THE DAILY ISLAMIC REMINDERS. Yaumu Al-thalaatha, 22nd day of Muharram 1440, (Tuesday 2nd October, 2018). GENERAL ADVISE FOR ALL PARENTS. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. What’s the best advice you would give to your son/daughter, especially as they enter into adulthood? What are the most important life lessons you want to pass on to them? There is a need to deeply think about the wisdoms we pass on to our children that should help them perceive and handle life adequately. We don’t have to look far away to get profound tips on doing that. ALLAH ALMIGHTY has already given us a great example to follow in the Qur’an in the story of the wise Luqman alaiyhi salaam and his son. In the Chapter titled “Luqman” (Chapter 31), Allah almighty says: “Alif, Lam, Meem. These are verses of the wise Book, as guidance and mercy for the doers of good. Who establish prayer and give zakah, and they, of the Hereafter, are certain [in faith]. Those are on [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.” (Qur’an 31: 1-5) ALLAH started the chapter that narrate the story of Luqman A.S. giving advice to his son saying “these are verses of the wise Book”. The fact that ALLAH Almighty HIMSELF highlighted how the words of Luqman A.S. which will follow in the surah-carry essential wisdom for success in this life and the next makes us want to ponder on what Luqman said and how it may be beneficial for our own children. So let’s recall what he said. Our grand dad Luqman’s advice started with: Lesson 1: True monotheism “O my son, do not associate [anything] with ALLAH. Indeed, association with HIM is great injustice.” (31: 13). Luqman A.S started his advice with the ultimate lesson that summarizes one’s purpose in life. It is the first and greatest lesson of all: true monotheism and belief in the One Creator of all mankind. Why is this important? Sometimes, we let our children be enslaved or overburdened by the desire to please certain people in life; The reality is, one will never be able to earn the acceptance of everyone, and this may be very depressing especially to young adults/teens who seek the approval of their peers and those around them; and if they didn’t get it, they’d think they’re “losers” and start retreating or harming themselves. The only way to acquire this point correctly is to study Islam properly. We must ensure our children obtain good level Islamic education as a matter of priority than any other education. If you or your children are less in Islamic knowledge and high in other education then we must start crying and get back to basics if indeed we want to achieve great success on earth and the hereafter. May ALLAH keep guiding us all and protect us from any satanic influences. Aameen.