ALMISKEENAH

 CHILDREN

Your children are not your children.

    They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.

    They come through you but not from you,

    And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

    You may give them your love but not your thoughts,

    For they have their own thoughts.

    You may house their bodies but not their souls,

    For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,

    which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

    You may strive to be like them,

    but seek not to make them like you.

    For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

    You are the bows from which your children

    as living arrows are sent forth.

    The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,

    and He bends you with His might

    that His arrows may go swift and far.

    Let our bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;

    For even as He loves the arrow that flies,

    so He loves also the bow that is stable.

Kahlil Gibran

Such a wonderful message conveyed in this poem for all to take heed regarding our role towards  children, the future flag bearers of this glorious Deen.

They need our love, care, respect, guidance, understanding, patience, and mercy.

They need to feel secure, confident, competent, loved, appreciated, and worthy.

They need to experience a balance between their religious duties, academic pursuits, physical activities and creative play.

A huge tent has been erected on one of the large open spaces created from the demolition of older buildings just to the south of Haram. Rows of “more of the same” markets are set up inside and out, attracting crowds over the weekend days and nights.  The addition of colorful air sculptures, a trampoline area and quad bikes is a welcomed feature for children to play and explore.

The majority of families in Madinah live in apartment style buildings where they are confined indoors, many not even having access to a balcony. Some buildings have a rooftop where the smaller children may ride bikes or have a swing.  Children comprise a huge percent of the population here, but there are very few parks or gardens for them to play and release their exuberant energy. Unfortunately, due to a lack of such facilities for the young ones, the courtyard around Haram during the weekend becomes their picnic ground.    

The minarets of Haram on the other side of first ring road bridge. 

Not many children were present at this time, the evenings being more popular, but I felt invorgated just watching these little ones. Initially hesitant and frightened on their first attempts, but then squeals of "letting go" and submitting to the experience were soon heard. A deeper lessen for us all in this!

Waiting their turn. By no means a glamourous setting, but evidence of excitement and enjoyment was there in such simplicity. 

I do not know who wrote the following, but we can all take from its message.

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.

Let our bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;

    For even as He loves the arrow that flies,

    so He loves also the bow that is stable.