GIVE THEM D.A.T.E.S

Khathija khan, Uswatun Hasanah for Pooma Educational Trust - The National UN Volunteers.

GIVE THEM D.A.T.E.S.

Mubaarak was a very naughty and troublesome child. His mother was at her wit's end.

Sometimes in frustration she would say, "I wish you were a blessing as your name says. Instead you are more of an 'Aafat and a curse!"

One day her friend who was an 'Aalimah came to visit and she immediately sensed the tension in the air.

"Saadiah, I don't know what to do with this child. He just does not listen. I get complaints about his behaviour from school, madrasah and parents evey week. He is making me miserable. He just doesn't listen!"

"Give him D.A.T.E.S daily. ", replied Apa Saadiah calmly. "It does miracles."
"Saadiah this is serious. I know dates are sunnah and a blessed food but how is it going to help him."

Apa Saadiah replied, "What I mean is that we should give our children quality parent and child time. Show them love and be their friend.

Then give them D.A.T.ES:

*D*-Make *dua* for them daily. Never underestimate the power of a mothers dua. Cry to Allaah at tahajjud time. Ask Allah to make him the coolness of your eyes. You will see the difference soon.

*A*-Give him *advice* daily. Advice will surely benefit any believer even if it is after some time. Do not think he is not listening. It will go in one day. But do not shout him. Advise him with love and care.

*T*-Start *ta'leem* in your home. Many senior Ulama have recommended this practise and the results are amazing. Read from the Virtues of Good deeds of Hazrath Shaykh Zakariyya Rahimahullaah even if it is for a few minutes. Its a start. If our words have no effect on him, the words of Allaah and His Rasool sallallaahualyhi wa sallam can soften the hardest of hearts and change the greatest of evil people. The nur of Hadith will permeate our hearts through ta'leem.

*E*- Let us be an *example* to our children. If we want them to read salaah, we should be punctual on salaah. If we want them to stay away from evil, we should not be the means nor indulge in the same evil.

*S*-Give sadaqah daily on their behalf. Sadaqah is a multi tool for a believer. Its a cure for illnesses too."

"Jazakallaah Apa. I will do this. Make dua."

Respected brothers and sisters. Many people experience the same problem as the mother above.
The solution: GIVE THEM D.A.T.E.S