Educating Children According to the Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW

The Prophet Muhammad SAW, as the main role model in Islam, provided valuable guidance on how to educate children well. In an effort to produce a generation that is religious and beneficial to society, here are several ways to educate children according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW that you can apply in your daily life.

1. Introduce Religion from an Early Age

One of the main principles in educating children according to the teachings of the Prophet is to introduce religion from an early age. The Prophet taught the importance of teaching children about beliefs, prayers and religious practices from when they were young. This helps children understand Islamic values and forms a strong foundation in their faith.

QS. Rum Verse 30

In this verse, it is revealed that one effective way to educate children is to instill in them habits that are in line with Islamic teachings. These habits, if instilled from an early age, will take root in the child and stay with him until he becomes an adult. Therefore, efforts to familiarize children with good behavior are very important.

Allah Subḥānahu Wa Ta'ālā says

فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَتَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

It means:

“So turn your face straight towards the religion of Allah. Stick to the nature of Allah who has created humans according to that nature. There is no change in God's nature. That is the straight religion, but most people do not know.” (QS. Rum [30]: 30)

2. Give advice to educate first, don't get angry

Muhammad SAW always showed patience and forbearance in educating the people around him. When faced with a child's mistakes, it is better to give advice and teach rather than get angry. Providing gentle and loving understanding will make children feel safer to learn from their mistakes.

QS. Luqman Verse 13

In this verse, it is revealed that one effective approach in educating children is through giving advice. As was done by Luqman, who gave advice to his son to always unite with Allah and never associate anything with Him.

Allah Subḥānahu Wa Ta'ālā says

وَإِذْ قَالَ لُقْمَانُ لِابْنِهِ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُ يَابُنَيَّ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّ الشِّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ

It means:

"And remember when Luqman said to his son, when he gave him a lesson, 'O my son! "Do not associate partners with Allah, indeed to associate partners with Allah is truly great injustice." (QS. Luqman [31]: 13)

3. Teach him that every action he does must have a response

The Prophet taught that every action we make has consequences. Teach your children that every good or bad action will be rewarded by Allah SWT. This will help them understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and make them more positive-minded.

QS. Luqman Verse 16

This verse expresses the principle that every action, even as small as a mustard seed, will have consequences. Therefore, it is very important to teach this principle to children from an early age, so that they get used to doing good deeds and avoiding bad ones.

Allah Subḥānahu Wa Ta'ālā says

يَابُنَيَّ إِنَّهَا إِنْ تَكُ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِنْ خَرْدَلٍ فَتَكُنْ فِي صَخْرَةٍ أَوْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ أَوْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَأْتِ بِهَا اللَّهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٌ

It means:

"Luqman said, 'O my son! Indeed, if something is as heavy as a mustard seed and is embedded in a stone in the sky or on earth, Allah will surely reward it. Indeed, Allah is Most Subtle and Most Accurate." (QS. Luqman [31]: 16)

4. Teach you to always be devoted to your parents

Muhammad SAW really emphasized the importance of filial piety to parents. This includes giving them respect, love and good care. By making parents a priority, you teach children strong family values and deep respect for their elders.

QS. Luqman Verse 14

In this verse, it is emphasized that every child has the obligation to respect and be filial to both parents. Therefore, it is essential to teach our children these values from an early age, so that they will carry an attitude of filial piety towards their parents until they grow up later..

Allah Subḥānahu Wa Ta'ālā says

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَى وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ

It means:

“And We commanded humans to do good to their parents. His mother had conceived him in a state of increasing weakness, and weaned him at the age of two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents. Only to Me will your return be.” (QS. Luqman [31]: 14)

5. Teach children to pray

One of the important tasks in educating children according to the teachings of the Prophet is to teach them to pray. Muhammad SAW taught how important prayer is in the life of a Muslim. Teach your children how to pray and provide an understanding of the meaning and meaning contained in this worship.

QS. Luqman Verse 17

In this verse, it is explained how Luqman taught his children to always pray, behave well, and prevent bad actions.

Allah Subḥānahu Wa Ta'ālā says

يَابُنَيَّ أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَاصْبِرْ عَلَى مَا أَصَابَكَ إِنَّ ذَلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ

It means:

“O my son! Perform prayers and command people to do what is right and prevent them from doing evil and be patient with what happens to you. Indeed, this is an important matter." (QS. Luqman [31]: 17)

6. Use the Prophet Muhammad SAW as an example

One of the most effective ways to educate children according to the teachings of the Prophet is to use him as a role model. Tell stories about Muhammad SAW to your children, show how he behaved in everyday life, and teach the values he adhered to. This will help children see real examples of how to be a good Muslim.

QS. Al-Ahzab Verse 21

One of the guidelines for children's education contained in the Koran can be found in QS. Al-Ahzab verse 21. In this verse, it is revealed that one effective way to educate children is by providing role models. Just like Muhammad SAW who educated and guided his friends by providing good and inspiring examples.

Allah Subḥānahu Wa Ta'ālā says

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ

It means:

"Indeed, the Messenger of Allah has a good role model." (QS. Al-Ahzab [33]: 21).

In educating children according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, it is important to always provide good examples, gentle teaching and sincere love. By applying these principles to your daily life, you can help your children grow into individuals who are faithful, responsible, and beneficial to society.

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