Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 73
Chapter 4: Elementary School Years 73 Social Activities At the elementary age, children start getting invited to different kinds of parties and events such as birthdays, Halloween, and sleepovers. It is very important for Ahmadi Muslim parents to be clear about the Jama ’ at guidelines with regards to participating in these events. Both parents need to discuss how to tackle these questions and conversations when they come up, and how to explain the philosophy of these teachings to children. Some Sermons of Hazrat Khalifatul- Masih (aba) are referenced to help parents understand the logic behind these instructions and why these practices are un-Islamic. There are many resources available with regards to what the Jama ’ at ’ s policy is about birthdays, Halloween etc. Huzoor ( aba) has given many Sermon s regarding these guidelines, and it is helpful for both parents and children to listen to him and find the answers to their questions. When children ask for costumes for Halloween, parents should know how to steer the conversation by having all the necessa ry information so that children are completely satisfied with the explanations. In most instances children are swayed by whatever they see without giving much thought to it. For example, a parent can ask children what they find attractive in the celebratio n of Halloween. Is it dressing up in interesting costumes that is important to them? Is it being part of a group that is important to them? Is it having lots of candy important to them? Once the parent knows what is important to children then they can make alternative plans , which can be equally gratifying. Many Jama’ats across the country actually have special activities set for such occasions and children and their parents are encouraged to participate in them. However, al ternatives that are equally un - Is lamic should not be adopted. Another occasion which can become contentious, is attending non- Muslim friends ’ birthday parties. Parents need to make it clear to children that it is an un - Islamic practice to celebrate birthdays. Hazrat Khalifatul - Masih V (aba) has said that spending money on lavish