Have Fun with your family: the forgotten #Parenting #family virtues of our Muslim righteous predecessors

 

Abdullah bin Umar said, “I am amazed at a man whom, when he is with his family, is playful like a child; but when others transgress (outside of the home), you will find a true man!”

Zaid bin Thabit is one of the greatest scholars of Qur’an among the companions of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Yet, he wais among the funniest people in his home. But outside the home, he is among the manliest of men (i.e. strict and firm)! ("Syarhus sunnah", Imam Al-Baghawi)

THIS is how the companions used to understand the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ: “the best of you is those who are best towards his family, and I am the best of you”! (ibn Majah) 

Makes sense, right? Of all people in the world, who are the ones most deserving of our kindness, generosity, gentleness & good conduct? 

This is, unfortunately, the opposite of what we observe in many amongst us today. You will find certain people, are very friendly & respectful in treating their clients, bosses, & colleagues, able to put up with all sorts of negative behavior to maintain good professional relationships. 

Yet, towards their own families, their wives or their children, they are harsh, temperamental, impatient, & disrespectful. 

At the end of the day, how you treat the people closest to you will be the closest representation of your true, authentic self: Minus the superficial titles, ranks, and authorities we have in the workplace or society, or the “need” to appease others just to “keep our job” or have a good superficial “reputation” in the sight of others.

 

So my dear fellow dads and mums, let’s go back to our roots. Make good on this lockdown to spend Quality time with our loved ones and those who matter most. When it’s time play and/or learning with our little ones, or meal times and conversations with the family, let’s fully commit ourselves to the role: Be present. No phones, social media or work distractions. 

These are moments which you will regret not spending more time with, when we grow older, or when they pass away. 

May Allah make our families the coolness of our eyes and make US a coolness for them.