Kids & Palestine - Answering the tough questions - Part Three
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Explaining the current situation in Palestine to young minds is not an easy task. In our previous parts of this series, we discuss which approaches you can take, which content should be included within this approach, and how one should navigate this conversation concerning their conduct.
In this final part, we will discuss a list of perhaps the most important segments of this conversation: What can we do? How can we use the information given to us in a way most pleasing to Allah (SWT)?
Children may often get passionate about taking action but confused about what to do. Here are a few steps we can teach them about, which can also keep them guided towards righteousness.
Donating and Helping Orphans:
It is important to take care of orphans in Islam, and we should be teaching our children this from a young age.
It may be easier to discuss how young, needy children in Palestine and relate them as the brothers and sisters of our children. It is our responsibility to help them through our prayers or through excelling in school and becoming financially able to make donations.
Being weary of surroundings:
It is crucial to teach our children to be aware of their physical surroundings and the content they consume, especially living in the West.
We should teach them that when they go out in public or to school, people may disagree with their opinions on this matter. Regardless, they should always be respectful when faced with differing opinions, and they should feel comfortable asking you any questions that arise along the way.
The second precaution in this new cyber-world is being weary of media bias. Young kids should be taught to be aware of false news and headlines, and to be aware of misinformation on social media.
Prayer:
Hearing about our brothers' and sisters' suffering may cause distress in our children. We should teach our children to channel these feelings towards making dua and asking Allah for help.
اللهُمَّ إِنَّهُمْ مَغْلُوبُونَ فَانْتَصِرْ لَهُمْ.
Allahumma innahum maghloobuna fantasir lahum.
O Allah! They are helpless, so help them.
The most important action is praying and dua because placing our reliance and trust in Allah (SWT) is the best way to help, and Allah is our best Protector.
Parts 1 and 2 discuss the ways our children can learn about Palestine, and the above suggestions are some steps that support our Palestinian brothers and sisters during this time of crisis.
Although this is a heavy topic, and it is not a topic kids should be stressing about, they must be gently made aware of these realities. The most important thing our children should know is that they can trust us and come to trusted adults whenever they feel distressed, and Allah will always help those who rely on Him.
“And rely upon Allah; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs” -Surah Al-Ahzab (33:3).
Related Posts: Kids & Palestine - Answering the tough questions (Part One), Kids & Palestine - Answering the tough questions (Part Two), Gaza: Cry for Help, Palestine Emergency Appeal,