How to Bridge the Generation Gap?

The Role of the Religion

The Father

Our questioning bout religious matters is a highly recommended and acceptable deed. In order to have a stronger faith, one should accept religious matters only after conducting a thorough conscientious research. These questions not only will not upset your father and mother, but rather, will make them hopeful of a happy future for you. That is because religion is the means of improving peoples conduct. The Prophet (S.) says:

اني بعثت لا تمم مكارم الاخلاق

“I was assigned (to Prohethood) so that human being may achieve perfection in good conduct.” [^1]
Anyone who approaches religion has a better conduct.

This better conduct in itself, is the source of happiness. Therefore, the parents are dutiful to accept such a child with open arms and to offer him religious guidance following logic of the Holy Qur'an as it says:

ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ

“Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching: and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.” (The Holy Qur'an 16: 125)

Therefore parents are obliged to provide easy answers for the different religious questions raised by their children.

The Child

It is very pleasing to see you agree with me on this particular subject. I should thank you for that and I am hopeful that with your help and guidance, I will be able to acquire new knowledge about religion.

[^1]: Mohjatul Baiza, vol. v.p. 89.