Is it possible to be so overwhelmed with Allah's (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) mercy and compassion that I can't stop pinching my arm to see if I'm dreaming or awake?
Today's class was very very special to us all Alhamdulillah. Today, apart from the nine children already attending, we had two new kids gracing our class with their presence. And from these two, one is my daughter's very close friend, who happens to be a Hindu. Why would a non-Muslim child, a 5-year-old at that, join a Islamic Sunday school, you ask? Let me explain.
This child, R, spends a lot of time at our home. She is always welcomed with open arms and we love having her over for play dates with my kids. She spent a few hours with us yesterday when her parents were at work and her mom came to pick her up in the evening. While chatting about our day, I mentioned to R's mom that I was preparing for my Sunday class. She was immediately interested. She asked me what was taught in the class and when she heard words like 'Arabic alphabet' and 'Islamic prayers with meanings' she asked me if it was open to only Muslims. I think it took me a moment to answer. I repeated that the class focused on things that Muslim children need to learn, only the approach was different. She then said something which blew me away. She said she would love for R to be part of this class because she wants her to be more aware of different faiths and cultures. She said it would be an important part of her development as she would grow up to be more accepting of other people.
I cannot even begin to explain how wonderful it felt to hear words like that. We live in a world where intolerance is rampant, where people brutalise, kill and commit crimes in the name of religion. In the name of religions that themselves talk about peace, love, brotherhood and coexistence. In many parts of the world children are brain washed into hateful attitudes towards people of a particular faith. It is a shameful irony. But, apparently, like I found out today, there is hope for our kids.
So after I finished gaping at her with my mouth open, I recovered and told her that we would love to have R in our class and that she was always welcome in our home.
So R joined our wonderful class today, and I cannot stop thanking Allah for his mercy on us. All this while, here I am trying to get more Muslim kids to join our class and fretting over why the numbers don't grow fast enough. And then, POW!! Allah blesses us with an honour and responsibility beyond my wildest dreams. Alhamdulillah! I only pray that I am able to shoulder this responsibility and that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is pleased with my efforts. I pray that I am worthy of the love and trust I see in the eyes of the parents who are sending their precious little angels to our home every Sunday. Aameen!
Today's class was very very special to us all Alhamdulillah. Today, apart from the nine children already attending, we had two new kids gracing our class with their presence. And from these two, one is my daughter's very close friend, who happens to be a Hindu. Why would a non-Muslim child, a 5-year-old at that, join a Islamic Sunday school, you ask? Let me explain.
This child, R, spends a lot of time at our home. She is always welcomed with open arms and we love having her over for play dates with my kids. She spent a few hours with us yesterday when her parents were at work and her mom came to pick her up in the evening. While chatting about our day, I mentioned to R's mom that I was preparing for my Sunday class. She was immediately interested. She asked me what was taught in the class and when she heard words like 'Arabic alphabet' and 'Islamic prayers with meanings' she asked me if it was open to only Muslims. I think it took me a moment to answer. I repeated that the class focused on things that Muslim children need to learn, only the approach was different. She then said something which blew me away. She said she would love for R to be part of this class because she wants her to be more aware of different faiths and cultures. She said it would be an important part of her development as she would grow up to be more accepting of other people.
I cannot even begin to explain how wonderful it felt to hear words like that. We live in a world where intolerance is rampant, where people brutalise, kill and commit crimes in the name of religion. In the name of religions that themselves talk about peace, love, brotherhood and coexistence. In many parts of the world children are brain washed into hateful attitudes towards people of a particular faith. It is a shameful irony. But, apparently, like I found out today, there is hope for our kids.
So after I finished gaping at her with my mouth open, I recovered and told her that we would love to have R in our class and that she was always welcome in our home.
So R joined our wonderful class today, and I cannot stop thanking Allah for his mercy on us. All this while, here I am trying to get more Muslim kids to join our class and fretting over why the numbers don't grow fast enough. And then, POW!! Allah blesses us with an honour and responsibility beyond my wildest dreams. Alhamdulillah! I only pray that I am able to shoulder this responsibility and that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is pleased with my efforts. I pray that I am worthy of the love and trust I see in the eyes of the parents who are sending their precious little angels to our home every Sunday. Aameen!
SubhanAllah...may the blessings of Allah be with you always and help you in guiding these little ones.
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