The purpose of this writing is to discuss the need to bring up your child Islamically, to prioritize this and do everything in your power as a parent and community member to implant true Islamic understanding and faith in young people.

If a parent really, really loves their child and wants the best for them, their goal should be to raise the best Muslim they can. This is the best you can ever do for your child, in this life AND in the Hereafter.  If your child is a good Muslim, they will want to attain knowledge, security, help those around them and avoid so many harms and difficulties in this society.

So many disastrous things happen to your child if Islam is NOT the first priority. For example your child may not realise the significance of the prayer, they may go to parties, clubs, drink, take drugs and eventually commit suicide just like others.

Here are some simple, positive and proactive things we should all be doing to achieve this.

#1 Be consistent. Bring your child consistently to attend mosque activities. It is frustrating for teachers to teach student that comes only once in a while. It sends a message to your child of how important you think Islam really is.

#2 Get involved as a parent or community member. Take an interest in what goes on at mosque, in their class, help with homework, help them memorize, discuss Islamic issues with them. Do not expect the teachers to do everything. YOU, as parents, have the responsibility to give your child an Islamic education. How much can the teacher teach in 2 hours a week?

 #3 Create Islamic alternatives. Your kids should never think Islam is boring or dogmatic. It is a complete way of life, which is good and fun. Parents should help organize camps, festivals, sleepovers, fun days, sports, and Islamic movie days for them.

 #4 Buy Islamic books. How many of us have Islamic kid's books, tapes, games or videos at home? 

 #5 Send your kids to Islamic camps, conferences and conventions.

 #6 Be aware. What is your child's public school environment like? Do you know what they watch on TV, Do you know who their friends are?

#7 Eliminate the cultural baggage. Cultural baggages are things that parents have been raised with, which are not part of Islam. Separate what is your culture from what is Islam.

#8 Use the resources of this community. There are many experienced parents, teachers, and Imams in the community that can help you if you are having problems with your child. 

#9 Teach understanding, not blind ritual. We can't keep teaching our children things without explaining why they should do them or what they mean. How many of your kids say Surah Fatiha in prayer and have no idea what it means.

 #10 be a good Muslim. You must be a good, practicing, active Muslim for your child to be one. If you have little knowledge about Islam your child will have less. If Islam isn't a priority for you, it will not be for your child. If you are not continuously learning about Islam, your child will not be either.

Inshallah, let's make the intention now to try to do some of these simple things to help our kids understand and practice Islam.