Fathers as Guardians: Upholding Justice, Embracing Responsibility, and Nurturing Timely Moral and Religious Growth in Children

As we turn the pages of time, certain moments demand reflection and celebration. This week, our focus—among several notable events—is on two profound occasions: the birth anniversaries of Imam Muhammad Al-Taqi (A), famously known as Imam Al-Jawad, and Imam Ali (A), whose legacy coincides with Father’s Day. Each event brings with it timeless lessons, rooted in the Qur’an and hadith, that resonate deeply in our contemporary lives.

13^th Rajab: The Birth of Imam Ali (A) and Father’s Day: Honour, Leadership, and Compassion

The 13th of Rajab celebrates the birth of Imam Ali (A), the Commander of the Faithful. A paragon of bravery, humility, and wisdom, his life as a father also sets an enduring example of leadership and care. The “Topic of the Week” section in this issue of Friday Bulletin is dedicated to reflecting on the exceptional life and enduring legacy of Imam Ali. Through his profound wisdom, courage, and commitment to justice, Imam Ali’s teachings continue to inspire and guide us in navigating the challenges of both personal and societal life.

The birth anniversary of Amir al-Mu’minin (peace be upon him) has been designated as Father’s Day. In this brief reflection, we delve into a drop from the boundless ocean of wisdom and insight of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) in nurturing his children. He penned a letter full of wisdom and guidance for his son, Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (peace be upon him), which is preserved as Letter 31 in Nahj al-Balagha. In one section of this letter, he states:

 وَ إِنَّمَا قَلْبُ الْحَدَثِ كَالْأَرْضِ الْخَالِيَةِ مَا أُلْقِيَ فِيهَا مِنْ شَيْءٍ قَبِلَتْهُ فَبَادَرْتُكَ بِالْأَدَبِ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَقْسُوَ قَلْبُكَ وَ يَشْتَغِلَ لُبُّكَ لِتَسْتَقْبِلَ بِجِدِّ رَأْيِكَ مِنَ الْأَمْرِ مَا قَدْ كَفَاكَ أَهْلُ التَّجَارِبِ بُغْيَتَهُ وَ تَجْرِبَتَهُ فَتَكُونَ قَدْ كُفِيتَ مَئُونَةَ الطَّلَبِ وَ عُوفِيتَ مِنْ عِلَاجِ التَّجْرِبَةِ فَأَتَاكَ مِنْ ذَلِكَ مَا قَدْ كُنَّا نَأْتِيهِ وَ اسْتَبَانَ لَكَ مَا رُبَّمَا أَظْلَمَ عَلَيْنَا مِنْهُ

“The heart of a child is like a fertile ground. Whatever is sown in it is accepted. Thus, I hastened to educate you with discipline before your heart hardened and your mind became preoccupied. So that you may, with a resolute perspective, embrace the knowledge and wisdom acquired by the people of experience and spared the burden of seeking it yourself. You would then gain the benefit of their insights without the hardship of their trials.”

One key takeaway from Imam Ali’s advice is that parents who aspire to nurture their children righteously must not delay in their efforts. While the hearts of their children are still pure and unaffected by the distractions and vices of their surroundings, they should illuminate them with the seeds of remembrance and the pleasure of the Almighty.

A common strategic error many parents make is sending their children into society and exposing them to friends whose behaviours may be morally questionable, before equipping them with the necessary religious, behavioural, and moral education. Consequently, the children often adopt undesirable traits from their peers. This does not imply isolating children from society or depriving them of social interactions. Rather, it emphasises that children should be allowed to engage with society and friends only after parents have instilled a strong foundation of knowledge, faith, and values, enabling them to withstand the negative influences they may encounter.

Another significant mistake parents often make is outsourcing their children’s education and moral upbringing to schools, cultural, or community centres. In doing so, they neglect their primary responsibility in shaping their children’s character and faith. According to Imam Ali’s teachings, the core of a child’s moral and religious education should be firmly established within the family environment. A home is not merely a space to fulfil the material and physical needs of children. More importantly, it should serve as a nurturing ground for their spiritual, intellectual, and moral development.

Such parents are truly deserving of the title of father and mother—parents whom the Qur’an repeatedly commands humanity to honour and respect to the highest degree:

وَوَصَّيْنَا الإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَى وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ

“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” (Qur’an 31:14)

Challenge:
Dedicate some time this week to reflect deeply on your role in the religious and moral upbringing of your children. Draw a three-column table and use it as a self-assessment tool:

1. Column One: List the shortcomings and gaps in your efforts regarding your children’s religious and moral education.
2. Column Two: Write down the strengths and positive actions you have taken in this area.
3. Column Three: Outline a future plan for improving and enhancing your children’s religious and ethical upbringing.

This exercise is not just about identifying flaws but also about recognising your achievements and committing to a structured approach for continuous improvement.

10^th Rajab: The Birth of Imam Muhammad Al-Taqi (A): A Beacon of Justice and Generosity

The 10^th of Rajab marks the birth of Imam Muhammad Al-Taqi (A), a figure whose life was a testament to divine wisdom and justice. Known for his profound intellect even in his youth, he exemplified standing firm against oppression. His famous hadith reminds us:

“الْعامِلُ بِالظُّلْمِ وَالْمُعِينُ لَهُ وَالرَّاضِي بِهِ، شُرَكَاءٌ فِيهِ” (_{كشف الغمّه، ج ۲ ، ص ۳۴۸)}

“The one who commits injustice, the one who aids it, and the one who approves of it are partners in the injustice.”

This saying reflects the Qur’anic injunction:

وَلَا تَرْكَنُوا إِلَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا فَتَمَسَّكُمُ النَّارُ وَمَا لَكُمْ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ مِنْ أَوْلِيَاءَ ثُمَّ لَا تُنْصَرُونَ

“And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire, and you would not have besides Allah any protectors; then you would not be helped.” (Qur’an 11:113)

In today’s world, filled with both subtle and overt forms of oppression, we must ask ourselves: On which side of history do we stand? Are we on the side of the oppressors or the oppressed? This hadith can help us reflect on whether, God forbid, we are aligned with the oppressors. Aligning with the oppressor is not limited to actively participating in acts of oppression. Even indirectly supporting oppression in any way—whether through action or inaction—or failing to harbour genuine hatred for oppression in our hearts, places us on the side of the oppressors, not the oppressed.

In this week’s “Hadith of the Week” section, we explored the educational insights and profound messages conveyed in Imam Jawad’s hadith. It’s discussed that justice is not only about avoiding harm but also about actively opposing it. In a world where misinformation and systemic oppression abound, each of us carries the responsibility to reject and counter injustice.

Challenge:
Take one practical step this week to stand against an injustice you observe, whether by spreading awareness, supporting the oppressed, or challenging unjust systems in your capacity.