Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullaah
Brothers and sisters, there is no doubt that we all believe that it is an obligation to raise our children upon obedience to The Creator (Allaah) and The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam). However, after the Aid and Assistance of Allaah, we also must make a great deal of sacrifice and effort. Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) stated:
We cannot seek uprightness for the children, whilst we neglect them; rather we have to carry out the means that will lead them to uprightness. As for seeking uprightness for them without carrying out the means, then this would be a loss. ‘’Whoever sought an elevated station without hard work, then he would have already wasted a life span in seeking the impossible.’’ The means must be carried out if you want your young men to be nurtured upon goodness and uprightness. Show concern for them and exercise patience upon that which may come your way of exhaustion with regards to their affairs, for indeed this (effort) is carried in striving in the path of Allaah.
Patience must be exercised. It would be far- fetched to desire that one’s son should become upright when one is complacent. One must exercise patience, hope for Allaah’s reward and have a righteous intention. If you carry out the upright means, then indeed Allaah does not cause to go to loss the reward of the doer of good. Allaah (The Most High) said:
وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱتَّبَعَتۡہُمۡ ذُرِّيَّتُہُم بِإِيمَـٰنٍ أَلۡحَقۡنَا بِہِمۡ ذُرِّيَّتَہُمۡ وَمَآ أَلَتۡنَـٰهُم مِّنۡ عَمَلِهِم مِّن شَىۡءٍ۬ۚ كُلُّ ٱمۡرِىِٕۭ بِمَا كَسَبَ رَهِينٌ۬
‘’And those who believe and whose offspring follow them in Eemaan: to them shall We join their offspring, and We shall not decrease the reward of their deeds in anything. Every person is a pledge for that which he has earned’’. (52:21)
The Shaikh (may Allaah preserve him) also said:
The youth of the nation are the foundation of humanity upon which the nation is made to stand firm; and the young men are the successive generation to shoulder the responsibilities after their fathers. They possess bodily strength and are thoughtful, and they possess new talent not possessed by the elders. The elders possess wisdom and experience and the youth possess strength and vigour. Therefore, if the youth and the elders co-operate for the advancement of the nation, a lot of good will result from that. On the other hand, if the youth disassociate from their fathers and elders, the devils amongst mankind and jinn will come in between them and their affairs; so, the youth will naturally drift away, the end result of which is detrimental to the nation.
The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) also said: ”Amongst the seven whom Allaah will protect with His Shade on the day when there would be no shade but His Shade, is a young man who grew up in the worship of Allaah.”
If he (or she) grew up in the worship of Allaah and was not overtaken by youthful excitement and the whims that lead the youth towards sin; rather he (or she) overcame that through obedience to Allaah, he (or she) will receive this honour on the day of judgement. Allaah will provide him (or her) with shade on that day of severe heat when the sun will be brought close. (On the) day when the people are drenched in sweat, Allaah will provide a group of people amongst mankind with Shade and included amongst them will be young man (or young woman) who grew up in the worship of Allaah.
It is obligatory upon the fathers to nurture their sons (and daughters) upon obedience to Allaah. They are to nurture them until they grow up upon righteousness. However, if they are neglected, they will be nurtured upon heedlessness and the youthful whims, and thus become lost in society. [1]
Brothers and sisters, the need for a school upon the authentic Sunnah (in Manchester) cannot be overemphasized; rather we owe it to our children. Likewise, there is no doubt that all of us would like to share the rewards when the boys and girls in our communities take up the task of educating future generations. However, this requires a sincere intention and a lot of effort. Help us establish this school for the sake of Allaah and share in the reward In-Shaa-Allaah. Do not belittle any amount you can afford. We ask Allaah to facilitate ease and make this project a success..Aameen.
**Important Update** – URGENT! Building Found and Funds Needed as Soon as Possible
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[1]Quotes from Booklet Titled: ‘Tawjeehaat Muhimmah Li-Shabaabil Ummah’ by Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan
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