By : Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, Lc., M.E.I.

Educating children is a long journey that requires patience, attention, and the right strategies. When educating children, it is essential to instill strong values from an early age so that they grow into individuals who are not only intelligent but also of noble character. One way to achieve this is by strengthening their faith, keeping them away from wrongful actions, and creating an environment that supports their positive growth. With simple yet consistent steps, we can guide children toward a future filled with blessings and goodness.

Certainly, here is a more structured and engaging explanation:

Educating children is a great responsibility that requires continuous attention and effort. In the process of education, there are three main aspects that need to be focused on to ensure that children grow up to be good individuals, of noble character, and close to Allah SWT. These three aspects are: strengthening the child’s faith, keeping them away from sinful actions, and shaping an environment that supports their development. Below are the strategies that can be applied to achieve these goals:

A.   Strengthening the Child’s Faith

Strengthening faith is the foundation of children's education. Without a solid faith, children can easily be influenced by the challenges of life. Therefore, parents and educators can do the following:

1. Religious Education from an Early Age: Teach children the basic tenets of Islamic faith, such as belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Day of Judgment. Use enjoyable and easily understandable approaches, such as stories about the Prophets and companions who serve as role models.
2. Instilling Worship Habits: Instill worship habits from an early age, such as performing prayers, reading the Qur’an, and making dua. Make worship a meaningful part of their daily routine.
3. Being a Good Role Model: Children tend to imitate the behavior of adults around them, especially their parents. Therefore, parents must set a good example in following religious teachings, such as being disciplined in worship and displaying behavior aligned with Islamic values.

B.   Keeping Children Away from Sinful Actions

To prevent children from falling into wrongful actions, it is important to provide them with clear understanding and offer wise supervision. Here are steps that can be taken:

1. Education on What is Haram: Teach children what is permissible and what is forbidden in Islam. Provide them with a deep understanding of the consequences of sinful actions, both in this world and the hereafter. Use language that is easy for them to understand and appropriate for their age.
2. Monitoring Social Interactions: Social interactions play a significant role in shaping a child’s character. Ensure that children interact with peers who uphold good values, and who can support one another in doing good deeds. Also, limit their access to negative influences, whether from social media or their surrounding environment.
3. Open Communication: Build honest and open communication with your child. Allow them to feel comfortable sharing their experiences without the fear of being judged. This will help them avoid wrongful actions and make it easier for them to seek advice when they face confusion.

C.   Shaping a Good Environment

The environment plays a very important role in a child's development. Therefore, we need to create a positive environment that can support their growth and development. Here are the steps to take:

1. An Islamic Home Environment: The home should be the first place that supports the formation of a child’s character. Create a loving atmosphere, based on respect and full of positive activities. At home, children should feel peace and tranquility that motivates them to do good.
2. A School that Supports Religious and Moral Development: Choose a school that not only teaches knowledge but also instills strong Islamic values. A school that educates children to have integrity, good character, and a sense of responsibility.
3. Social and Religious Activities: Involve children in beneficial social activities, such as religious gatherings, mosque events, or other social activities that teach values of care, empathy, and solidarity. Such activities will help children develop into individuals who are sensitive to their surroundings.

Conclusion

By consistently applying these strategies, we can create a generation that is not only intellectually intelligent but also strong in faith, virtuous, and able to avoid the temptations of wrongdoing. The task of educating is not easy, but with sincere intentions and maximum effort, our children will grow into individuals who can benefit religion, the nation, and society.

By applying these principles in educating children, we can shape a generation that is resilient, virtuous, and full of good values. May our efforts in guiding them be blessed and bring benefits in this world and the hereafter.

References

1. Al-Qur'an and its Translation. (2020). Jakarta: Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
2. Al-Ghazali, Abu Hamid. (2006). Ihya' Ulum al-Din. Beirut: Dar al-Ma'rifah.
3. Al-Mawardi, Abu Hasan. (2002). Adab al-Dunya wa al-Din. Jakarta: Pustaka Al-Kautsar.
4. Ahmad, Muhammad. (2011). Pendidikan Islam: Antara Teori dan Praktik. Jakarta: PT Raja Grafindo Persada.
5. Suyadi, A. (2017). Strategi Pendidikan Anak dalam Islam. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar.