Sharing the Message of Karbala with Children

image
As many communities prepare to commemorate the life of Imam Hussain (as),  many questions are being asked by those in positions of power. Who will the speakers be? Where will programs be held? However, while focusing on such details, we are often  neglecting how topics such as Ashura, the battle of Karbala and its message, and the life of Imam Hussain (as) are portrayed to young children. Instead of focusing on the reason Imam Hussain (as) rose against injustice, many Islamic schools and speakers fill children’s minds with images of violence and destruction that do not promote religious understanding and competence for young Muslims.

Images of Violence

It never ceases to amaze me the extent of graphic details Islamic school curriculums, teachers, and speakers provide children when discussing Karbala. Yes, it was a battle and yes it was a tragedy beyond words. However, such violent and graphic details are socially and developmentally inappropriate. Many children struggle to understand topics such as death, loss, and grief. When Islamic school teachers decide to focus on the explicit details of how Ali al-Asghar or Imam Abbas (as) were killed, it can be difficult for children to overcome. You can definitely get the message across that Yazeed and Bani Ummayah were the lowest of the low and enemies of God without describing to a child in graphic details the murder of another child.

Are We Reducing Imam Hussain (as)?

Karbala wasn’t the end of Imam Hussain’s story. Yes it was significant in the history of our religion and without it; the pillars of Islam would have been destroyed. However, the impetus is on us to teach children about the kindness, morality, piety, and grace of Imam Hussain (as). Our children today, more than ever, lack role models and heroes. Do not reduce Imam Hussain (as) to an oppressed victim. He was not a victim. He was a man of principles and morals that refused to back down in the face of great injustice. These are messages that are universal and something that children can carry on with them for the rest of their lives. However, if we continue to focus on details that are unnecessary for children to know because it fits the age-old narrative about Karbala, we will be shortchanging our children and the Imam himself.

Investing in Children’s Understanding

There is a wide-reaching need for our children to be educated about Karbala, AhlulBayt (as), and general topics about Islam. In fact, many of the challenges our youth face in their adolescent years and early adulthood can be minimized if our communities put in place systems and consistent initiatives for children about Islam. Unfortunately, there is a subconscious effort in our communities to water down the need for proper Islamic education for children. When programs do exist, they are typically planned by those with little background in pedagogy, child development, and accurate Islamic facts and information.  It is rare to come across individuals who have a background in all three categories and when they do exist, they rarely are the decision makers in programs.  As a professional developer for Islamic schools, I can safely say, the most effective programs are not those with the most money. At the end of the day, we need programs that are consistent, well thought out, and run by qualified individuals.

 

Tips for Teaching about Karbala to Children

Families, schools, and centers can take the lead this year and transform the way we teach children about Imam Hussain (as) and the events of Karbala from something dark and violent to a message of hope, perseverance, and faith in God. Here are some ideas:

  • Focus on character: teach children about the many great qualities of Imam Hussain (as) and his companions so that children can understand why we mourn their martyrdom and disassociate with their enemies. A good resource is Akhlaq Aimma.
  • Move away from graphic details:  children do not understand topics of death and tragedy as an adult would.  It suffices to share with them that Imam Hussain (as) went to battle to save Islam and he was martyred in the way of God.  It is also necessary to review current curriculum to see how many details are provided. There is no harm in skipping certain portions that might be too violent for children.
  • Be mindful of speakers: as much as speakers are knowledgeable about Islam, some continue to lack the understanding of how much (or little) to say in front of children when discussing Ashura.  Children often walk away from lectures with questions such as “why were children killed at Karbala?” They may also wonder why such a tragic event happened to such good people such as AhlulBayt (as). It’s important to have age appropriate answers prepared for children as they learn more about the events of Karbala otherwise they may come to their own conclusions which may or may not be positive images of Islam as a whole.
  • Get involved: there are many great initiatives such as passing out water bottles during Ashura or completing volunteer work. These are great ways for children and teens to honor Imam Hussain (as) and establishing a practical life connection to an event that may not seem relevant to a young child otherwise.
  • Don’t force the tears: please do teach children the proper manners of mourning and how to behave at a service or program honoring Imam Hussain (as). However, don’t be surprised if children don’t join in when others begin to shed tears. Often we see children being scolded for not crying or becoming upset during Majalis. These actions by adult can isolate children from Islam and Islamic gatherings because they feel the need to imitate feelings they are not experiencing. Younger children should ideally have a separate setting where the topic can be discussed in an age appropriate manner, however, if they are with the adults, please be mindful of them. We are after all, growing the next generation of Muslims and they have many rights too.
© 2024 - Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission (AIM)