Depriving One’s Children of Deeni Ta’leem due to Secular Studies

Depriving One’s Children of Deeni Ta’leem due to Secular Studies

Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (rahimahullah) once mentioned:

One of the major problems in our times is that many parents, from the very beginning of their children’s lives, instill in them only the importance of earning wealth. As a result, the children become so preoccupied with school and university education that no time remains for the study of Deen.

If the children are unable to study the basic kitaabs of Deen, then at the very least, parents should verbally educate them regarding their fundamental Deeni obligations. Yet, even this much they fail to do. Could they not take out a little time to explain to their children how to perform salaah and fulfill the other basic obligations of Islam? This requires no real effort on their part besides sacrificing a little time.

Had the parents truly possessed concern for their children’s spiritual well-being, they would have surely imparted to them the fundamental principles and necessary masaa’il of Deen. However, this will only happen when the parents themselves have concern for Deen and give it due importance.

The real problem is that most people today have lost all concern for Deen. Children excuse themselves by saying, “Our parents never taught us about Deen,” while parents justify their negligence by thinking, “Our children do not have time to learn Deen, as they are preoccupied with worldly education.”

But why, my friends? How is it that these very children find the time to learn and observe the laws of the land? Have we ever seen a person who, because of his studies, remains ignorant of what is considered a crime in the country, or what will land him in jail?

I ask those responsible for the upbringing of these children: “When your child neglected salaah, why did you not reprimand him?” What answer will they have for this?

In essence, the underlying problem is that most people no longer have any concern for Deen. The consequences of this negligence will only become clear when the eyes close in death. Today, people have abandoned Deen to such an extent that they do not even wish to hear about it. And if they are reminded, they present countless excuses.

(Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 20/336–337)