Mohammad A.
Although worshiping is the duty of those who had attained puberty, children should not be deprived of the blessing of these nights and should be familiar with them from the very childhood. Those parents, who are merely concerned about their children's food and cloth and are ignoring spiritual aspects, would be unable to deliver perfect righteous men to the society. Although parents are praying themselves, should guide their children toward this path as far as possible. Therefore, in Islamic lessons it is suggested while worshiping and praying wake up your children to learn future lessons by looking at parents' prayers.
On the advent of Ramadan, one of the most suggested tasks which play an important role in human destiny and required to be thought from early childhood is considered as staying up during these precious nights (Laylatul Qadr), it owns special value and grandeur. Laylatul Qadr is the night in which worth more than thousand of months (more than 80 years). Prosperous man is he who understands the value of these nights from the bottom of his hearts and benefit from them.
We have several teaching for worshiping tasks during these nights among which we have staying up and Ahya. They also considered this fine tradition and benefited from it. The holy Prophet (PBUH) not only have prayed on Laylatul Qadr, but also spend the last decade of Ramadan on worshiping and during this period shelved his bed totally. Furthermore, make his household awake in 23rd night of Ramadan and sprinkled water on their face to benefit from this night, (1) Zahra (SA) had a strange feeling at this night, not only she was awake but forced her children to stay up at this night.
with regard to the significance of this night, the most important issue is that parents can make their children awake for these nights.It should be noted that parents' attitudes and children's are completely different from one another considering these nights. The purpose of making them stay up is not to imitate what the adults do, but merely their presence and just being awake is blessed and valuable, thus, institutionalizing these night and sleeping is crucial for children.
2. It is necessary to have sufficient sleep before holding the ceremony. They should be provided with comfortable and sufficient sleep to have a fresh presence in the ceremonies. Furthermore, inappropriate and heavy foods may lead to sleepy conditions, so try to provide light and nutritious food for them.In this regard Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) says: Fatima (SA) did not let any household sleep in Laylatul Qadr, gave them light food and make them ready for this night from the previous night and said: deprived are those who can't benefit this precious night.
3. Considering long hours of these ceremonies for children and therefore their tiredness, it is necessary for parents to bring some comestible. It is better to be moderate in this task. Thus, a bottle of water, some fruits especially apple, some starchy pieces such as bread, cake or biscuits or some raisins would be useful. Easing basic needs of children which lead to no boredom or bringing excuses can create a pleasant memory in their minds and consequently have some dialogues in regard to these nights with their parents.
4. Although religious leader suggested to make our children awake in Laylatul Qadr, particularly, the night of 23rd, undoubtedly, this insisting is not to oblige children to pray, worship. But, their mere awakening leads to good and blessing as well as special consideration. Thus, it is better to organize the program so that, children won't be bored and annoyed while they are staying up and won't have unpleasant memories of this night. Forcing them to stay not only does not have positive effect, but also children try to avoid participating in these programs as a result of terrible memories in their minds.
5. Another important point is darkening and turning off the lights where you are praying and put Quran on your heads. although, in itself it does not have any problem, certainly most children are afraid of such dark places accompanied with crying and groaning, consequently, not only parents are obliged to leave the mosque, but also occasionally leads to stay away from these places and ceremonies for years even till their teens and youth. Thus, it is useful to have some lights on, particularly in women parts.
6. Children' patience is limited and if the ceremonies last long, they will be tired, disappointed and bored. Omission of unnecessary parts may lead to reducing the ceremonies and children would be satisfied that they could finish the ceremonies in the absence of any problem. The presence and staying up in the ceremonies are what matters in these nights to institutionalize the blessed tradition of these nights; therefore we should not force children to perform all the prayers of this night precisely.
7. Parents can cut down long prayers into smaller ones and read some parts along with their children in order to make them not tired.
8. The most encouraging matter to make children awake is the presence of their peers in those nights. if children take parts in places where other peers are present with their parents, feel comfortable and are filled with enthusiasm which may lead them to stay up to the end of the ceremonies. it is said that we should also be careful of their childish activities and their playfulness.
9. It is suggested that parents buy a considerable gift for their child after the end of these precious nights in order to make the memory of this night more desirable. Don't forget that, it should not be such that the child will be present in the ceremonies merely for the gift.
10. Different races and entertainments appropriate with the content of these nights as well as allocating some precious presents may lead to the point that they count the minutes to be present in these places.
References:
1. Daemul Islam, Naman Ibn Muhammad Tamimi Maqribi, Darol Ma'aref, Egypt, 1385 AH, Vol 1, P 282
2. Daemul Islam, Naman Ibn Muhammad Tamimi Maqribi, Darol Ma'aref, Egypt, 1385 AH, Vol 1, P 282
