Dear Brothers and Sisters!

In the religion of Islam we know that religion, life, generations, mind and property are the five basic principles that must be preserved. Among these, the protection of the generation, that is, our children, is a very important issue, especially today. Of course, parents who are mentally sound and do not have psychological problems do their best to protect their children. It is an important instinct bestowed by Allah (swt) that is not only given to humans but also given to animals. Allah (swt) mentions in the Quran, “Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life”[1] The presence of our children, their health and well-being is a source of joy for parents.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The Quran also mentions; “And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allāh has with Him a great reward.”[2] Our children, one of the endless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (swt), are also our greatest test. It is necessary that we have a desire to raise them in the most correct way. As much as we care about the material comfort and physical well-being of our children, we should also be concerned about their spiritual well-being. As much as we want them to be successful in the life of this world, we must also do our best to gain Allah’s approval. Because it is obvious that worldly comfort alone is not enough to be happy. It is impossible to reach spiritual peace without reaching spiritual maturity.

Dear Jama’ah!

The prophets sent as guides to people were also interested in the happiness and safety of their generations. The Quran mentions a dua, “My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.”[3] What is meant by a good generation is to be determined to win Allah’s approval and to have good morals. It is one of the most important duties of parents to make an effort for this. Our Prophet Muhammad (saw) who was sent as the best example to humanity said, “No parent has given a more valuable gift to their child than good manners.”[4]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Our priority regarding our generation, that is, our future, should be to raise them as servants to Allah (swt), as a nation to the Prophet, as good children to their families and to the society. We should strive for our offspring to be good Muslims as much as we are concerned with having a diploma and high career. In order to build a generation that takes the burden of the society and not the one that is a burden to the society, we must teach our children our religion properly, set a good example in terms of morality, and raise awareness in social issues. We must encourage our children to join this organisation’s activities such as the educational seminars, youth activities and courses this mosque has to offer.

May Allah (swt) make us among his servants who strive for our children to be good Muslims. Ameen!

[1] Surah Al-Kahf, 18:46

[2] Surah Al-Anfal, 8:28

[3] Surah Âl-i İmrân, 3:38

[4] Tirmizî, Birr, 33

Khutba: Raising Good Generations