Islamic Teachings for Kids

One group of people should not make fun of another group of people. May be they (the latter) are better than they (the former)".
(Surah al-Hujurat, 49:11.)

Some people make fun of others, and humiliate them in the eyes of their fellow-beings. People who speak ill of others, are usually those whose education and upbringing have not been up to the mark, and who have not learnt proper social manners. They are not perhaps, aware that all human beings are equal, and no one has the right to humiliate or hurt another. They also forget that it is quite possible, that those whom they ridicule may in fact be better people than themselves, because of their good qualities.
It is the duty of every Muslim to respect others. If he observes any defect in the body, dress or house of another, he should not laugh at him or ridicule him.

The secret of human success lies in keeping things properly. People who keep their belongings in proper order are always successful in life. On the other hand, those who lack this quality can never achieve success.

Punctuality and regularity in all our activities are very important factors of success. We should do everything at its proper time. We should chalk out a programme for our work, games, outings, rest and sleep, and adhere to it strictly. We should also offer our prayers regularly and at the proper time. By doing so, we shall be able to perform every task in time and shall not face any embarrassment. We should never postpone today's work until tomorrow. Doing so is the cause of all troubles.
Time is something very precious. It is a well-known saying that, "Time and tide wait for no man". We should, therefore, appreciate the value of our own time and should not waste the time of others. If we make an appointment with another person, we should make it a point to reach the place agreed upon at the appointed time or a minute or so earlier. Similarly, if we undertake to do some task for somebody, we should do it properly and on time.
It is necessary to do every job neatly and in a proper manner. When you return from school, you should not throw your uniform into one corner and your books into another. The best way is to request your mother to fix a place for your books and other things and to keep them in a proper way.
An orderly life is the key to success.

There is a well-known proverb: "A man is known by the company he keeps". We should, therefore, befriend those people who are good mannered, pious and hard-working. Islam says that two companions should act as preachers for each other and each one of them should point out the shortcomings of the other. So by associating with such people we shall overcome our weaknesses and advance on the path of progress.

Faith in Allah and dependence on Him does not mean that one should not work and then hope that Allah will provide him with his living. One who depends on others and is a burden on the society is devoid of the blessings of Allah. On the other hand, faith in Allah means that one should work as hard as he can, and simultaneously hope and pray for Allah's blessings.

Islam orders us to work hard having full confidence in Allah's blessing. We should rest assured that if our faith is perfect, Allah will not let our efforts go in vain and will grant us success. On the other hand, we should also remember that we shall not succeed if we shirk hard work, and waste our time
It is not necessary that one's efforts should be rewarded immediately. The law of nature is that at times man has to face failures as well. However, people who are steadfast in their faith and sincerely believe in their object, are not discouraged by the temporary set-backs. On the other hand, they continue to work hard to achieve their goal.
Remember! In the long run, every difficult task becomes easy and profitable for them who have impregnable faith in Allah.
Greatness lies in hard work.

Like other leaders of the faith, Imam al-Sadiq (a) also liked to do his work with his own hands. One day, when he was working on his farm, one of his disciples came up. He said to the Imam, "Please allow me to work for you" The Imam replied:
"Everyone must work for his own livelihood instead of depending on others".

Imam Husayn (a), the third Imam, was born on 3rd Sha'ban 4 A.H. in Madina. On his birth, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (a) prophesied that the faith of Islam would he rescued by his second grandson, Husayn (a). Like his father and brother, he was very learned, kind, brave and self-sacrificing.

In his days Yazid, the son of Mu'awiah ascended the throne. He was an unjust and irreligious person. He was known for his devilish character and brutish conduct. As soon as he came to power, he began to violate the rules and laws of Islam. In addition to this, he also claimed to be a caliph and a successor to the Holy Prophet of Islam. To get this position confirmed, he decided to compel Imam Husayn (a) to take an oath of allegiance to him.
Due to an impudent person like Yazid becoming the caliph, there arose a danger for the people again to adopt un-Islamic beliefs and customs.
The responsibility for protecting Islam and human rights thus fell on the shoulders of Imam Husayn (a).
The people of Kufa had not recognized Yazid as a caliph. They invited Imam Husayn (a) to come to Kufa and guide them. He, therefore, left for Kufa accompanied by a few young men, ladies and children and some sincere friends. While on his way, he had to face Yazid's armed forces. In order to save the faith preached by his Holy grandfather, Imam Husayn (a) decided to face these satanic forces in the field. He and his companions fought valiantly and most of them were martyred. This happened at Karbala - a desert area in Iraq - on the tenth of Muharram 61 A.H.
The tenth of Muharram is called the day of Ashura'. On this day, Muslims all over the world commemorate the unmatched struggle of Imam Husayn (a) and his companions against tyranny. They mourn these martyrs who laid down their lives for the safety of Islam.
The sacrifices rendered by Imam Husayn (a) for the safety of Islam is unparalleled in the history of the world. He said:
"In my view it is a blessing to lay down one's life in the path of Allah and nothing except humiliation can be gained by extending one's hand of co-operation towards the tyrants".
We should be prepared to make the greatest sacrifices for the safety of Islam.

"O dear children! Study well You are children today but will grow up after some time. Take care that the knowledge you acquire should be beneficial for humanity".
The invaluable collection of the Imam's edited supplications is known as "Sahifa al-Kamila." The collection is an invaluable treasury of wonderfully effective supplications to Allah in an inimitably beautiful language. Through these supplications, the Imam gave all the necessary guidance to the faithful during his seclusion.
Only that knowledge is worth acquiring which is beneficial for humanity.

During the time of Imam Hasan (a) and his father Imam Ali (a) there was a man who was desirous of becoming the leader of all the Muslims. To achieve this end, he used to abuse Imam Ali (a) and his family. The name of the man was Mu'awiyah.
One day, a follower of Mu'awiyah came to Madina and approached Imam Hasan (a). As he was opposed to the Imam, he did not even wish him and began using foul language. The followers of Imam Hasan (a) wanted to punish the man for his misbehaviour but the Imam asked them to leave him alone. Then he turned to the man, and said: "Salamun Alaikum" and enquired about his health. He spoke to him very nicely and invited him to his house.
When the man observed the Imam's noble behaviour, he was very much ashamed. He also realized that whatever Mu'awiyah said against Imam Ali (a) and Imam Hasan (a) was not true. Therefore, before leaving Madina, he went to Imam Hasan (a) and begged his pardon. Thereafter, whenever he heard anyone saying anything against Imam Hasan (a) or other members of the Holy Prophet's family, he would say that it was not true. He would tell people how good, kind and generous Imam Hasan (a) was.
Imam Hasan (a) was very modest and forbearing.

Imam Hasan (a) was the eldest son of Imam Ali (a)