Commentary

Simple Sunnahs for the Little Ones
By Umm Ahmed
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Here are some simple yet great reminders for teaching our younger generations the Sunnah - the way of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

1. Honoring one’s parents

Be dutiful toward parents.
Assist in age-appropriate household chores.
Be grateful and encourage them to express love and affection.

2. Using etiquettes when eating and drinking

Recite the duaa for eating together (simplify it for the littlest ones).
Eat/drink while sitting down, and using your right hand.
Eat what is in front of you, first, rather than reaching out and over.
Chew your food properly and try not to talk while doing so.
Avoid eating food that is too hot and rather wait for it to cool down, instead of blowing over it.
Take as much as you can eat and not waste food.
Drink water in three sips or more, but not in one gulp.
Say Alhumdulillah - all praise and thanks be to Allah - when done eating/drinking.

3. Adopting good behavior

Always begin with Bismillah - in the name of Allah.
Greet others with respect, preferably a smile, because it is considered a charity.
Greet Muslim family members and friends with Salaams.
Respond properly to Salaams when they are extended to you, as it is an obligation.
Be mindful of the tongue and use the best speech and kind words.
Speak the truth. (Parents be careful to allow children to admit and own up to their mistakes as it will discourage them from lying about the transgression.)

4. Observing bedtime routines

It is advisable to dust the bed, before getting into it.
Recite the duaa for sleeping.
Recite Surah Ikhlas, Falaq, and An-Naas three times and blow it over yourself before going to bed.
Get in the habit of sleeping on your right side.

5. Showing respect for neighbors and friends

Respect the rights of neighbors.
Perform acts of kindness by sharing kind words, food, gifts, and/or a helping hand.
Be a good friend.

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