Majority of Muslim parents deprived their children the knowledge of the Qur'an/Islamic knowledge; thinking that it will interfere with western knowledge. They are concerned with how their wards are able to read, write, understand and speak impeccable English language but ignoring Al-Kitaab (Qur'an), the mother of all books! However, it is good for our children to have a good command of English language and excel in their academic pursuits, but please, let the same routine apply for Qur'ãn/Islamic knowledge. This is because western knowledge and Islamic knowledge work pari passu; hence, the former should not be prioritised over the latter - so that your children can get along, live a balanced life and attain felicity in the hereafter.
The benefits of being able to read, understand and memorise the Qur'an are innumerable:
In the first place, it widens the horizon, makes academic pursuit easier, makes one an intellectual, sharpens life and makes you an imãm (leader). Besides, on the day of judgement, it will elevate you, make you to be in the company of the Angels, make you wear the crown of honour and above all, be an intercessor for you and your parents. It was narrated that Buraydah said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'Whoever reads the Qur'aan, learns it and acts in accordance with it, on the Day of Resurrection, his parents will be given a crown to wear whose light will be like the light of the sun, and his parents will be given garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world. They will say, "Why have we been given this to wear?" It will be said, "Because your child learned the Qur' aan". [Narrated by al-Haakim, 1/756-Albani classified it saheeh].
Oh Allah, make our knowledge of the Qur'ãn an assistance from straying into guidance; from poverty into affluence; from darkness into illumination; from bid'ah into sunnah and from hell into paradise. Ameen.
Muritala Raji (MR)
Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission,
Ikeja, Lagos.