Timing and Importance of Basic Education
In Islamic morality, a child’s education should begin at a young age when their mind and heart are still pure. Sheikh Sadi-i Shirazi says, “You bend the sapling as you wish; but it is necessary to expose the dry twig to fire to straighten it,” indicating that it is almost impossible for someone who does not receive upbringing in childhood to be reformed when they grow up. After a child turns ten, rules of privacy should be taught and they should be protected from bad environments. Fathers, even if they love their children very much, should not raise them to be overly spoiled and pampered. A child raised with indulgence and without hardship will quickly collapse when faced with the harsh realities of life 36, 37. Sometimes praising and encouraging a child in the learning age, and at other times giving warnings when necessary, is the best teaching method for the teacher/father.
Making Them Skilled and Having a Profession
Material wealth and inherited gold will eventually disappear. As Sadi-i Shirazi emphasizes, “Even if you have as much treasure as Karun, teach your child an art or skill; because the passage of time will take him from place to place.” A child who has a craft in hand will not beg and suffer humiliation. Abdulqadir Geylani also commands that children must be given a profession when they grow up and encouraged to earn their own living. Thus, moral individuals are raised who earn their livelihood through honest means and benefit society. The greatest legacy parents can leave is not property but an honest profession and strong morals taught to their child.
The Family’s Influence on the Spiritual Journey
Having a family and providing for them is a sacred duty. However, this duty should not prevent one from remembering God and preparing for the afterlife. Geylani (may Allah be pleased with him) states that there are limits to working for the sustenance of children; he warns, “Do not put worship aside in order to expand your livelihood” 17, 38. Spouse and children should not become a temptation (trial) that leads a person away from God. You must teach your family contentment, provide them with what they need, and then strive for obedience to the Lord. Otherwise, your family will be of no benefit to you in the abode of the hereafter. The wise believer raises his children to serve God and binds his heart only to his Lord.