The Prophet (salallahu alayhiwa sallam) used to illustrate the consequences of bad deeds in a very vivid way. He did this to get the attention of Muslims and emphasize how bad the deeds were so that they would not commit them. The following are some examples that illustrate this principle: Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah(salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
"A man who takes back his charity is like a dog who eats its own vomit':" (Bukhari)
Nu'man Ibn Basheer (RA)narrated that the Prophet(salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
"The likeness of the man whore mains passive in the prescribed crimes of Allah and the man who commits them are like the people who boarded a ship after casting lots: some of them went to its lower deck and some to it supper deck. Those who are on its lower deck have to pass by those who are on the upper deck every time they want to bring water and thus they have troubled those on the upper deck. They say, 'If we dug a hole in our part of the ship (the bottom), we would not have to go to the upper deck every time we need water.' If those on the upper deck let them dig the hole, those on the lower deck would destroy everyone and also destroy themselves. If those on the upper deck prevented them from digging the hole, they would save everyone and save themselves. ':"(Bukhari )
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported the following:
"The Messenger of Allah saw a person with a gold sig net ring on his hand. He pulled it off and threw it away saying:
'One of you is. bringing apiece of fire from hell and putting it on his hand.' After Allah's Messenger had left, someone said to the man, 'Take your ring and derive benefit out of it, 'whereupon the man replied, 'I would never take it after Allah's Messenger has thrown it away."?'(Muslim)
The above examples clearly show that the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam)illustrated the consequences of bad deeds in a very vivid way so that they would have a lasting impact on his Companions and would stay alive in their minds. This way, he made sure that his Companions strictly followed his instructions and guidance. Parents should try to use this principle with their teens, rather than just telling them, "No, you can't do this," or "That is haram."Here are a few examples of how parents can apply this principle with their children: If a child becomes lazy and does not do his homework properly or complete his assigned tasks, his parent can sit down with him and discuss the issue in a quiet way, trying to convince him that it is important for his future that he worked hard so he can be a person of value and be able to hold down a job. After this, if his behavior is still not up to par, the parent can take him to slum centers and show him some of the homeless people on the streets. Then, you should ask him if this is how he would like to live in the future.
Tell him this might be what happens if he neglects his work and does not do what it takes to become a successful person. If a young child refuses to brush her teeth, parents should talk to her about it and try to convince her that it is important for her hygiene. If she still will not do it, the parent should let the child go with him one rrands, and stop by a pharmacy to pick up a few things. The parent can make sure to stop in the aisle where dentures are displayed. The parent can let the child notice the dentures, and explain to her that this is what happens to people who don't take care of their teeth. Their teeth rot and fall out, and then the people need to wear fake teeth that really hurt for rest of their live due to blood loss, the bleeding begins by trickling down the back of your throat, or you get nosebleeds often.
Swallow a Pill
Common Mistake: Taking too many pills together or. tossing them back, which can lead to choking or having the medication become lodged in your throat.
How-to Tips: To make sure a pill goes down completely, take it when you're sitting up or standing. Take the pill or tablet with cool water (or juice or milk) instead of a hot beverage, which may cause the medication to break down prematurely. Prepare your throat by taking a few sips of liquid first to lubricate your tongue, throat and esophagus, and help keep the pill from sticking. After placing the pill on your tongue as far back as you can reach, take a big gulp to wash it down your throat; continue drinking until you've finished a full glass of liquid.
See a Professional: If you continue to have problems, ask the pharmacist if a .liquid or powder form of the medication is available or if the pills can be crushed and mixed into pudding or applesauce. Many medications are coated or formulated to be released gradually, and crushing them will ruin their integrity.
Clean your Kids' Ears
Common Mistake: Using cotton swabs to clean children's ears. Because children's ear canals are much narrower than adults', the swabs end up pushing wax in deeper.
How-to Tips: It's OK to use cotton swabs to clean the outsides of children's ears up to the opening of the auditory canal.
See a Professional: Consult a physician about removing wax from your child's ear canal. Also alert your doctor if there's drainage or a bad odor coming from an ear, an ear is very itchy, or you notice impairment in your child's hearing.
Lower a Fever
Common Mistake: Giving children aspirin instead of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Aspirin has been' associated with a rare but often fatal disease called Reye's
How-to Tips: Because your body loses more water with a fever, drink plenty of liquids to avoid .dehydration. Unless your doctor advises it, don't give medication to a child or adult if his or her temperature
is lower than 39°C (102°F). Often a low-grade fever is actually helping the body to fight off infection.
See a Professional: Call your doctor immediately if a fever is accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, swelling of the throat, or mental confusion, or if you see unusual rashes or bite marks. Even if your child has only a low-grade fever, call your doctor if he or she is listless or irritable, vomits, or has a severe Headache or stomachache.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited