How to introduce my younger brothers to God alone?
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Salaam
I have two younger brothers, 9 and 12 years old who live with our sunni-dad and their sunni-mum. They didn't really make much effort "teaching them their religion" lol, which can be seen as a good thing. They don't perform the contact-prayer almost anytime unless they visit their "native country". But they did really get influenced by their sunni-parents way of thinking, and I dont like this. I would like to introduce them to God alone, but I guess they are too young and I dont want to make them confused. At which age do you think they are enough mature to understand things like God alone?
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Salam sis God_alone,
Salaam
I have two younger brothers, 9 and 12 years old who live with our sunni-dad and their sunni-mum. They didn't really make much effort "teaching them their religion" lol, which can be seen as a good thing. They don't perform the contact-prayer almost anytime unless they visit their "native country". But they did really get influenced by their sunni-parents way of thinking, and I dont like this. I would like to introduce them to God alone, but I guess they are too young and I dont want to make them confused. At which age do you think they are enough mature to understand things like God alone?
Your question reminds me the site of Dr. Shabbir Ahmed. Here is the website http//www.ourbeacon.com/11901/index.html
Take a look at the bottom of the site Islam for the Junior and The Ideal Prophet. What interesting is those books are written by small girl.
"Dr. and Mrs. Farida Shabbir Ahmed's youngest child Aisha was only 9 years old when she wrote this lovable book under guidance. Children seven years and above easily read and understand this book, but even the adults find it very informative and inspiring."
"Aisha was eleven when she wrote this delightful and informative, yet brief, biography of Prophet Muhammad (S), under supervision. Once again, children seven years and above can easily read and understand this lovely work. Discerning parents and schools around the globe have made Aisha Ahmed's books mandatory reading for kids. Her two beautiful books get reprinted again and again."
I haven't read those book so I cannot comment on the content but since 9 year-old girl can write such books, your younger brother and sister should be not too young to read the books sun
Wassalam,
Ade -
peace,
To appreciate the basic concept belief in one God and trying to do good deeds, is pretty easy even at a very young age.
There is no need to go into details and sophisticated arguments.
What is preferable is to nurture the mindset one that is inquisitive, seeks knowledge, wishes to understand how things work, verifies, open-minded, empathic, logical etc. This is very important... and the rest will follow naturally.
There are many ways to do the above. For example, when discussing ANY idea/concept/news story/etc simply point out the strengths/weaknesses, further questions that need to be asked, logical points within etc. In ANY kind of problem solving task, encourage them to think things through etc. Take them out and make them appreciate nature, feed the ducks at the pond in the park, visit the zoo, make sand castles on the beach, meteor showers at night etc.
From my experience...
I discovered islam based on al quran when I was 19, and at this time my younger bro and sis were 10 and 13 respectively. During this time, I sometimes discussed islam/quran issues with them if it came up and gave them my perspective. Now that they are older, they are much more aware of traditional influence upon Muslims and think about most "religious" issues more inquisitively/carefully. Of course, I cannot say how much of that is due to me. -
Peace be upon you!
Thank you for ur replies.I agree with u Wakas about the mindset-thing.
(It seem very common to discover Islam based on only Quran when u r 19 lol)My problem is also that my parents have separeted maaany years ago and I have always been living with my mum. As I mentioned my brothers are living with our dad who is a traditional sunni, he is very much against my "new belief" so I dont really dare talking about God alone with them, cuz I'm worried they will go talking about this with their parents who already hate my belief ???
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Peace all
I don't want to make any personal suggestions, but if it was me, I'd try to spread the truth to your siblings and your parents and then from then on it is between them and God. If your siblings seem uninterested, perhaps wait till they are older. And remember these verses
When they are told, "Follow what GOD has revealed herein," they say, "We follow only what we found our parents doing." What if their parents did not understand, and were not guided?
When they are told, "Come to what GOD has revealed, and to the messenger," they say, "What we found our parents doing is sufficient for us." What if their parents knew nothing, and were not guided?
And this passage is very interesting (770 is the disbelievers talking)
They said, "Did you come to make us worship GOD alone, and abandon what our parents used to worship? We challenge you to bring the doom you threaten us with, if you are truthful."
He said, "You have incurred condemnation and wrath from your Lord. Do you argue with me in defense of innovations you have fabricated - you and your parents - which were never authorized by GOD? Therefore, wait and I will wait along with you."
I hope this helps. May the best come to you and your family and may God guide us all.
Peace
