O devotees of the Awliya! The role of the noble predecessors رَحِمَهُمُ الـلّٰـه and the Muslims of the past in regard to the upbringing of children is exemplary for us because these blessed personalities were very familiar with the methods of nurturing children and they truly valued the blessing of the children, as they too were brought up by pious parents. These personalities were keen on performing good deeds themselves and would encourage their children to tread the path of piety as well. This is the reason that their children were obedient, coolness to their eyes, peace of their heart, and they would increase their parents’ dignity in the community.

For persuasion, let us listen to 2 faith enlightening accounts:

1. A Bedouin woman’s advice

Sayyiduna Imam Asma’i رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states: ‘I saw a Bedouin woman who was saying while advising her son, ‘O my son! The ability to do an action is granted by Allah Almighty, and I advise you:

   *Avoid taletelling because it causes enmity between two tribes and separates friends.

   *Refrain from seeking faults in people lest you too may become defective.

   *Don’t show off in worship.

   *Avoid being stingy when it comes to spending your wealth.

   *Take lessons from the consequential ends of others.

   *Whatever action of others you like, act upon it yourself; and whatever action you dislike in them, refrain from it yourself, because a person is blind to his own shortcomings.’

Then that woman became silent, so I said, ‘O Bedouin woman! For the sake of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, advise further.’ She asked: ‘O the citizen of city, did you like the advice of a Bedouin?’ I said: ‘By Allah! I like it.’ She said:  

   * ‘Son! Avoid being deceptive because out of all dealings that you have with people, deceit is the worst.’