The Last Time You Gave a Smile to a Child

Remember those times when some dirty clothed kid comes and begs you for money? How do you react? You make the “shoo-shoo” gesture, right? You can deny it to us, but not to Allah.

We don’t even greet them with a smile but a frown on our face.

It’s sad to know nowadays that whenever we see children that are not clothed properly on the streets, we don’t want to even come close to them. Why? Is it because they do not dress the way we do? We don’t like people labeling us yet we label such kids. Astagfirullah.

But you know, it doesn’t only happen outside our home. It also happens within our homes. We may not notice because we are preoccupied with our work and things to be done, but seriously ask yourself, when was the last time you spent quality time with your kids? your nieces, nephews or your cousins?

Some people do charity work and go to places to do outreach programs to orphans and needy kids but they forget their own kids? This is not how it should be. There should always be a balance.

Let me tell you a story about that will make you think twice on making the “shoo-shoo” gesture.

One day, the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalaam went to the house of Anas Ibn Malik Radiyallahu Anhu that was situated close to the masjid. The brother of Anas Ibn Malik RA through his mother, Umm Sulaym, was called Abu ‘Umayr and he had a bird called An-Nughayr.

After the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalaam finished drinking from the well, he noticed Abu ‘Umayr sitting down looking upset and so He Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalaam asked Umm Sulaym: “What is wrong with Abu Umayr?” She replied: He has a bird called An Nughayr that he used to play with but it died a few days ago and he is upset about it.”

Now, look what the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalaam did.

He went over to Abu ‘Umayr to try to cheer him up by saying “O Abu ‘Umayr, what happened to An Nughayr?”….and the conversation went on until Abu ‘Umayr had a smile back on his face.

This story shows how much He Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalaam cared about children that if he saw someone upset, he would inquire about it and try to cheer them up just to show them his affection towards them.

And this is one of the reasons why children felt mutual love, adoration and care for him.

Anas Ibn Malik Radiyallahu Anhu also said that this affection and compassion of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalaam towards children was one of the most prominent sides of his. He RA said, the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalaam would personally greet children whenever he would pass by them on the street.

Subhan’Allah look at the beautiful character of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalam, no wonder during his time emerged beautifully mannered children for they were given such importance and attention that they were deserving to have.

Wallah, we want our kids to be in their best state yet we as elders or parents do not give enough time to spend with them or show the manners we want them to have. Think about it. It’s not enough that you given them what they want through material stuff. Compassion, Time and Affection is what they need the most from us.

Next time you pass by some kid on the street, waving at you, would you not revive a sunnah by greeting them personally or would you still do the “shoo-shoo” gesture?

And we pray that Allah enlightens our hearts to live accordingly to His Words and upon the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalaam.

Aameen.

Story was taken from:

• Sahih Al Bukhari Hadith no. 6247
• Sahih Al Bukhari Hadith no. 6203
• Sunan Abu Dawud Hadith no. 4969