Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 181
181 reward. A believer must never show indolence and unconcern for such work. ” Physically Reprimanding Children is to Associate Partners with God On one occasion, a certain friend physically reprimanded his child. The Prom- ised Messiah as was deeply affected by this and called the individual and delivered a heart-rending address. The Promised Messiah as said: “In my view, to strike a child in this manner is equivalent to associating partners with God. For the ill- natured perpetrator who hits a child arrogates themselves to a position of grant- ing guidance, a position only held by God, and seeks to partake of God’s station of providence. When an incensed man punishes someone for something, he will continue to grow in anger until he takes on the form of an enemy, and in propor- tion to the actual offence, he will overstep in punishment by miles. A person who is patient and does not lose the reins of self-control, and who is fully tolerant, forbearing, calm and composed, does have the right to punish or reprimand a child on an appropriate occasion. However, a short-tempered, intolerant and un- reasonable person is not suitable at all for the training of children. Alas! If only parents would spend as much effort in prayer as they do in seeking to punish their children, and if only they made it a constant practice to supplicate for them with a burning heart. Indeed, the prayers of parents for their children are blessed with special acceptance. ” A Few Prayers of the Promised Messiah as The Promised Messiah as said: “I have made it compulsory upon myself to make certain prayers on a daily basis. Firstly, I pray for my own soul that the Merciful Lord may use me for such work by which His honour and glory is manifested, and may He enable me to act in a manner that fully pleases Him. Secondly, I pray for the members of my household that may Allah the Exalted grant me the delight of my eyes through them and that they may tread the path of His pleasure. Thirdly, I pray for my children that they may all become servants of the Faith. Fourthly, I then pray for my sincere friends by name. Then, fifthly, I pray for all those who are a part of this community, whether I know them personally or not. ” The Upbringing of Children The Promised Messiah as said: “It is unlawful for such a person to take the seat of a