A legacy is something that is passed down from generation to generation. It is something that we leave behind for our children. This is not just material wealth. It is also the values we live by and teach them. We need to leave a legacy for our children because it is a part of their inheritance. It is something that they can look back on and learn from.
So, how can we achieve that? Well, it’s not easy, but it’s not unachievable either. One of the most important things we can do to leave a lasting legacy is to live by example and most importantly teach them our values such as love, kindness, sabr (patience), and taqwa (trust in the almighty) and not just material wealth.
When my father-in-law and mother-in-law passed away, they left a void in our lives. But here are a few of the traits that they taught me over the years that were ingrained in their characteristics. These values that they have left behind will stay with me and benefit me always in my lifetime.
Taqwa & Sabr
During the eight years I spent with them, I observed that they had immense faith in the qadr of Allah(SWT). Even when the times were tough or when they were struggling with their covid illness, I saw a smile and satisfaction on their face. They believed that everything that happens is with the will of Allah(SWT).
What I inherited
Taqwa is one of the most important things we can teach our children. Taqwa is the fear and love of Allah. It is being mindful of Him at all times and obeying His commands. When we have taqwa, we are less likely to sin and more likely to do good deeds. Therefore, we need to leave a legacy of taqwa for our children because it is something that will help them in this life and the hereafter.
We also need to leave a legacy of Sabr for our children. It is the ability to endure hardship with fortitude. It is an important virtue because it teaches us to face difficulties and to persevere when things are tough. We need to teach our children to practice sabr because it is a pre-requisite to a fruitful life – both in the world and the hereafter.
Empathy
My in-laws always tried to put themselves in other people’s shoes. They always tried to feel what the other person was feeling. This empathy made them more compassionate and kind.
What I inherited
Empathy is one of the most important values we can leave behind for our children. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, and is an important virtue because it helps us to be more compassionate and understanding. We need to leave a legacy of empathy for our children because it will help us become more humane and treat others with respect and dignity, something that we all expect from others for us.
Charity
Giving charity has always been a crucial part of their lives. They have always been active in the community, donating money and helping those who are less fortunate than themselves through donations or by providing them with educational opportunities like tuition fees for kids that come from poor families.
What I inherited
Charity is another important value we can teach our children. Charity is giving to those in need. It is an act of compassion. We need to teach our children to be charitable with our resources so that they can also be a blessing to others.
Not being wasteful, valuing things
They were always mindful of the resources that Allah(SWT) has bestowed upon them be it food, clothes and electricity. They would never do anything to diminish these blessings from above but instead found ways in which they could make use of every last bit!
What I inherited
We also need to teach our children not to be wasteful. We should teach them to value things and to use them wisely. We should not give them more than what they need. And, we should not let them waste food, water, or any other resource and help them be responsible stewards of the resources Allah(STW) has given us.
Not missing a salah, putting Allah first.
They were always steadfast in their salah. They never missed their salah even if they were stuck up in important work or traveling.
What I inherited:
What I inherited: Another important value we need to teach our children is the importance of not missing salah. We should teach them that Allah comes first in our lives and that Allah should be put first in everything we do. And, we should make time for Him every day. Because when we take time for Allah and put Him first, His blessings would be on all our endeavors.
Staying fit and young
They were always upbeat and full of life. They took care not only of their physical health but also of what was on the outside by maintaining an excellent appearance at all times!
What I inherited:
We also need to teach our children the importance of staying fit and young. Also, encourage them to eat healthy food, exercise regularly, and take care of their health/appearance.
In conclusion, as someone wise said “your legacy is not something that happens after you die, it is something you build while you live.” So, the most important thing is that we live by these values ourselves, teach them to our children and leave a legacy that they can look back on and learn from.
May Allah help us to leave behind a legacy of love, kindness, sabr, and taqwa for our children. Ameen.
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