A Gift For You

A Gift For You
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بسم الله الرحمان الرجيم

Imagine two gifts. One gift is wrapped in beautiful paper. The other is a simple key. The beautiful paper is nice to look at. But the key can open doors to unquantifiable treasure.

Our children are a trust from Allah (swt). We love them. We want to give them everything. We work hard to give them nice clothes, good food, a safe home, and best western education. This is good. But this is the beautiful wrapping paper.

The real treasure is their heart, their faith, correct islamic upbringing, the type of school they attended, and their connection to Allah. This is the key.

*A Story of a Father’s Prayer (Du'a):*

Think of Zayd, the father of Sa'id. Sa'id is one of the ten companions promised Paradise while on earth. His father, Zayd, wanted more than anything to meet the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). But he was killed before he could. With his last breath, he did not ask for anything for himself. He raised his eyes to the sky and prayed:

"O Allah, if You have prevented me from this good, do not prevent my son."

Allah heard this prayer. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) came, his son Sa'id was among the first to believe. A father's last wish, a simple du'a, helped guide his son to eternal success.

The Lesson for Us:

The most powerful thing you can give your child is not in their closet or on their plate. It is in your du'a.

(1) Pray For Them, Always:

We often remember to pray for our children only in emergencies—when they are sick or want to get married or taking a big exam. But we must pray for them every day even before the need for Du'a comes. Yes. Pray for their faith, their character, and their protection and every good things. Always ask Allah to make them among the righteous. You can ask in Arabic or in your own language. Allah (swt) understands every word from a sincere heart.

(2) Let Them Hear You Pray FOR Them:

When you make du'a, let your children be near. Say, "O Allah, guide my son Ali." "O Allah, protect my daughter Aisha and make her love Islam." When they hear their names in your prayers to Allah, it fills their hearts with a love stronger than any food you are serving them or clothing. It shows them what is truly important to you.

(3) Let Them Hear You Pray For YOUR Parents:

Sometimes, call your own parents by name in your du'a where your children can hear. Say, "O Allah, have mercy on my father, Ahmed." This teaches them a powerful lesson. It shows them that this chain of love and prayer never ends. They will learn to pray for you, just as you pray for your parents.

(4) Ask Them To Pray For You:

Once in a while, gently ask your child, "My dear, did you make du'a for me today?" Just a simple question. By Allah, this small act shows them how much you value their prayers. It reminds them that you need their du'a as much as they need yours.

My People,

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us: "When a person dies, their deeds stop except for three: ongoing charity, knowledge that benefits people, or a righteous child who prays for them." 📚(Muslim)

Your child's Du'a for you can be your ongoing reward, long after you are gone. But this child must be righteous.

So, yes, feed your children good food. Dress them nicely.

But let them hear you making Du'a. Teach them to pray for you. You are planting seeds for a garden in Jannah, for them and for yourself.