Every Muslim parent dreams of raising children who embody the noble qualities of leaders like Salahuddin Ayyubi – individuals whose hearts are rooted in Islam, spirits dedicated to justice, and who fear no one but Allah (SWT). While we pray for grand leaders, the “Salahuddin” we aspire to cultivate first resides within each of our children.
Consider the powerful examples we’ve witnessed recently. Sister Ibtihal Aboussad bravely confronted Microsoft’s AI leader, highlighting their complicity in Gaza. These acts of principled courage, echoed at Harvard and George Washington University, are living testaments to the spirit of Salahuddin manifesting in our time. They show our children what it means to speak truth to power. Sister Ibtihaal understood that Microsoft did not provide Rizq; Rizq is set only by Allah SWT.
The Prophet SAW taught the child, Abdullah Ibn Abbas, “…if they were to gather together to harm you with anything, they would not harm you except with what Allah had already prescribed against you.” (Reference: Hadith 19, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi) The Prophet SAW was teaching a child the power of divine destiny – a profound lesson for our children facing modern challenges.
Cultivate within them a strong sense of community and compassion for the Ummah. This means encouraging them to actively support justice. Bring your children to demonstrations, allowing them to witness and participate in the collective stand for justice. Do not hide your support for Palestine, whether online or in-person. Salahuddin did not liberate Palestine in secret; he risked his life for the Muslim Ummah. Our principled support for justice must be out in the open, demonstrating the importance of public advocacy.
Teach them to stand for what is right, to help the oppressed, and to serve humanity with sincerity. By focusing on these foundational principles – cultivating deep faith, nurturing intellect, instilling compassion, and encouraging courageous action – Insha’Allah, we can raise a generation of confident, compassionate, and brave Muslims, each carrying the spirit of Salahuddin in their own unique way.
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