“Nurturing Eeman in Children”
Author: Dr. Aisha Hamdan
Pages: 223
Publisher: International Islamic Publishing House
Availability: Dawah Books, Phase 5, DHA, Karachi
One of the greatest gifts Allah (swt) has bestowed on us is our children. Along with the joys of parenthood, Allah (swt) has also placed on us the responsibility of raising our offspring as righteous Muslims and good human beings. In today’s world, where the family structure is falling apart, technology is stealing the time spent on human interaction, and morals and values are declining, the task of parenting is more challenging than ever before.
“Nurturing Eeman in Children” stands apart from the mainstream literature of parenting with its unique approach to parenting – above all the other aspects of religion, it emphasizes the importance of instilling in children a strong connection to their Creator (swt) and a love for the religion that He (swt) has chosen for them.
The book consists of three main parts: 1) The Foundation of Nurturing Eeman in Children, 2) Connecting Children to the Pillars of Eeman, 3) Developing an Islamic Personality and 4) Environmental Factors. Every part is subdivided into several chapters, which investigate each topic in greater detail, covering all the major aspects of Islam. So for instance, in part one we learn about Aqeedah, Eeman and Ihsan, the responsibility and basics of parenting, knowledge and education in Islam, and Fitrah (the innate nature of children). Part four focuses on the different factors of home, peer and community environments.
Dr. Hamdan describes the purpose of her book in the following way: “This is a call to teach our children how to be genuine believers rather than simply Muslims by name.” – By Laila Brence
“Aazad Bachay Aazad Waldain”
(Independent Children Independent Parents)
Author: Zahoor-uddin Khan
Pages: 304
Publisher: Islamic Research Academy, Karachi
Availability: Maarif-e-Islami, Federal B. Area, Karachi
Parenting is one subject on which most of the books, which are available, are highly theoretical in nature, with no practical advice as to how these theories can actually be implemented. This particular book has the distinction of going beyond impractical sermons to illustrate the art of conversing with children, so as to enable them to become independent and responsible.
The book begins with the dilemma of a mother of three, who cannot figure out why she is getting into daily fights with her eldest son, why her daughter is getting more insecure by the day, and why her youngest son seems to be clinging to her all the time.
Then, she receives an invitation to a lecture by a child psychologist. Impressed with the initial lectures, the attending parents invite the psychologist and her husband to start a regular workshop for parents. At these workshops, the parents realize the common errors they were making while conversing with their children, and how they can improve.
The book is divided into two main segments: “Children are only humans” and “Parents are human, too.” Some of the problems which are explained include: labeling children, judging children too easily, the right way to praise them and a foolproof way of correcting their mistakes. The format of the book (i.e., fiction) makes it a very interesting and lively read.
– By Hafsa Ahsan
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