By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Muslim parents in Nigeria have been advised to raise their children with sound Islamic and western education while also monitoring the kind of friends they associate with.
This, scholars say, will help prepare them for a morally upright life and curb rising moral decadence among youths in society.
The call was made by an Islamic scholar, Muhammad Danjuma, during his sermon at the naming ceremony of the child of Mallam and Mrs. Muhammad Aliyu at Aneibo Housing Estate, Lokoja, on Saturday.
He reminded parents that children are a gift and trust from Allah, for which they will be held accountable in the Hereafter.
“Parents will be questioned on how they raised their children. “Therefore, it is incumbent upon them to nurture these children in the way of Islam while also equipping them with western education. This will enable them to grow morally upright, become responsible leaders of tomorrow, and be self-reliant,” he said.
Danjuma emphasized that proper education shields children from antisocial behavior, noting that many perpetrators of crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry are often those who lack both Islamic and western education.
He cautioned parents to be mindful of the teachers to whom they entrust their children and to pay attention to the friends their children keep, as peer influence could easily lead them astray.
The cleric further urged parents to support their children with constant prayers, discipline, and encouragement rather than relying solely on harsh punishment.
“Do everything possible to stop your children from associating with bad friends. A bad friend can mislead another into evil deeds. Instead of beating children or gossiping about other people’s children, support them with ceaseless prayers for Allah’s mercy,” he advised.
He prayed for the newborn child, while the event was attended by members of the Ebira Avaibe Association, led by their chairman, Hon. Musa Akaba, alongside other well-wishers of the family.
