Pathway to Paradise — Page 102
102 (2:221) Thus, the Holy Prophet spoke often for the protection and generous treatment of orphans. The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) also demonstrated love and respect for children and instructed Ahmadis never to strike their children anywhere on their face, an d to pray for them fervently. The Second Khalifa of the Promised Messiah has given detailed instructions for the proper upbringing of Ahmadi children in his book, “Way of the Seekers. ” In Islam, children are seen as a source of great joy as well as the prized future of the Jamaat or community. Thus in most Muslim societies, mothers stay home and devote the major part of their time and energy to their children. However, the reality for Muslim parents rearing children in a society focused on careers and the necessity of earning a liv ing may be a little different. But based on the enormous challenge of rearing a child with a strong Muslim identity in a Western society, Muslim women must consider the long - term effects of placing a small child in the care of others while working. They sh ould try, within their means, to be with their own children and ensure their nurturing, their strength of character and their Islamic upbringing, even if this may mean material sacrifice. The treatment of wives has been discussed in Chapter 3, and you are already aware of the respect and equality that Allah has given to Muslim women. Islam does not permit the abuse of women in any form. The Holy Qur’an tells Muslims to “consort with them (t heir wives) in kindness,” and to find qualities in them that are pleasing. A common misconception exists in the West