A Lesson in Wisdom: A Beautiful Story of Maulana Ismail Shaheed

For the Children of the Ummah

Dear children! True wisdom is a gift from Allah, bestowed upon those who are raised in a pious environment. There was once a young child whose heart was filled with the light of Quran and Sunnah. Even at a tender age, he possessed remarkable wisdom.

One day, while sitting on his father’s shoulders, he saw a man walking a dog, showing it great affection. The young boy, reflecting on the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, said kindly: “Brother, be careful! Our beloved Prophet ﷺ has taught us that the angels of mercy do not enter a house where there is a dog or pictures of living beings.”

The man smiled and replied: “Son, if the angels of mercy do not come, then perhaps the angel of death will also not come for me!”

The little boy, with sharp wisdom, replied: “Sir, you are mistaken. Death is inevitable and arrives at its appointed time. The angels of mercy may stay away, but the angels assigned to take the soul will surely come.”

That wise child grew up to become the great scholar and leader, Maulana Ismail Shaheed.

Learning from Our Teachings

Islam guides us in every aspect of life. Regarding the keeping of dogs, Islamic jurisprudence clarifies that keeping a dog is permissible only for specific needs, such as guarding crops, hunting, or security. Keeping them as mere pets inside the house contradicts the Sunnah.

Similarly, our scholars have discussed the prohibition of keeping images of living beings (humans or animals) in homes, as it affects the spiritual atmosphere of a household. By choosing to live according to the Sunnah, we invite the mercy of Allah into our lives.

Key Takeaways for Children:

• Respect Elders: Always speak with wisdom and politeness.
• Follow the Sunnah: True success lies in following the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
• Spiritual Environment: Keep your homes clean and free from things that may keep away the blessings of Allah.

Dear children, let us strive to fill our hearts with the love of Allah and our minds with the wisdom of the Deen!