Teaching Your Child the Islamic Way of Answering the Call of Nature
Imagine you’re standing at the doorway of your toddler’s room, and they’re heading to the bathroom alone for the first time. A mixture of pride, concern, and love wells up inside you. Isn’t that an extraordinary feeling?
Did you know that even such a simple and natural act like answering the call of nature has a specific etiquette in Islam?
And, the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) used to say this before entering the toilet:
“[Bismillaah] Allaahumma innee aoodhu bika minal khubthi wal khabaaith.”
It translates to this:
“[In the Name of Allaah] O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from devils – males and females (or all offensive and wicked things, evil deeds, etc.).”
In this post, we’ll explore how you can teach your children such precious traditions in a fun and friendly manner.
Breaking It Down For Kids
“…surely, every one of you is a shepherd. And every one is responsible for whatever falls under his responsibility…” – Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)
As mothers, our duty extends beyond providing love and care. We’re also entrusted with the responsibility of raising our children in line with Islamic teachings. But how do we take something as profound as the duaa before entering the bathroom and teach it to our kids?
Teach By Example
The first step is leading by example. Make it a habit to say the duaa out loud whenever you’re about to enter the bathroom and ensure your child hears you. Children are natural mimics; they learn by observing their elders.
Illustrate the Meaning
Draw a fun, colorful picture story about saying this duaa. Use simple words to explain what the duaa means. This helps the child understand the essence of the duaa.
Importance of Hygiene in Islam
Teaching children about bathroom etiquette is not just about spiritual cleanliness; it’s also about physical hygiene.
Handwashing – A Must
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that proper handwashing can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by 16%. Teach your kids the importance of washing hands after using the bathroom, and that doing so is Sunnah.
Left Hand for Cleaning
The Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) recommended using the left hand for cleaning oneself after using the bathroom. Incorporate this practice into your child’s routine and make sure to explain the reasoning behind it.
Making It Fun and Easy to Remember
Teaching Islamic etiquette doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are a couple of fun ways to reinforce these lessons.
Duaa Tune Time
Put the duaa to a tune so that your child can easily remember.
Bathroom Etiquette Chart
Create a colorful chart outlining the steps to follow when using the bathroom. Hang it at a child’s eye level in the bathroom as a constant reminder.
Conclusion: Answering the Call of Nature
Through these simple yet meaningful lessons, we’re not just teaching our children bathroom etiquette. We’re instilling in them a love for the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), respect for hygiene, and the importance of invoking Allah’s protection in every step of their lives.
And so, dear mothers, let’s embrace this role with all the love and dedication it deserves. After all, our little ones will one day pass on these valuable lessons to their own children. Isn’t that a beautiful legacy to leave behind?
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