Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 103
Chapter 6: High School Years 103 It is not unusual to hear teenagers protesting that they have too much homework and have to study for exams, and therefore do not have time for Jama ’ at activities. Parents should be firm in maintaining that attending Jama ’ at functions takes priority over other activities, and at the very least, make sure that their children attend important meetings and Jalsas such as Seeratun Nabi, Masih Ma ’ ud Day, Musleh Ma ’ ud Day and Khilafat Day. Waqf-e-Nau children should attend their Ijtemas and programs also. Encourage the practice of writing weekly and monthly letters to Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih which began in earlier years, so that ties with Khilafat are nurtured through asking Huzoor for career advice and seeking his prayers in all academic endeavors. Meeting Huzoor in person does wonders to augment this relationship as there is something about even a brief personal encounter that can leave a mark and inspire teenagers to strive harder for Islamic values. At this stage of their development, children are fully capable of understanding Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih ’ s Friday Sermons, whether through listening or reading the summary online on www. alislam. org. Wherever possible, children should be encouraged to listen to the Sermon in Huzoor ’ s (aba) own words. The best way to make children grasp the importance of the message of the Sermons is for parents to discuss each week ’ s Sermon with them and demonstrate how to follow Huzoor ’ s (aba) guidance by their own example. Teenagers should also be reminded about their financial obligations to the Jama ’ at. If they are Khuddam or Lajna members, they are responsible for paying their dues and if they are earning, they must pay Chanda Aam. They should also be encouraged to participate in voluntary Chandas such as Tehrik-e-Jadid , Waqf-e-Jadid , Syedna Bilal fund etc. Help them to understand the importance of giving Zakat and Sadaqat (alms) as well. The habit of giving should be inculcated so that taking out Allah Almighty ’ s share becomes second