Righteous offspring is a perpetual charity for parents: Dr. Hassan Qadri

Chairman of the Supreme Council of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, while addressing a grand Friday congregation at Jamy Shaykh-ul-Islam, Model Town Lahore, spoke on the topic of children's upbringing and parental responsibility.

He stated that righteous offspring are a perpetual charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) for parents. If parents want their children to be obedient, beneficial to their families and society, they must instill in them religious knowledge, understanding, and good morals. He asked the parents to not only engage their children in the race for material success but also ensure their religious education and moral upbringing, as religious understanding refines a child's character.

He quoted the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "Protect your children from the fire of Hell." Hazrat Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) explained this by stating that it means providing children with religious knowledge and understanding and teaching them manners. The blessings of religious education develop good qualities and virtues in children.

Dr. Hassan Qadri emphasized that on the Day of Judgment, Allah Almighty will question parents about their children's upbringing. Therefore, parents should not take this responsibility lightly. If parents are regular in their prayers, despise falsehood, and prioritize lawful earnings, their children will naturally adopt these values and become practicing believers. He said that parents should raise their children through their own exemplary conduct, as even the prophets of Allah paid special attention to the moral upbringing of their children.

Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri further stated that well-raised children adhere to the Quranic teachings of kindness towards parents. The foundation of a child's religious upbringing should begin with the regular observance of the five daily prayers. He referred to the advice given by Hazrat Luqman (peace be upon him) to his son, which remains a guiding light for all parents even today.

• Addressing his son, Hazrat Luqman (peace be upon him) said:
• Avoid associating partners with Allah (Shirk).
• Be kind and respectful to your parents.
• Always be grateful.
• Maintain good manners.
• Live your life following the path of the righteous.
• Be mindful of your words and actions, as nothing is hidden from Allah.
• Establish prayer throughout your life.
• Encourage righteousness and forbid evil.
• Be patient when facing difficulties for the sake of Allah.
• Avoid arrogance and do not walk with pride on the earth, as Allah dislikes arrogance.
• Walk with humility and moderation.
• When speaking to others, be gentle and kind.
• If you dislike something, pass by it peacefully, but do not turn your face away in arrogance.
• Lower your voice and speak with dignity.

Dr. Hassan Qadri concluded his remarks by urging parents to follow these divine teachings and ensure that their children grow up with strong faith, good morals, and a sense of responsibility towards society.