মোঃ শফিকুল ইসলাম প্রিয়Introduction:
International Father’s Day is a time to recognize and appreciate the role of fathers in our lives. While we honour and cherish our fathers, it is important to understand their place in the light of Islamic teachings. According to the Quran and Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), fathers hold a significant position in the family structure, second only to Allah. This article explores fathers’ spiritual and practical significance in light of Islamic principles.
Fatherhood in the Quran:
The Quran emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the role of fathers. It mentions the duty of children to honour and be kind to their parents, highlighting the status of fathers within the family unit. In Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24), Allah says,
وَ قَضٰی رَبُّکَ اَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوۡۤا اِلَّاۤ اِیَّاهُ وَ بِالۡوَالِدَیۡنِ اِحۡسَانًا ؕ اِمَّا یَبۡلُغَنَّ عِنۡدَکَ الۡکِبَرَ اَحَدُهُمَاۤ اَوۡ کِلٰهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلۡ لَّهُمَاۤ اُفٍّ وَّ لَا تَنۡهَرۡهُمَا وَ قُلۡ لَّهُمَا قَوۡلًا کَرِیۡمًا ﴿۲۳﴾
وَ اخۡفِضۡ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحۡمَۃِ وَ قُلۡ رَّبِّ ارۡحَمۡهُمَا کَمَا رَبَّیٰنِیۡ صَغِیۡرًا ﴿ؕ۲۴﴾
” And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “Uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.” This verse underscores the divine command to treat parents with kindness and respect, acknowledging their significance in our lives.
The Prophet’s Guidance on Fatherhood:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance of fathers in numerous Hadiths. He encouraged children to be dutiful and respectful towards their fathers, highlighting the role of fathers as protectors and providers. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother,” emphasizing the immense respect and care owed to mothers. However, this does not diminish the role of fathers. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that a child’s obedience and kindness towards their father is essential to their faith. He said, “The pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of the Father, and the anger of Allah is in the anger of the Father.”
Leading by Example:
Fathers have a profound influence on the lives of their children through their actions and behaviours. They serve as role models, teaching their children the values of honesty, respect, hard work, and empathy. By leading by example, fathers inspire their children to grow into responsible and morally upright individuals. Their presence and involvement in the upbringing of their children foster a sense of security, stability, and love, providing a solid framework for their emotional and social development.
Guidance and Protection:
Fathers are entrusted with the responsibility of providing guidance and protection to their children. The Quran advises fathers to raise their children upon the principles of righteousness and faith. In Surah At-Tahrim (66:6), Allah says,
یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا قُوۡۤا اَنۡفُسَکُمۡ وَ اَهۡلِیۡکُمۡ نَارًا وَّ قُوۡدُهَا النَّاسُ وَ الۡحِجَارَۃُ عَلَیۡهَا مَلٰٓئِکَۃٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا یَعۡصُوۡنَ اللّٰهَ مَاۤ اَمَرَهُمۡ وَ یَفۡعَلُوۡنَ مَا یُؤۡمَرُوۡنَ ﴿۶﴾
” O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.” Fathers are expected to lead by example, teaching their children the values and teachings of Islam, and instilling in them a deep sense of love and devotion to Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified the role of fathers as providers and protectors. He was known for his love and care towards his daughter, Fatimah, and his grandsons, Hassan and Hussain. His compassion and guidance set a timeless example for all fathers to follow.
Fathers serve as mentors and role models, guiding us on the path of righteousness and integrity. Through their actions and behaviours, they shape our character and values. Fathers impart wisdom through their experiences, sharing life lessons that will accompany us throughout our journey.
Their guidance helps us make sound decisions and navigate the complexities of life. Fathers offer advice and encouragement, fostering our personal and professional growth. They teach us the importance of hard work, perseverance, and determination.
Fathers are instrumental in shaping our moral compass. They exemplify principles of honesty, respect, and empathy. By witnessing their actions, we learn to treat others with kindness and fairness. Their teachings extend beyond mere words, as they lead by example in their interactions with family, friends, and the wider community.
Fathers provide a steady hand and a compassionate ear in times of uncertainty. They listen to our concerns, offer guidance, and provide solace during challenging moments. Their unwavering support reminds us that we are never alone.
Providing Love, Support, and Protection:
Fathers play a crucial role in creating a nurturing and loving environment for their children. They offer emotional support, lend a listening ear, and provide guidance during challenging times. Fathers are often the pillars of strength for their families, ensuring their well-being and safety. Fathers instil confidence, self-esteem, and resilience in their children through their love and care, empowering them to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.
A father’s love is a beacon that guides us through life’s challenges. From our earliest moments, fathers offer unwavering support, nurturing our dreams and aspirations. Their belief in our abilities empowers us to reach for the stars. Through their encouragement, fathers provide a solid foundation upon which we build our lives.
A father’s love manifests in countless ways. From cheering us on at sporting events to attending school functions, their presence instils a sense of security and belonging. They celebrate our achievements and console us during failures, reminding us that setbacks are stepping stones to success.
Beyond the surface, fathers often sacrifice their own desires and dreams to ensure our happiness and well-being. Their selflessness and unwavering dedication serve as a powerful example, teaching us the value of compassion and putting others before ourselves.
Supporting Gender Equality:
In today’s world, the role of fathers has expanded beyond traditional boundaries. Fathers are actively participating in household chores, sharing parenting responsibilities, and supporting the ambitions and aspirations of their children, regardless of gender. By embracing gender equality and challenging societal norms, fathers are empowering their children to break barriers and pursue their passions. This progressive approach helps shape a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Recognizing Their Sacrifices:
Fatherhood is not without sacrifices. Behind the scenes, fathers often bear burdens and face challenges to create a better life for their families. They work tirelessly to provide for their loved ones, often sacrificing their own dreams and aspirations.
The emptiness that fathers may sometimes experience is borne out of their devotion to their families. They may set aside personal ambitions or passions to ensure that their children have every opportunity for success. Their self-sacrifice is a testament to their love and commitment.
It is crucial for us to acknowledge the sacrifices our fathers make and express our gratitude. We must recognize that they, too, experience moments of vulnerability and uncertainty. By acknowledging their emptiness, we can offer love, support, and companionship, assuring them that their efforts are appreciated and valued.
A Forever Bond:
The bond between a father and child is irreplaceable. It transcends time and distance, forever etching memories into our hearts. Regardless of the challenges and changes life may bring, the
love shared between a father and child remains steadfast.
The emptiness we feel in our hearts when our fathers are absent is a testament to the depth of our connection. We yearn for their presence, their guidance, and their unwavering love. While physical absence may be a reality, the bond we share cannot be diminished.
In the face of this emptiness, we honour our fathers by carrying their love and teachings forward. We pass on their wisdom to future generations, ensuring that their legacy lives on. By embodying the values instilled by our fathers, we pay homage to their profound impact on our lives.
Nurturing the Family Unit:
Fathers play a pivotal role in nurturing the family unit. They are responsible for creating an environment of love, stability, and support. In Surah An-Nisa (4:34), the Quran highlights the concept of guardianship within the family, with fathers serving as leaders and maintainers. This role encompasses providing for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their children and spouses.
Conclusion:
On International Father’s Day, we celebrate and honour the role of fathers in our lives. In the light of the Quran and Hadiths, fathers hold a significant position, second only to Allah. They are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding, protecting, and nurturing their children. As we express our gratitude for our fathers, let us also remember the divine wisdom behind their role and strive to fulfil our obligations towards them, seeking their pleasure while never forgetting the ultimate place of Allah in our lives.
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