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MASJID TUCSON United Submitters International
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Happiness is
Submission to God Alone
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One of the hardest things to teach children nowadays is to keep their chastity. There is a large percentage of teenagers who are sexually active, even though they are not physiologically—let alone psycologically—mature. There are millions of illicit pregnancies and tragedies associated with this moral breakdown. Abortions which happen daily in this society. Unwanted and unsupported children who will likely become society’s time bombs. Children who have no regard for people's lives and property. Millions of social misfits, as well as the increased proliferation of sexual diseases.
People are unaware that this moral breakdown costs them dearly. This is in spite of the enlightenments given in the scripture. God has provided laws which should be the basis of the laws and norms of society. He has also given examples that any violation of His laws results in a lot of misery and problems. Furthermore, He shows us the traits necessary to be successful in life, and maintaining chastity is one of them.
Successful indeed are the believers; who are reverent during their Contact Prayers (Salat).
And they avoid vain talk
And they give their obligatory charity (Zakat).
And they maintain their chastity. [23:1-5]
Sons and daughters of true believers must be taught that happiness throughout their lives depends on following God's laws. This includes preserving their chastity, keeping themselves for their future spouses and not allowing anyone else to touch them in a sexual manner. Unfortunately, this is not the norm of society today. There are too many negative elements pulling against being chaste. Too many avenues of temptation. We, as parents, must be persistent in telling our children what the correct path is to happiness throughout their lives.
The parents’ responsibility is to give the children the message and teach them righteousness. God gives us an example in the Quran of Luqman’s conversation with his son. Luqman, who is endowed with wisdom, enlightens his son to be appreciative of God and not to set up any idols beside Him, for idolatry is a gross injustice. God has also enjoined us to honor our parents and obey them unless they force us to set up idols beside God. However, we should continue to treat them amicably in this world (31:12-15). And Luqman continues:
“O my son, know that even something as tiny as a mustard seed, deep inside a rock, be it in the heavens or the earth, GOD will bring it. GOD is Sublime, Cognizant.
“O my son, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). You shall advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. These are the most honorable traits.
“You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth proudly. GOD does not like the arrogant showoffs.
“Walk humbly and lower your voice—the ugliest voice is the donkey’s voice.” [31:16-19]
As believing parents, we have no choice but to advise our children to follow God’s laws. No matter what roadblocks appear to stand in the way, we must take this responsibility seriously, regardless of how our children might receive our advice. This is by no means an easy task in today’s society, especially when one parent is a believer and the other is not. It is even more difficult when parents are separated and live apart, or worse if they are in different states. Long-distance parenting may be difficult, but this should not stop us, as the Quran says we must be consistent. It is our responsibility as parents to give our children all the necessary information for their happiness and well being. We should do our best; at the same time we should not worry, for ultimately they are in God’s hands.