TEACHING BASIC HABITS

In addition to the necessary knowledge and virtues that we need to live in this world, people need to be furnished with various skills in order to continue their lives. These skills not only cover the physiological needs of human beings, but they also prepare a ground which can cover their psycho-social needs if they understand and follow the rules of correct behavior. From what we have read above we can understand that people should provide their children with basic habits; they must have the necessary skills in matters such as sleep, food, clothing, neatness and code of conduct. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasized the training of children in matters of faith and worship as well as stressing what basic habits children should have.

Nutrition is a part of human life and is closely related to one's health. The behavior that is linked to nutrition in Islam may be listed as: washing the hands before and after meals, starting meals with a basmala (saying "in the name of Allah"), finishing meals with prayers, eating from the side of the plate nearest to one, using the right hand,  not resting one's hands on the right or left, not eating food lying face down on the floor, drinking water in three sips, not complaining about the food, even if we do not like it, breaking the bread into small pieces, not wasting even crumbs of food, not eating raw foods such as onion or garlic, which cause bad smells in the environment, not blowing into glasses or plates, and not eating meals when they are too hot.

Another habit children should be taught is regular sleeping. We understand from a hadith that Prophet Muhammad emphasized that children need to sleep during the daytime when necessary, and that they should clean their mouths and teeth before going to bed at night and when they wake up in the morning.

In addition to these basic habits, we can understand from children being given certain tasks during the day that they were intended to prepare the children for life in this way. According to what Anas reported, the Prophet gave children assignments, such as aligning the shoes, preparing the water and ewer for ablution, serving drinks to the guests and carrying letters. With these assignments, it was intended that children took their place in social life and that they acquire the necessary skills and talents.