Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 121
Chapter 7: College Years and Beyond 121 summary is now available ‘ O n D emand ’ anytime , on every kind of device. Also , encourage them to watch MTA programs such as “ Faith Matters ” an d “ Real Talk ” etc. , which address a variety of contemporary issues. If your child is attending school far from home in another state or city where it is not possible to come home except on holidays, it is strongly recommended to choose a school which is close to a Jama ’ at and a mosque. Make sure your student is associated with the local Jama ’ at there. Introduce him/her to the local Missionary, President or Lajna President, so that they keep in touch and send the reminders and activity dates to your college student. In many schools, the AMSA (Ahmadiyya Muslim Student Association) and AMSAW (Ahmadiyya Muslim Student Association for Women) are very active, organizing Friday Prayers as well as other events. Encourage your child to be engaged in the Jama ’ at activities and attend their functions. A student who has been involved with the Jama ’ at all of his life will feel right at home. Sometimes a little push is needed and parents should not hesitate to exercise their rights as parents. At this age, it is important for parents to remember the words of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (rh) concerning respect for Nizam-e- Jama ’ at. He warned: “ It is essential to teach children respect of the Nizam-e- Jama ’ at. Do not say anything about the Nizam-e-Jama ’ at in your homes that sounds derogatory or complain about an official of the Jama ’ at. Never complain about a Jama ’ at officeholder in front of your children even if your complaint is valid. It will harm your children. You can protect your faith in spite of complaining but the faith of your children will be seriously damaged. Because in such a case, often the person involved suffers less injury, but the one who is watching nearby receives deeper wounds. ” 7. 4