Rays of Wisdom for the Modern World
His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) is a beaming beacon of Divine guidance and support. His Holiness (aba) represents the highest level of a connection with God in today’s world and thus he is the spiritual leader for tens of millions across the world, and champions the message of fulfilling the rights owed to God, and fulfilling the duties we each owe to our fellow human beings. Over the course of his Friday Sermons, addresses on various occasions, meetings with different organizations and children’s classes, His Holiness (aba) imparts invaluable knowledge and insight on a remarkably vast array of topics.
The Review of Religions is honoured to present some of these ‘Rays of Wisdom’ from His Holiness (aba) taken from various sources, for the benefit of its readers.
What Should We Say to Children Who Are Being Taught About Gender Fluidity at School?
Lately, there has been a huge rise in conversations surrounding gender identity. In fact, it’s become more than just a conversation, rather, it is being pushed as a societal norm for people to express their gender however they may feel, regardless of their biology. What’s more alarming is that these ideologies are seeping into the classrooms of young children, with a strong push to steer these innocent souls into thinking that gender fluidity, rather than the conventional two genders of male and female according to biology, is the norm. Parents have become understandably alarmed and concerned about how to navigate this situation, given the societal implications of non-compliance to this ideology, as many parents do not agree with their children being taught such things. One such parent asked His Holiness (aba) how we can safeguard our children who learn about gender fluidity at school.
His Holiness (aba) replied:
‘Out of 365 days of the year, children go to school for about 170 or 180 days, and then they are with you for the rest of the time, for about 180 to 200 days. I have said on many occasions that you should befriend your children; I have said many times that you should interact with your children; I have said many times that when your children come home, you should answer their queries; I have said many times that when your children learn about things pertaining to gender or anything else at school then you should ask them about what they have learned and explain to them that they may not be able to understand certain things due to their age but will be able to have a better grasp when they are older.
Explain to them the reality of these issues and how they have been created by nature. Tell them that there are clear biological differences which God has created in bodies; only a mother can be a mother. The differences between males and females cannot be changed. Tell them that a male can become someone’s mother but will never be able to bear children. People have started raising their voices, saying that these things have become absurd. It was circulating that a pregnant woman went to the doctor asking to confirm the gender of her child, to which the doctor said, “Let the Kindergarten teacher decide it, we cannot tell you.” Their own absurdities are turning them into a laughing stock. Jokes are being made about them.
Therefore, you should tell your children that a person will always be the gender that Allah the Almighty created them as. Explaining this will require some effort, on the part of Ahmadi women, and especially the Waqifat-e-Nau will have to strive in this regard. Explain to your children that Allah the Almighty has created males and females; explain to them the biological differences and the distinct features between them. Explain to them that in every species of animals there are two genders; each has its own capabilities and functions, which cannot be disregarded. This can’t be changed simply by saying so.
Recently, a teacher referred to a student as “he”, but the student said, “no, today I am a ‘she’.” The next day, the teacher referred to the student as “she” and the student said, “no, today I am a ‘he’ why did you call me ‘she’?” These people themselves do not understand what to do. And so you will have to make some efforts to explain these things to your children and tell them how these people are now being mocked.
Speak about this confidently, rather than being hesitant and explain these things to your children. Now people themselves are raising their voices against these things.’ [1]
ENDNOTES
- This Week with Huzoor – 16th June 2023
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