Reshaping My Argument Against Public School

We have just have a beautiful month of fasting and remembrance of Allah and how we should be with others. Compassion, putting others needs first especially neighbors, relatives, siblings, children and our spouses should be considered first as an extension of our relationship with our Creator. Our relationship with these people reflects our relationship with Him. This is the real meaning of socialization. Knowing how to live in a society with others, regardless of their religion, political views, ethnicity, etc.,  in an appropriate manner is the epitome of proper socialization. As Muslims we are bonded to do this for the sake of our relationship with Allah, the Creator of All Mankind.

For many years now, I have been home schooling my children. I believed this the best way to "socialize" my children. My argument against public school was that "socialization" is not taught or inculcated in children. Rather they were encouraged to forget their self-identity and trade it for similitude. Therefore in this mass brainwashing children were taught that homogenity was best and family values and traditions be tossed. My argument was that children are supposed to only be and accept one way of being. What if you could have the best of both worlds?

What if children were "socialized" at home according to my aforementioned definition and simply learned how to apply that in a setting that discouraged it? What if you could strengthen your child's character with this strong belief and then allow them to inculcate it within themselves everyday? By extension, when they spent time with others, they would reflect and infect others with it. Is that so hard to believe? Muslims also believe that the first 7 or 8 years are most important for enjoining this deep belief system. Therefore, by the time your child reaches this age their judgement should be sound, depending on the child. For some it may take longer or a shorter amount of time. Our job as parents is simply to SEE our children for WHO they are and educate each accordingly. We can not give them perspective no matter how we try. At some point it is their own creation. However, we can help them shape it over time once they are secure in who and how they are.

So this year after much reflection, I am allowing my children to create their own perspective. Leaving my home and going into a public school under the complete protection of Allah to guide them throughout their day, I remain in dua and await the moment they return so that I may help them shape it. I am no longer arguing against public school just reshaping my perspective. May Allah protect our children and our selves from the evil of His creation, allow us to evolve as guides for our children and grant from the good things of His creation. Ameen.