On February, 4th, 2012, in the mosque of the Islamic Cultural City Center of Kiev took place the action for children on the occasion of Mawlid-an-Nabawi — the month of birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). As well as every Saturday, young Muslims had the Quran lessons, and then all of them gathered all in a male hall of the mosque on the lesson on Islam. This time the lesson was devoted to life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
On the occasion of this significant date there came children aged from 4 to 16, contrary to fears of organizers, despite of a strong frost and a plentiful snowfall. And they did not regret about difficulties they faced: Tariq Sarhan conducted an interesting interactive lecture during which children not only listened, but also could show their knowledge and independently tell their fellows and the gathered parents about episodes from life of the last Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Answers to the lecturer's questions were voluntary; nevertheless, children strove to active participation.
To make the lecture not only interesting, but also informative for the audience taking into account age of the gathered, Tariq Sarhan emphasized episodes of life of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), which children can take for themselves as an example since their youngest years. He told about the childhood of Muhammad and his beautiful temper which distinguished him among other children; about his growing and that respect which he got by his rightfulness in the Mekkan society which was deep in disbelief and sins. The story-teller did not ignore the examples of the Prophet's treatment of children in his mature age and how sensitively he empathized problems of kids and seriously treated their decisions, never considering it is a trifle, not noteworthy the attention of a serious adult person whatever busy he was.
And the good mood of children improved after a sweet feast: everyone was treated with tangerines, sweets and juice. The children also got small memorable gifts — school writing-books with the image of a mosque and a hadith on the cover. These writing-books were brought from Crimea; they are not found in the shops of Kiev, what makes the gift not only useful, but also especial.
All of us know that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions did not celebrate his birthday, anniversary of the fight at Badr, anniversary of Hijra (immigration of Muhammad from Makkah to Medina), etc. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was a role model for believers; and his companions were witnesses of the events which took place at his life-time. The magnificent example of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his great acts left a deep imprint in their hearts and souls.
According to Saad ibn Ali Uakkas, the companions willingly told to their children about events of the Prophet's life, his fights and social policy, high morals; taught them the Holy Quran and explained the history of revelation of separate ayats. Thus, they were brought up on a constant reminder on the example of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and they did not need to arrange similar holidays.
However their descendants and followers began to forget nice history and its value, and each following generation of children kept away in time from those who were personally familiar with the Prophet or his associates more and more. The children of Muslims who live in mainly non-Muslim societies and who in their everyday life have no constant reminder on the last Messenger face the most hardships.
Thus, we need similar memorials to remind people (and especially children) of life and appeal of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), after all "Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much" (The Holy Quran, 33:21). If these memorials are marked correctly, without resorting to innovations and without arranging of thoughtless and prodigal fun, they can serve as a blessing for the whole Ummah, and, especially, for education of the rising generation.
By arraid.org
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