Responsibilities of parents

Parents' responsibilities for the care and upbringing of their
children are mentioned in severalverses of the Quran, as well as in
the Hadeeth.
Allaah Almighty Says (what means ( : "O you who have believed, protect
yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and
stones… " [Quran 66:6]
How do we ward off that fire from our families? We need to show to
them the right way and to teach them the difference between right and
wrong. An excellent example of this is foundin the words of Luqmaan to
his son, related in the Quran, where he admonishes him:
1. Not to ascribe divine powers toanything other than Allaah.
2. To be good and kind to parents.
3. To obey parents unless they command what is wrong.
4. To understand that all our deeds, however minor, are recorded and
will be brought to light.
5. To be constant in prayer.
6. To enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.
7. To bear what befalls him with patience.
8. To avoid pride, arrogance and boastfulness.
9. To be modest in manner and speech.
This is a model example of parental responsibility and advice. Luqmaan
guides his own son on the path to paradise with simple but memorable
words.
Children are a trust given to the parents. Parents will be held
accountable for this trust on the Day of Judgment. Parents are
essentially responsible for the moral, ethical and the basic and
essential religious teachings of their children.
If parents fulfill this responsibility, they will be free of the
consequences on the Day of Judgment. The children will become better
citizens and a pleasure to the eyes of their parents, first in this
life, and in the Hereafter.
Allaah, Almighty Says (what means): "And those who believedand whose
descendants followedthem in faith – We will join with them their
descendants, and We will not deprive them of anythingof their deeds.
Every person, for what he earned, is retained... " [Quran 52:21]
This parental responsibility belongs not only to the father. The
Prophet is reported to have said: "Take care! Each of you is a
shepherd and each of you shall be asked concerning his flock; a leader
is a shepherd of hispeople, and he shall be asked concerning his
flock; and a man isa shepherd of the people of his house, and he shall
be asked concerning his flock; and a woman is a shepherd of the house
of her husband and over their children, and she shall be asked
concerning them." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Indeed the mother's role may be even greater: while the children are
young they are very close to her and dependent upon her, andthey spend
more time with her than with anyone else. There is an Arabic saying:
"The mother is the first school" . She may be a good school, an
indifferent or even a bad school. She may even be unaware that she is
serving asa role model in her behavior, and her attitudes. Every
mother should be conscious of her role and do her best to make it
beneficial for the development of her children as they set out on the
journey of life.
Parental care and guidance are fundamental to child upbringing. Some
parents nowadays become so preoccupied with their jobs or with making
money or with theirsocial lives that children are oftenneglected. They
may be ignored or left for hours with the television or computer or
they may be sent to day-care centers at a very early age to be cared
for in groups by other people.
The parents' right to respect from their children is dependent upon
the children's right to loving care and guidance of their parents.
It is related that a man once came to 'Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, the
second Khaleefah (Caliph) of Islam complaining of his sons'
disobedience to him. 'Umar summoned the boy and spoke of his
disobedience to his father andhis neglect of his rights. The boy
replied: "O Ameer al-Mu'mineen (Prince of believers)! Hasn't a child
rights over his father?"
"Certainly", replied 'Umar.
"What are they, Ameer al-Mu'mineen?"
"That he should choose his mother, give him a good name and teach him
the Book (the Quran)."
"O Ameer al-Mu'mineen! My fatherdid nothing of this. My mother was a
Magian (fire worshipper). He gave me the name of Julalaan (meaning
dung beetle or scarab) and he did not teach me a single letter of the
Quran."
Turning to the father, 'Umar said: "You have come to me to complain
about the disobedienceof your son. You have failed in your duty to him
before he has failed in his duty to you; you havedone wrong to him
before he haswronged you."
Education and bringing up in Islam
Allaah Almighty Says (what means): "This day I have perfected for you
your religion and completed My favor upon youand have approved for you
Islam as religion... " [Quran 5: 3]
Education is the process by whichchildren are nurtured as they grow up
to develop the Islamic worldview and the Islamic virtues.
Education means to look after, tonurture, to nourish, to help growand
flourish. It implies certain sensitivity towards the child under your
care, his emotional and physical needs and capacities. It implies the
ability toinspire confidence. It implies the courage to allow and
promote creativity and innovation. It implies the ability to trust and
not to stifle, to be firm when needed and even to impose sanctions
when necessary.
The starting point for education is the example of parents. Small
children take their parents as models. If parents are lazy and
careless, the children will also take laziness and carelessness as
normal. If they tell lies, children will regard lying as normal and
acceptable. The same applies to smoking, drinking, rude manners,
swearing and all other bad habits. There is no way parents can
motivate their children to practice the Islamic virtues if they
themselves do not respect the values and try to practice them also. As
children grow up, they will only perceive the inconsistency or even
hypocrisy in their parents' approach.
It is important not to crush a child's spirit and joy about life by
terrorizing him/her, whether physically or psychologically. Children
must play. It is the way they learn, and is not in itself something
bad. Parents should give the child opportunities to play and to
experience the excitement of exploration, of learning and of growing
up.
At the same time, parents shouldteach children Islamic manners and
etiquette in accordance with the beautiful example of the Prophet .
Such habits include truthfulness and honesty, gentleness, politeness,
consideration for others, helpfulness, cleanliness and tidiness.
They also include:
1. Time management and doing things at the right time.
2. Physical exercise for fitness.
3. Mental exercise and developingan appetite for knowledge,
understanding and skills.
4. Learning to read and recite the Quran from an early age when the
child's memory finds it easy.
5. Development of regular performance of Prayer between the ages of 7 and 10.
6. Taking on responsibilities in the family.
7. Taking on responsibilities in the wider community as children grow up.
Above all, correct education should ensure that children develop a
love for Islam, a love for Allaah and His Prophet and that they
develop a feeling ofpride in being Muslim and willingness to strive
for the good of others. They need to realize the benefits of Islam,
the foundations on which it is based and their need for Islam. They
need to value Islam and live by Islamic values.
It is the responsibility of the parents to experiment with various
ways of achieving those goals.
Islamic education and Muslim schools
If parents are to get the best results for their children in Muslim
schools, they must know what the Muslim school is trying to do.
Parents need to understand that while the schoolbasically may be
following a National Curriculum (which in some countries may be
compulsory), the teaching approach is expected to be holistic.
Therefore it is not just a matter of teaching Islamic Studies, Quran
and Arabic under the same roof as Arts and Sciences, but of developing
an integrated Islamic perspective onall forms of knowledge right
across the curriculum. At the same time, the school is trying
tocultivate good attitudes, behaviorand manners in accordance with the
teachings of Islam.
'Aishah is reported to have said of the Prophet that: "His behavior
was the Quran (in practice)". [Ahmad] To take the Prophet as a
"beautiful example" means not just to imitate his outward actions or
practices but also to base our own motivation and actions on the Quran
as he did, in a way thatis appropriate to the place and time in which
we happen to live.
The approach of a modern Muslim School, which may be located in a
modern "secular" or non-Islamic type of environment, cannot be like
that of Islamic education of the recent past, when teaching relied
much on repetition and memorization anduncritical acceptance of the
teachers' word. The Islamic teaching must relate with the society in
which the pupils live, with the state of modern knowledge and with the
beliefs of other people (probably the majority) in the country where
the school is located. If Muslim children are to grow up as witnesses
to the truth in a non-Muslim society, they need to understand that
society and to develop an objective and critical approach, so that
they can appreciate whatever is good in it,avoid its evils and reach
out to the non-Muslims, presenting the truths of Islam in a way they
can understand Islam and relate to it.

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Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) was the daughter of Abdullah ibn Al-Harith.The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) called her the Martyr, as she prayed for death in the cause of Allah (S.W.T) . At the battle of Badr, she asked the Holy Prophet's (

Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A)
Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) was the daughter of Abdullah ibn
Al-Harith.The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) called her the Martyr, as she
prayed for death in the cause of Allah (S.W.T) . At the battle of
Badr, she asked the Holy Prophet's (S.A.W) permission to join the
Muslim army in order to treat the wounded for she might win the
Martyrdom.
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said to her; "Allah wouldgrant you Martyrdom.
Stay home you are a Martyr."
She (R.A) was a learned Scholar and a pious and modest lady, who was
well known amongst thefemale companions (R.A) as one who spent her
nights and days in prayer and meditation. She had memorised the Holy
Quran by heart,
The Beloved Prophet (S.A.W) would sometimestake along some Sahabah
Ikraam to visit the home of Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) . He would tell
them to accompany him to the house of the lady who was a living
Martyr. Nobody could understand how this would take place with her
sitting in her house, but they were sure it would definitely happen,
as this news had been given by Holy Prophet (S.A.W) .
Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) herself waited patiently for this auspicious
event, which would be the fulfilment of her greatest dream. During
this time Holy Prophet (S.A.W) passed away from this world and Hazrat
Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A) succeeded and became the first Caliph, he
(R.A) also passed away from this world and Hazrat Umar eFarooq (R.A)
had now became the 2nd Caliph.
Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) had two slaves (male and female) working for
her and she (R.A) told them that they will be freed after she has
passed away. The two slaves got together and decided that they were
tired of waiting forthis old lady to die. They planned to kill her in
hersleep and escape to freedom. They were so tempted by the thought of
freedom that they forgot to consider their future as well as their
life in the Aakhiraah. In the dead of night as Hazrat Umm Waraqa (R.A)
lay asleep, they killed her, covered her body with a sheet and crept
away from the house silently.
In the morning Hazrat Umar (R.A) said, "By Allah (S.W.T) , I did not
hear the recitation of aunt Umm Waraqa last night".Hazrat Umar (R.A)
went to Hazrate Umm Waraqa's (R.A) home to check on her and found that
she had been murdered. Then He (R.A) saw that both the slaves were
missing and realised that they must be the criminals.
Hazrat Umar (R.A) said, Rasoolullah (S.A.W) was truthful when He
(S.A.W) used to say, "Let us go tovisit the Martyr".
Hazrat Umar (R.A) ordered the killers to be brought before him. They
confessed their crime. Thus, he sentenced them to be crucified. They
were the first people to be crucified in Madina Shareef. May Allah
(S.W.T) have mercy on Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) who won the Martyrdom,
which she had asked for. (Related in Ibn Hajar in Isbah, Asbahani in
Helyat al Awliya and al-Hakim in Mustadrak)

H azrat Zubair Bin Al Awam (R.A)

Hazrat Zubair bin Al Awam (R.A) is amongst the ten Companions of Holy
Prophet (S.A.W) , who were given glad tidings of Paradise by the
Beloved Prophet (S.A.W) and are widely known as Ashrah Mubasharah.
Hazrat Zubair was the son of Hazrate Safiyyah bint Abdul Muttalib
(R.A) ,the paternal aunt of HolyProphet (S.A.W) . He (R.A) was also
the nephew of Hazrate Khadija (R.A) .
He (R.A) embraced Islam at the age of Twelve or Fifteen. His uncle
became furious when heheard about his conversion and decided to force
him to return to the path of his ancestors by tormenting and torturing
him.
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) used to be wrapped up in a rug with a rope tied
around him and then have smoke inserted into his (R.A) nostrils till
his breath was suffocated. His uncle would then comment that if he
(R.A) wishes to escape the torment, he must refute Muhammad. He (R.A)
always, very firmly replied in his roaring voice, "No, not at all! I
shall not return to the path of my ancestors at any cost".
He (R.A) was also elected as one of the member of the advisory
council, constituted by Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A) to elect the Caliph
after him. He (R.A) was also one of those early Sahabah Iqraam who
migrated to Ethiopia andthen to Madina Shareef.
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) was also the most successful commanders of the
Rashidun army and served under the Rashidun Caliphs Hazrat Abu Bakr
Saddique (R.A) and Hazrat Umar (R.A) .
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) had the honour to be the first to draw out his
sword in the way of Islam for Jihad; he participated in all Ghuzwat
(Holy war) during the period of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) and during
the orthodox Caliphate. He (R.A) also participated in conquests of
Yarmouk and Hazrat Zubair (R.A) was the most successful field
commander during the Muslim conquest of Egypt.
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) passed away from this world at the age of sixty
seven. (Muhammad Rasool Allah, P.78, SheikhMuhammad Raza)

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California: The Ultimate Dream Vacation

From its spectacular citiesand storybook-perfect coast, to its
dazzling theme parks and breathtaking natural wonders, California is
one of those vacation spots where if you can't find something to see
or do, you're probably not looking very hard.
CALIFORNIA TRAVEL AND TOURISM COMMISSION / BLAISE
Where else in one day can you—with a healthy dose of California-style
enthusiasm and a good strong cup of coffee—surf ocean breakers in the
morning and hit the ski slopes before sunset? Admittedly, you might
want to chill a bit more than that on vacation, so you can just stash
the list of things you didn't get to this time for the next time you
come. In fact, it's not unusual to bump into Californians who haven't
seen everything in their home state—it's that big and that diverse.
Tapping into the wild side, and a golden past
As the third-largest state in the U.S., California has a huge variety
of natural features in its 150,000 square miles/389,000 square
kilometers. The state's renowned coastline stretches roughly 840
miles/1,352 kilometers—even more ifyou add bays and inlets. Over 400
recreational lakes sparkle across the state. Nature has left her mark
here in beautiful ways, with glaciers creating enormous granite
monoliths trimmed by waterfalls in Yosemite National Park . Towering
volcanoes jut into the sky in the state's northeastern corner.
Dramatic deserts like Death Valley and Anza-Borrego stretch across the
state's southeastern corner, while the jagged Sierra Nevada range
forms a granite backbone near the Nevada border. This is a land of
extremes, with the continental U.S.'s tallest mountain, 14,492-foot
(4,417-meter)Mt. Whitney, and lowest point, Death Valley's Badwater,
282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, within about 100 miles (161
kilometers) of each other, as the vulture flies.
Californians treasure these natural riches: roughly one-fourth of the
state is protected against development, with well over 5 million acres
set aside as state or federal parkland. That's not to say folks
haven't historically taken advantage of some of these treasures—most
notably gold. The precious metal was found in the Sierra foothills in
1848, sparking an almost rabid wave of emigrants to descend on the
aptly named "Gold Country" in search of their fortune. While flecks of
gold and the occasional nugget still turn up in creeks andrivers
there, the best wayto mine the region's rich history is to visit its
excellent state parks, such as Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in
Coloma and Columbia State Historic Park in Sonora , which commemorate
this fascinating and raucous time in California's history.
Perhaps California's most distinctive natural feature—and one that
draws millions of visitors every year—is its remarkable coastline,
ranging from the romantic wildness of the Mendocino Coast in the
northwest to the spread-out-the-beach-towel perfection of San Diego's
flawless sandy crescents. In between are hundredsof miles showcasing
secret coves, soaring ocean bluffs, and broad beaches, as well as
unforgettable road trips, like the S-curve thrills of Big Sur .
Charming beach towns up and down the coast put out a sandy welcome
mat. Whether it's the kickback surf scene in towns like Santa Cruz or
Huntington Beach, the relaxed luxury of Spanish-tiled Santa Barbara,
or the movie-star sexiness of Malibu, there's a town that will suit
your style—and evenyour dog's (beach towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea are
paws-down some of the most pet-friendly places anywhere).
World-class cities & magical attractions
But California is a lot more than a pretty, suntanned face. With
cities as drop-dead gorgeous as San Francisco, as exciting as
star-studded Los Angeles, and as diverse and inviting as sun-and-surf
San Diego, California can serve up plenty of urban action. Top chefs
create meals so amazing you'll be posting photos on Facebook as soon
as you're served. In California, it's all about celebrating every
flavor and style of cooking, as long as it's fresh and local—and
paired with elegant California wines, of course. Museums drawcrowds
with exhibits ranging from classical and modern artworks to intriguing
science displays and even living rooftops. Shops beckon with
everything from designer outfits and sparkling Tiffany diamonds to
unusual handmade crafts for the perfect souvenir. Theater,music,
dance, and nightlife keep things lively once the sun goes down.
And of course there are the 100-percent California attractions,
likeSouthern California's Disneyland Resort , whereyou'll never forget
seeinga child's joy when she first hugs Mickey or Minnie. Also in the
southlands you can experience the excitement of SeaWorld San Diego,
home to leaping orcas and splashing dolphins and the charm of Legoland
California and its remarkable cityscapes made of millions of tiny
plastic blocks. At the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park ,
you can take exotic adventures todiscover animals from far-away lands.
And in Los Angeles, you can get a glimpse of movie-making magic at
Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros, and Paramount Studios , and
even slip your hands into the tiny prints made my Marilyn Monroe in
thecement courtyard fronting Hollywood's Graumann's Chinese Theatre .
Along the Central Coast is the Monterey Bay Aquarium , with tanks as
tall as buildings swirling with sea life—don't be surprised if you
find yourself swaying with the soaring strands of underwater kelp as
they pulse to the natural ebb and flow of the nearby ocean. The
California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco also lets you explore
the natural world, including a four-story rainforest, an all-digital
planetarium, and an undulating roof carpeted with wildflowers.
Exploring the road less traveled
There's a whole other world to explore beyond California's gateway
cities and big attractions.Indulge in a romantic getaway at a
luxurious wine-country resort in the Napa or Sonoma Valleys , or a
find a cozy mountain hideaway overlooking lapis-blue Lake Tahoe .
Follow a country road in the Central Valley , the state's agricultural
heartland, to visit friendly farm stands overflowing with just-picked
fruits and vegetables, and other local products, like artisan olive
oils and sweet preserves (sometimes even a baked-that-morning
fruitpies). Float over vineyards and valleys in ahot-air balloon in
Temecula , east of San Diego. Lean back and look way, way up to
experience the staggering beauty of 1,000-year-old coastal redwood
trees, the world's tallest living things, in parklands dotting
California's lush northwest corner. Or head to Sequoia/Kings Canyon
National Park , onthe southwestern flanks of the Sierra east of
Visalia. Here you can wander among the world's largest living
trees—the giant sequoia,measuring 40 feet/12 meters wide and living
over 2,000 years.
Pick your time to visit
Choosing a best time to visit California is like picking a treat from
your favorite box of chocolates—each season has its own charms and
surprises. In spring, discover waterfalls tumbling into Yosemite
Valley and wildflowers painting the coastal hills. Come summer, watch
surfers along Southern California beaches and relax on a warm evening
at a rooftop restaurant indowntown L.A. Summer also fills those farm
stands with juicy peaches, plums, berries, and cherries. In autumn,
take part in harvest time at vineyards north to south (check for local
festivals and events). In winter, look for migrating whales along the
coast, or schuss downSierra ski slopes. Snow is virtually guaranteed
in the Sierra Nevada during the winter months. Mammoth Mountain has
one of the longest skiing seasons in North America,with really big
years stretching from October to July or even August. Or dodge the
snow and indulge in the poolside splendor and golf-greensluxury of
Palm Springs, the ultimate desert oasis.
Much of California enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with sunny, warm
summers and wet, fairly mild winters, although weather varies greatly
throughout the state. There are five main climate zones: coastal,
valley, foothill, mountain,and desert. Average summer highs on the
coast are 70º to 80ºF (about 21º to 27ºC), with temperatures rising as
you head south. San Francisco is famous for itschilly summer fog,
while Los Angeles typically basks in sunshine most ofthe year. Inland
areas and foothills tend to be hot and dry in summer; desert
temperatures soar well over 100ºF (37ºC). Travelers to mountain
regions can expect snowy winter conditions from November through April
or May.
While the blue Pacific canlook tempting, there's a reason surfers wear
wetsuits year-round: it's cold out there, particularly in the north,
with an annual average water temperature of only 48º to 55ºF (9º to
13ºC). Southern Californiawaters tend to be a bit warmer: 57º to 68ºF
(14º to 20ºC).
So stick your toes in the California sand, or carve fresh tracks in
the Sierra snow. Ride a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge , or take
in the grandeur of Yosemite. Search for movie stars in Hollywood,or
buy mouse ears for your kids at Disneyland . And when you're done with
all that, don't be surprised if there are still another thousand
things on your California bucketlist that you'll already be scheming
to check off thenext time you visit.

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