Many parents and teachers are not educating young children properly in matters of belief by using scary stories of punishment in the grave and in Hell. This only serves to create psychological problems and can also result in children disliking their own religion. Several education specialists and scholars on the Shariah interviewed on the effectiveness of this method and the possible adverse effects on the child suggested more successful ways to educate young children. Scary stories Dr. Ali Al-Amri, President of Makkah Open University, said: “We must know that in conveying knowledge to people, it is important to talk to them at their level of thinking, as recommended by the Caliph Ali Bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him).” Al-Amri said the biggest and most widespread mistakes among educationists, whether they are parents or teachers, is telling horror stories to children of punishment and torment in the grave under the pretext of educating them. “They should understand that Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the mother of the believers, refuted that there is punishment and suffering in the grave when she first heard about it. This was until the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught her how to supplicate to Allah to protect her from punishment in the grave and the sedition of the Antichrist (Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjal). So if Aisha, the mother of the believers took such a position when she first heard it, how would a child react who is told about such scary matters?” Al-Amri said the mistake made is in the presentation of these stories to children. He advised educationists to convey this type of information gradually to children so that they can slowly start to understand the concepts involved. Al-Amri called on educationists to first acquaint themselves with ideal methods for teaching and imparting religious knowledge, either by reading or visiting developed and modern schools. Al-Amri said the Shariah combines scary stories and information that arouses interest in its teachings. He said a person's soul does not move towards obedience and piety except through arousing one's interest and it does not keep away from committing sin except by fear. But with children, the scary part of the information should not outweigh the part that can make them interested in learning more. Gradual talk Dr. Khaled Al-Musslih, a member of the teaching staff at Al-Qassim University, said that children must be divided into two groups – those who have reached the age of adolescence and can distinguish between matters and those who are under the age of 10. Al-Musslih said people should not tell children these scary stories because very young children would misunderstand such matters. Children between seven and nine years of age should be spoken to in general terms and not specifics. Al-Musslih said that when children reach an age where they are more grown-up, they should be told more about these matters. Teaching should be focused on subjects that they can comprehend, like learning how to pray. Gentle persuasion is often the best way to teach children, even if they are over 10 years of age. There should be balance in the method used, he said. Wrong teaching methods Dr. Suhaila Zain Al-Abideen Hammad, a member of the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR), said that using horror stories to teach children is evidence of ignorance. “It is wrong to mention some horrific matters to adults, so imagine how much more important it is not to mention such issues to children, who have a simple way of thinking. This kind of education causes children to hate and have an aversion toward religion. Furthermore, it causes the child to develop psychological problems.” Hammad said there are many disadvantages to this kind of upbringing and education, as children will start to believe that all issues create fear and that Hellfire is waiting for them for all their deeds. “Unfortunately, this method is not only restricted to education but it has extended to the method of religious call (Da'wa), which is now facing the same problem. Regrettably, some religious callers have an inclination towards terrifying people. This will have a negative effect on boys and girls.” She said the majority of psychiatric cases among children are caused by this kind of upbringing and education. She added that some children cannot sleep because they are so afraid after hearing about the two angels Munkar and Nakir, who test the faith of the dead in their graves. She said that this kind of upbringing and education is one of the severest forms of family violence, as it has adverse effects on the child's future conduct. Children should also be hearing about the good things like paradise and bliss. Hammad said the solution for this is for children to be persuaded kindly to love their Creator. The child should be told: “Just see how Allah has created you. He enabled you to walk and gave you food to survive.” These are among the most successful methods to acquaint the child with Allah. Not only this, but the child will learn about the power of Allah Almighty by inference without anyone resorting to intimidation, she said.
