FRIDAY KHUTBA OF TOKYO CAMİİ “THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW) AND CHILDREN“

Honorable Muslims,
Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Qur’an: “Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope.” ^[1]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
A child is the loveliest of all blessings bestowed upon us. They are the most innocent guests of our homes, and the barakah of our families.
The most valuable guide for us in shaping our relations with children is our Beloved Prophet (saw), who was sent as a mercy to the worlds. He loved children the most among all the creatures.

Dear Muslims,
The Messenger of Allah (saw) would value children, and made them feel that they were valuable. He would give seat to them right beside himself, and he would begin with children while offering something to eat. He would greet them and ask about how they were while passing by them. He would attach special importance to girls and orphans; he would cherish them as beloved entrustments, and would never let them be insulted. All the efforts of our Prophet (saw) were for the children to grow up with strong personalities as a generation with sound faith and good morals.

Honorable Muslims,
Today, humanity needs the timeless exemplary character of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) more than ever. Then, let us give an ear to our beloved Prophet (saw) who says, “There is no gift that a father gives his child more virtuous than good manners.” ^{[2] Let us set an example for our children with our words, behaviors, and personalities. Let us not deprive them of our care and love. Let us never forget that the love and attention shown to children, and the moral and value education given to them are the best investment for our life both in the world and in the Hereafter.}

^[1] Kahf, 18/46.
^[2] Tirmidhi, Birr, 33; Ibn Hanbal, IV, 77.