Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 83
Chapter 5: Middle School Years 83 At weekends, parents can set aside a time, for example, after Asr prayer, when the whole family sits together for Darsul-Qur ’ an and Darsul-Hadith. Ramadan Some children in this age group, depending on their physical development, may be ready to attempt a few fasts at the weekend, but it is not required for children of this age to fast as this is a time of growth. However, more emphasis can be laid on recitation of the Holy Qur ’ an and understanding its meanings. At this stage, Salat is compulsory for children and the month of Ramadan provides the best opportunity to strengthen their practice and add Nawafil to their worship. Keeping Ties with Khilafat and Jama ’ at “ Hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah and be not divided…” 5. 4 The Holy Prophet (saw) said: “ Believers are (united) like a building, each part of which is a source of strength for the other part. ” 5. 5 It is Khilafat which unites the believers and gives them the strength to do the work of Allah and seek His pleasure. By this stage, children should have a very clear idea of the meaning of being an Ahmadi Muslim. They should have learned about the Promised Messiah (as) and his mission, the institution of Khilafat, and the organization of the Jama ’ at through religious education classes at the mosque, and from their parents. This is very important not only to strengthen their faith, but also to give them a sense of identity. They should be aware of the differences between Ahmadi Muslims and non-Ahmadi Muslims and also why Ahmadi Muslims