As parents, how do you teach your kids the true spirit of sacrifice and charity?
How do you teach these values to your children during the sacred month of Dhul Hijja?
In our household, Dhul Hijja is a time of reflection, giving, and immense gratitude. It’s more than the rituals and practices but the significance of what it teaches us: the concept of sacrifice and charity.
So, how you do make your child’s celebration of Dhul Hijja a meaningful one? Here are some ways that we always practice at home:
- Start with Sharing Stories
Children love stories, be it bedtime or a casual talk at breakfast. Most of the time, we gather in the living room and make time to share stories with our kids. We narrate stories of the Prophets, miracles in Islam, and many more.
When we teach the idea of sacrifice, and how Allah SWT rewards it, we narrate the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his unwavering faith. This story beautifully illustrates the concept of sacrifice. We emphasize how Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was willing to sacrifice his beloved son for Allah, teaching our children the essence of trust and faith in Allah SWT.
- Engage in Acts of Charity
Dhul Hijja is a perfect time to get involved in charitable activities. As parents, we want to raise generous children. We encourage our kids to look through their toys and clothes, picking out items they no longer use but are still in good condition. Together, we donate these to local charities.
This simple act of giving helps them understand that their small sacrifices can bring joy to others. You are not only teaching them to be charitable and generous but to show empathy and kindness to those in need.
- Understanding the Concept of Qurban
The practice of Qurbani is one of the highlights of the Dhul Hijja. Qurbani means sacrifice, and Qurban is a practice wherein Muslims sacrifice a livestock animal during Eid Al-Adha.
During Dhul Hijja, we never forget to share this knowledge with our children, allowing them to further understand the month of sacrifice or Dhul Hijja. Teaching them this practice also teaches them one of the most prominent stories of sacrifice in Islam, the dedication and courage of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son, for the sake of Allah SWT.
- Practicing Gratitude
The concept of gratitude is often emphasised in Islam. It’s one of the integral values in Islam, that we parents, must instill in our children.
During Dhul Hijjah, gratitude is even more highlighted.
In our household, we teach them the concept of gratitude by telling them to write down three things they are thankful for. This practice helps them recognize and appreciate the blessings in their lives. We also lead by example, expressing our gratitude for the little things, and showing them that being thankful is a daily practice, not just a yearly event.
Teaching our children the essence of sacrifice and charity in Islam is not an easy task, it is a continuous practice and a consistent reminder. But as parents, we have to nurture these values in our children so they grow up with a deep understanding of their faith towards Allah SWT.