Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 9
Chapter 1: The Role of Ahmadi Muslim Mothers 9 (as). In terms of their school education, of course you should encourage your children to learn and to attain the highest standards. However, if in the name of freedom, the schools ever teach things that are contrary to Islam then you should explain clearly to your children what your values and beliefs are. This is a great responsibility laid before you, because one day the world ’ s reformation will be the task of your children. Certainly, Allah has given the task of the reformation of the world to the Jama ’ at of the Promised Messiah (as) and so we must pay heed to this great responsibility. Only then will we be able to protect our societies and to guide others towards the true teachings of Islam. Only then will we be able to save our children and future generations. ” 1. 8 In addition to these basic guidelines, there are some other measures that Ahmadi Muslim mothers can take to combat the challenge of un- Islamic influences on their children. One of the most important of these is that mothers have to give their full attention to the Tarbiyat of their children. This can be a challenge in itself as it requires time, commitment, sacrifice and the acceptance of Islam ’ s teaching that taking care of her home and children is a woman ’ s most valuable work. Many women in Western society place a greater value on their careers than family life. Ahmadi Muslim mothers, if pursuing an education and a career, should be mindful that their responsibility for their home and training of children is not compromised by their work outside the home. A “ good ” mother places all the needs of her child, physical, emotional and spiritual, before her own. Mothers who assume that it is sufficient to take the children to a weekend class at the mosque, or that the Jama ’ at is responsible for the training of their children, are mistaken. No one else can impart values the way a mother can and there is no substitute for a mother ’ s love and devotion to her child.