Give students examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) life and teach them how to react in different situations.
Arabs have a saying: Don’t be so hardened that you could be broken, don’t be so softened that you might be squeezed.
In light of this saying, there are four types of people in this world. Figure out where you stand:
- Those who are hard in all situations and circumstances.
- Those who are soft all the time and don’t know how to take a stand.
- Those who harden were supposed to soften and soften where they should be hardened.
- Those who harden and soften appropriately.
If by now you have figured out where you fit, then no need to read any further. But in case you haven’t and need clues, then here they are:
Hardened
Type one is lonely; they are sorry, angry, and busy, justifying their stands and way of life. They resist change. Their physical symptoms include Throbbing headaches and high blood pressure. Most of them are overweight with a love for meat and spicy foods.
Softened
Type two people are busy all the time but without an aim. They are like a ship without a captain. Making others happy is their hidden purpose in life. Most of these people are skinny, emotional, and timid. They often suffer from depression or a nervous breakdown. Common diseases are itching and stomach disorders. They are easy to cry, especially when they tell you how they were ignored or cheated by people they trusted.
Harden and soften inappropriately
There is a clear error of judgment. These people have the energy but not the right grooming to know how to react properly. They often feel bad after making a decision or reacting. You will find them saying sorry very often. Liver problems are very common. There is a stomach problem alternating between constipation and diarrhea.
Harden and soften appropriately
These people strike the right balance. They are fit, happy, and successful. In a way, they understand what the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has said and have the mental capacities to act accordingly.
What are some of the situations where we get to apply this commandment of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)?
Dealing with people: Soften with older and sick people and extremely soften with children and animals. Harden with lawbreakers and offenders (no matter how famous or rich they may be!)
Knowledge and ideas: Soften on new skills and research, harden on principles (divine commandments)
Money: Soften on giving, harden on luxury.
Listening: Soften when listening to needy; harden when listening to self-promotion.
Now that you know the four states tell us: In which state do you live? Knowing your current state will lead you toward the hard-soft balance. Look at your reactions (or lack of reactions) over the last week. What do you think of them now? Would you like to replace your hard reaction with a soft one and vice versa? This looks back at your reactions, and evaluating them in the light of hard-soft criteria will help you achieve a balance in your life. This balance will bring health and help you live a better life, InshaAllah.
Once your Hard-soft balance is achieved, you can then work with children and lead them towards this balance. This you will do by telling them how to react in different situations. Give them examples from our Holy Prophet’s life to understand where to be hard and where to be soft. By involving your children in this thinking activity for ten minutes every day, you will notice a clear improvement in their personalities within a short time.