Page 77 - The Truth of the Life of This World

Children

A major ambition of mankind is to leave behind sons who will carry the
family name into the future. However, if not intended seeking the good
pleasure of Allah, this ambition well may be a factor taking man from the
path of Allah. A person is tested in his children; in this sense, what is
expected from him is to treat them in a way that will gain the good plea-
sure of Allah.
Your wealth and your children are only a trial, whereas Allah! With Him is
an immense reward. (Surat at-Taghabun: 15)
In the verse, the use of the word 'trial' is of great significance. For many
people, having children is one of the most important goals in life. Yet in
the Qur'anic sense, a believer only wants children in order to gain the
good pleasure of Allah. Otherwise, just for the sake of satisfying one's own
desire for a child, having a baby would only mean ascribing partners to
Allah. The example of those who forget their real purpose and make their
children the "ultimate goal in life" is given in the Qur'an:

He it is Who did create you from a single soul, and therefrom did make his
mate that he might take rest in her. And when he covered her she bore a
light burden, and she passed (unnoticed) with it, but when it became heavy
they cried to Allah, their Lord, saying: "If you give to us a goodly child, we
vow we shall be of the thankful." When He gave to them a goodly child, they
ascribed to Him partners in respect of that which He had given them. High
is He exalted above all that they associate (with Him). Do they indeed ascribe
to Him as partners things that can create nothing, but are themselves creat-
ed? (Surat al-A'raf: 189-191)
Believers ask for children from Allah only for His good pleasure. When
asking for children, the prophets cited in the Qur'an only intended to attain
the good pleasure of Allah. An example is the wife of 'Imran:
When the wife of 'Imran said: "My Lord! Surely I vow to You what is in my
womb, to be devoted (to Your service); accept therefore from me, surely You
are the Hearing, the Knowing." (Surat Ali-'Imran 35)

The prayer of the prophet Ibrahim, also sets an example to all believ-
ers:

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