5 Special Ways for Muslimahs to Earn More Rewards
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
By Ruhaifa Adil
We continue with some more non-toy gift ideas for the Muslim child which can help inculcate some important values along with being fun!
1. What they “need”
Gifts can also be things that the kids need anyway, such as new clothes, a new school bag, shoes, a bicycle, roller blades, etc. Gifts of this nature help the child not take everything for granted. It helps them realize that everything is a gift from Allah and not something they are entitled to.
2. Gifts that help to recognize Allah
Equipment that can help explore the wonders of Allah’s world and through that recognize Allah are great gifts. Science kits, magnifying glasses, binoculars, microscopes, telescopes, and gardening tools can be great gifts to help them realize that the beautiful world around us has not come about by chance, but made by a Supreme Creator.
3. Animal love
Pets can be a great gift. Taking care of animals and birds teaches children responsibility, as well as helps instil patience, tolerance, and kindness in their hearts, all of which are great qualities for a Muslim to have. Do not get dogs or puppies as pets as the Prophet (sa) said, “Whoever keeps a dog that is not a dog for hunting, herding livestock or farming, two qiraats will be deducted from his reward each day.” (Muslim)
Do bear in mind that if you decide to get a cat for your child, it is better to find someone who is giving away their cat or kittens, as the Prophet (sa) forbade the selling of cats. It is narrated in Muslim that Abul-Zubayr said: “I asked Jabir about the price of dogs and cats. He said: The Prophet (sa) told us not to do that (i.e., sell them).”
4. Islamic or Educational Apps
With all their friends getting the latest iPad, iPhone and tablets, it is but natural that children will also ask for gadgets or paid apps on the gadgets they already have. There are some amazing Islamic apps that make great gifts for children. However, do not limit yourself to that. There are many games that are great for teaching strategy, improving IQ, and visual skills that can be very educational for children.
5. Paid meal for two
Give your children a restaurant gift certificate for a meal for two. Encourage children to invite someone they love such as a grandparent, an uncle/aunt or a sibling. Explain to them the importance of taking care of their blood ties as Allah has said: “And give to the kindred his due and to the miskeen (poor)…” [al-Isra 17:26]
6. Time coupons
Give your children a homemade booklet of 12 coupons, which they can cash against your “time”. These coupons could include things like baking cookies with mom, playing cricket with dad, going to an ice-cream parlour, etc. Be prepared to take out the time from whatever you are doing when your child comes to cash in a coupon. These can be a great way to bond, and a great tool for parents and children to give each other their rights.
Also, teach your children how to accept gifts by following the Sunnab of the Messenger of Allah (sa) who said: “Whoever has a favour done for him and says ‘Jazak Allahu khayran’ has done his utmost to thank him.” (At-Tirmidhi; sound)
Ruhaifa Adil is a mother of four, a practicing Muslimah, an avid reader, and a passionate writer. She works primarily as a trainer for mothers and teachers, advocating a multi sensorial, learner-centred approach, which she has learnt through her work as a remedial specialist for children with dyslexia. She is also an author of English textbooks, based on the teachings of the Quran (currently under editing), and creative director of a Tafseer app for kids (soon to be launched Insha’Allah).
© IIPH 2015
Photo credit: balanced.crafts / Foter / CC BY
About the author
Ruhaifa Adil is a mother of four, a practising Muslimah, an avid reader, and a passionate writer. She works primarily as a trainer for mothers and teachers, advocating a multi sensorial, learner-centred approach, which she has learnt through her work as a remedial specialist for children with dyslexia. She is also an author of English textbooks, based on the teachings of the Quran (currently under editing), and creative director of a Tafseer app for kids (soon to be launched Insha’Allah).
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