Why Environment and Early Experiences Matter for Your Child’s Development
The Impact of Environment and Early Experiences in Shaping Personality and Educating Children in Islam
Scientific studies indicate that early experiences in a person’s life play a pivotal role in shaping their personality and future. This influence begins in the earliest stages of life, sometimes even before birth, as the fetus starts interacting with sounds and the surrounding environment. At birth, the child’s senses, such as hearing and smell, are more developed than sight, enabling them to distinguish their mother’s voice and scent from others. Research emphasizes that everything a child hears or is exposed to is stored in their mind. Although these experiences may not be consciously remembered, they significantly influence the child’s personality and behaviors.
Education in Islam: Starting from the First Moment
Islam places great emphasis on raising children from the very moment of their birth. Dr. Saeed Al-Qahtani, in his book The Prophetic Guidance in Raising Children, states:
“Education for the child begins the moment they exit their mother’s womb into this life.”
He cites a narration by Abu Rafi’ (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited the call to prayer (adhan) in the ear of his grandson Al-Hasan ibn Ali at birth (narrated by Abu Dawood and Al-Tirmidhi). This act aims to ensure that the newborn’s first hearing is of the remembrance of Allah, which repels Satan.
Once the child begins to speak, it is recommended that they first be taught the declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah.” Gradually, the love of Islam and its teachings is instilled in their hearts in a manner suitable to their age and understanding. A prime example of this method is the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) advice to Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them): “O young man, I will teach you some words: Preserve Allah, and He will preserve you. Preserve Allah, and you will find Him before you…” (narrated by Al-Tirmidhi).
Education According to Developmental Stages
Raising and educating a child requires continuous attention aligned with their developmental stages. Initially, children are taught speech, followed by teaching them to utter beneficial words, such as the remembrance of Allah. Parents are encouraged to instruct them to pray at the age of seven and to keep teaching them the Qur’an and the Prophetic traditions (Sunnah). It is narrated that Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Teach your children swimming, archery, and let them leap onto horses,” reflecting the importance of teaching children what benefits them in both their religion and worldly life.
Balancing Education with Kindness
Islam emphasizes considering a child’s capacity during education and avoiding excessive strictness in their early years. Ibrahim Al-Taymi said: “They disliked teaching their children the Qur’an before they fully understood.” Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) is credited with being the first to organize children’s education, ensuring breaks during study sessions to avoid exhaustion.
Knowledge and Its Role in Shaping Personality
Knowledge is the foundation that guides a person to know their Creator and develop their character.
Allah says:
“Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge, [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice…” (Al-Imran: 18).
Proper upbringing instills virtuous values in children, preparing them to shoulder future responsibilities.
Conclusion
Islamic texts and scientific research demonstrate that education begins from the earliest moments of life, even before birth in some cases. Parents and society must provide a supportive environment for the child, combining religious and academic education with kindness and respect for their developmental stages. By doing so, we can nurture generations rooted in the best values and principles, capable of contributing to building strong and balanced societies.
