Question:
Assalaamu ‘alaikum
How can I make my children perform their salaah five times a day? They are all baaligh and used to perform their salaah, but now they don’t perform their salaah anymore. I am very worried and need help.
Answer:
Bismihi Ta‘ala
Wa ‘alaikumus salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barkaatuh
Respected Sister in Islam
1. Daily conduct ta’leem of the Fazaail-e-A‘amaal (especially the virtues of salaah) for at least ten minutes. Encourage them to participate. Insha-Allah, if you consistently do this, you will see a difference.
2. If they are males, get them to attend a weekly programme of some pious ‘aalim and the tableegh jamaat programmes. If they are females, then get them to attend the weekly ladies ta’leem. Insha-Allah, these programmes will motivate them towards righteous works.
3. Play the recordings of reliable ‘Ulama at home or in the car.
4. Continue making earnest du‘aa daily, especially at the time of tahajjud if possible.
5. If previously they were performing their salaah punctually, but are now no longer punctual, then ponder over what may have changed in their lives that affected them and made them lax regarding salaah. Perhaps some evil influence entered their lives e.g. bad friends, the cell phone, etc. If some influence is identified, then work at eliminating it and removing it from their lives.
6. The parents should ensure that they lead by example by performing their salaah punctually. If the parents are ever lax e.g. during holidays or at any other time, the children will gain the impression that salaah is not a serious matter and will become lazy. Thereafter, when the same parent attempts to correct them, they disregard the correction as they themselves saw the parent neglect to perform salaah.
May Allah Ta‘ala make them obedient to Him and to you.
Answered by:
Uswatul Muslimah Panel of ‘Ulama