The individual human is the foundation of society, its foremost pillar, and the axis of this universe. He is the most important brick in its towering edifice. He is civil and social by nature, beginning his life with a dual structure: his father and his mother. Therefore, the family is the first embrace.

He is also a product of his environment and his family; they influence the formation of his behaviour, thoughts, values, habits, religion, culture, and language. They are the fertile ground in which we can plant all the meanings of love, mercy, and virtue in the souls of the young.

The call of instinct, ingrained in the soul of the Muslim, guides him to guidance and shows him the way when he strays.

The call of instinct is deeply rooted in the soul of the Muslim, guiding him towards guidance and enlightening him on the path when he strays.

People, at the core of their creation, were inclined towards monotheism and were created upon it. This is evident from the verses of the Quran, as Allah says: “And (remember) when your Lord brought forth from the loins of the children of Adam their descendants and had them testify regarding themselves. (Allah asked,) ‘Am I not your Lord?’ They replied, ‘Yes, You are! We testify.’ (He cautioned,) ‘Now you have no right to say on Judgment Day, ‘We were not aware of this.’” (Surah Al-A'raf: 172).

“So be steadfast in faith in all uprightness (O Prophet)—the natural Way of Allah which He has instilled in (all) people. Let there be no change in this creation of Allah. That is the Straight Way, but most people do not know.” (Surah Ar-Rum: 30)

This meaning was crystal clear in the minds of the noble companions, may Allah be pleased with them. Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, once asked Mu'adh ibn Jabal: 'What is the foundation of this nation?' Mu'adh replied: 'There are three pillars that ensure salvation: sincerity, which is the instinct of Allah upon which He created people, prayer, which is the religion, and obedience, which is the safeguard.' Umar commented: 'You have spoken the truth.'⁽¹⁾

The call of instinct is deeply ingrained in the soul of the Muslim, guiding him towards guidance, turning him away from misguidance, and showing him the way when he errs or strays.

A Flower from the Garden of the Sunnah

From the pure garden of the Sunnah, we pluck this noble Prophetic saying. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “No child is born except on Al-Fitra (Islam) and then his parents make him Jewish, Christian or Magian, as an animal produces a perfect young animal: do you see any part of its body amputated?" Then he rec 'The religion of pure Islamic Faith (Hanifa), (i.e. to worship none but Allah), The pure Allah's Islamic nature with which He (Allah) has created mankind.”⁽²⁾

The environment in which a person is raised has the greatest influence on shaping their behavior and molding them intellectually and psychologicallyTop of Form

With a contemplative look in the shadows of this noble Prophetic tradition, several important religious and educational lessons emerge:

Firstly: The common denominator among all people, whether believers or non-believers, is the sound fitrah (natural disposition). It is the dye of Allah with which He has dyed people while they were still in the world of sperm and in the realm of the embryo. This fitrah is the solid foundation, and straying from it leads to deviation from the right path. Therefore, it is imperative for the educator to preserve this fitrah through acts of obedience and righteousness, and to be extremely cautious of its corruption by vices and evils.

Secondly: The environment in which a person is raised has the greatest influence on shaping their behaviour and refining their morals, intellectually, psychologically, and emotionally. How many strange contradictions exist in environments?!

Some people are raised in an environment characterized by the recitation of the Quran, love for the righteous, affection, compassion, softness of disposition, kindness, and goodwill towards others. Their nature is adorned with beautiful deeds and noble qualities. Such an environment is a source of pure water, and the outcome it produces is nourished by its sweet springs and abundant waters.

In contrast, there are those who grow up in an environment filled with frivolity and heedlessness, marked by arrogance, pride, aimlessness, and indulgence in desires. They are nurtured on these blameworthy qualities, destructive vices, and reprehensible behaviours. They have no purpose or aim. Indeed, they are like tumult without consequence, and it is unlikely for a crooked stick to produce straight shadows!

Knowing the path to raise boys is one of the most important and emphasized matters. A boy is a trust entrusted to his parents

Thirdly: The parents are the captains of the ship and the drivers of the sail. It's either towards safety or towards regret. Let it be known that knowing the path to raise boys is one of the most important and emphasized matters. A boy is a trust entrusted to his parents, and his pure heart is a precious and naive gem, devoid of any engraving or image. He is susceptible to everything that is engraved upon him and inclined towards everything that attracts him. If he is accustomed to goodness and raised upon it, he will find happiness in this world and the Hereafter, and his parents and every teacher who contributed to his upbringing will share in its reward. But if he is accustomed to evil and neglected like the beasts, he will suffer and perish, and the burden will lie on the shoulders of those responsible for him and those in authority over him. Indeed, Allah says: “O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire” (Surah At-Tahrim: 6).

No matter how much a father protects his son from the fire of this world, protecting him from the fire of the Hereafter is more important. This protection involves disciplining him, refining his character, teaching him good manners, and shielding him from bad influences. He should not be indulged, nor should he be made fond of adornments and luxuries, lest he waste his life chasing after them and perish eternally. It is essential to observe him from the very beginning, and no matter what signs of distinction one notices in him, one must be diligent in monitoring him. ⁽³⁾

The father remains the guardian responsible for his household, both in this world and the Hereafter. The leader must be skilful and perceptive, understanding the nature of the path, lest the ship sink in the abyss of the sea, swallowed by the waves, and become like it never sailed yesterday.

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(1) Interpretation of the Noble Quran (2/2231).

(2) The Opening of the Creator with the Explanation of Sahih Al-Bukhari (3/270).

(3) Refining the Sermon of the Believers from Reviving the Sciences of Religion (2/16/17).

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