Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 37
Chapter 2: Pre-Birth and Infancy 37 Mother as Role Model A mother is a child ’ s first and most important role model, which is why the Holy Prophet (saw) said that paradise lies under a mother ’ s feet. The most important lessons which have to be taught to children are best taught through example. For example, very young children notice the regular observance of Salat very quickly, especially when offered in congregation. In his address to Lajna Ima ’ illah Germany in 2010, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba) said: “ Then there is the establishment of Salat on its correct timings. When mothers will adorn their homes with Salat with due respect, then surely its effects will transcend on their children. They will fathom the importance of Salat. In homes where Salat is offered with its due respect, children as young as one and a half to two years, in their own innocent way, offer Salat , prostrate, and in their baby-talk even say “ Allahu Akbar. ” If it is a little girl, she takes a small dupatta on her head and stands on the prayer mat; and if it is a little boy, he wears a cap and stands on the prayer mat. They are not even aware of what Salat is, but they are observing the gestures of their parents. It is a habit which is being inculcated in them subconsciously. This habit then goes on to develop a bond with Allah Almighty in the generations to come. ” 2. 12 Some mothers wait until children are sleeping before they perform Salat ; however, if her children never see her pray, it is more difficult for them to follow her example, so it is more effective to observe Salat in their presence. HAZRAT AMMAN JAN ’ S (RA) TARBIYAT Observance of Salat should never be neglected, no matter how busy the mother is. Once, a woman with a newborn baby came to visit