), in their old age.
Prophet Ibraheem (AS) had longed for a child for many years, and he and Sarah had been unable to conceive. Despite this, he continued to put his trust in Allah and made continuous dua (supplication) to Him. He prayed to Allah to grant him a righteous son who would continue his legacy of monotheism and bring blessings to his family.
Allah answered his prayers and blessed him with Ishaq in his old age, as a sign of His mercy and favour upon Prophet Ibraheem (AS). This miraculous gift was a clear indication of how Allah rewards those who place their trust in Him and make dua with sincerity.
The story of Prophet Ibraheem (AS) and the blessing of Ishaq in his old age is a testament to the power of dua and tawakkul (trust in Allah). By making sincere dua and placing our complete trust in Allah’s plan, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve success both in this world and the hereafter.
5. Kindness and gentleness will take you places!
Prophet Ibraheem (AS) is known for his exemplary character, which includes his kindness and gentleness towards others, even in the face of adversity. Despite facing many trials and hardships throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his faith and maintained his gentle nature.
One reason for Prophet Ibraheem’s (AS) kindness and gentleness was his unwavering faith and trust in Allah. He believed that everything that happened to him was part of Allah’s plan, and he accepted it with humility and grace. This allowed him to maintain a positive outlook despite the many challenges he faced.
Another reason for his kindness and gentleness was his compassion for others. He had a deep concern for the well-being of those around him, and he went out of his way to help others, even if it meant putting his own needs aside. For example, he showed kindness and hospitality to strangers who came to his door, treating them with respect and generosity.
Teaching kids about the importance of kindness and gentleness is crucial in helping them become compassionate and empathetic individuals. Here are some tips on how to instill these values in your children:
- Lead by example: Children often learn best by observing the behaviors of adults around them. So, make sure that you demonstrate kindness and gentleness in your everyday interactions with others. This will give your child a positive example to follow.
- Point out kind and gentle behavior: When you see examples of kindness and gentleness, whether it be in real life or in books, point it out to your child. This helps to reinforce the value of these behaviors and encourages your child to emulate them.
- Encourage empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Encouraging your child to put themselves in other people’s shoes and consider things from their perspective can help them develop empathy, which in turn can lead to more kind and gentle behavior.
- Teach conflict resolution: Teach your child constructive ways to resolve conflicts without resorting to aggression or unkindness. For example, teach them to use “I” statements to express their feelings and encourage them to listen actively and respectfully to others.
- Praise kind and gentle behavior: When your child demonstrates kindness and gentleness, make sure to praise them for it. Positive reinforcement can help to solidify these behaviors as habits.
Over to you – let us know in the comment’s section what lessons you can derive from the life of Prophet Ibraheem (AS)!
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