Q & A-islamonline.net

Q:
As Muslims, how can we introduce the Prophet’s legacy to our kids and youngsters?

A:
Dear sister Maha, Assalam Alaikum

The best way to introduce the legacy of Prophet Muhammad to our kids and youngsters is via studying the seerah (history or Biography) of the Prophet on a daily basis.

This can be done by reading and deducing the manners and morals embedded in the actions and sayings of the Prophet and applying them in our life.

Sharing the stories of the Prophet and how he used to deal with his grandsons Al-Hasan and Al-Husain and other young kids is also another means.


Q:
One of the distinguishing features of Muhammad’s Prophethood is his mercy. How can we make use of the Prophet’s mercy in our daily lives?

A:
Dear Hans,

There is a proverb that reads: "Charity begins at home." Therefore, if one is married, s/he should be merciful with his/her spouse and always be tolerant and give the other person the benefit of doubt. We should avoid jumping to conclusions and always accuse others and see their bad side of character. This is what Allah SWT states in the Qur'an concerning the relation between the spouses. Allah states that this relation is based on love and mercy. Look even at the word used to describe the intimate relationship between the husband and the wife when it used the word "libas" "They are libas for you and your are libas for them." The Arabic word "libas" means (body covering). I don't think there is any other way to describe the intimacy of the relationship in a better way. Such intimacy can only be consolidated via love and love will inevitably generate mercy and tolerance. Prophet Mhuammad said: "The best amongest you are the best to their wives and I am the best to my wives."

Second, parents should also exercise mercy in their relationship with their kids. They should inculcate this meaning through practicing it in the way they treat them. We should excuse them when they make a mistake. We should express our feelings towards them by using nice words and by offering them some of our time. We should not be overwhelmed by the materialistic life and think that money can buy everything. Money cannot buy happiness, love, health or kindness.

Third, we should remember that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Treat people as you like to be treated by people." If you are not treating your parents well, you will pay the price at the hands of your kids. Allah has made kindness to parents to be the second best act of worship in the sight of Allah next to worshiping Him alone and associating no partners when He says: "Wordhip Allah and don't associate partners with Him and be kind to your parents."

Finally, we should also be kind to our neighbors even if they are not Muslims and the best evidence is the Prophet's next door Jew neighbor who embraced Islam because of the benevolent behavior of the Prophet with him.

We should even be merciful towards the whole universe including inanimate objects, plants and animals, as this is the essence of the message of Islam. It is enough to know that a woman who was a prostitute who saw a dog that was about to die out of thirst and she took off her shoes and got water out of the well for the dog. As a result, her sins were forgiven. Yet another woman who trapped a cat without offering her food or letting her out will go to hell fire.