WHEN was the last time you helped someone in need? When was the last time you helped someone from a different race or religion? Were your children there to witness it?
"What the children see, they do". "Some children do what they are told to do; some children do what they are told not to do; all children do what their parents have done". "Children may close their ears to advice, but they keep their eyes open for examples."
These quotes show that children are influenced by the actions of their parents. If the parents do good deeds, the children will emulate them. Similarly, if the parents do bad things, the children will likely imitate them.
In view of this, if we want to instil the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia among children, parents need to set good examples of caring, helping and giving regardless of race and religion.
When children see such acts being done by their parents, they will follow suit. When all Malaysians understand the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia and celebrate it, we will come out of this pandemic easier, faster, stronger and happier.
Through the concept of Keluarga Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, has called upon all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, to come together and bring this country out of the Covid-19 pandemic and its negative effects.
Almost two years into the pandemic, we have seen many Malaysians lose their jobs or livelihoods that effected them in various ways. Up to Nov 27, 30,280 deaths have been reported and each of these deaths has a social and economic impact.
At least 5,173 children have become orphans due to the pandemic. They need help, economically and socially. During these two years, we have seen these people being helped by the government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and individuals.
Indeed, helping the needy — regardless of race and religion — is also one of the basic tenets of Islamic teachings. In a hadith narrated by Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad SAW said, "The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a mujahid (warrior) who fights for Allah's cause, or like him who performs prayers all night and fasts all day."
This hadith is more than enough to motivate us to help those in need. Therefore, in the family context, for Keluarga Malaysia to succeed, parents must help the needy, regardless of their race and religion.
To instil the spirit of caring, generosity, giving and helping in our children, they need to know and witness our contribution. For example, if we intend to send some food to our neighbours who are being quarantined at home due to Covid-19, make sure our children know about it.
Similarly, if we intend to send some money to our Mak Long's family in the kampung, make sure they know about it as well.
If we are donating money to the widow of a co-worker who has just died, again make sure our children know about it. Let them witness the act of giving so that they know what to do when it is their turn to give.
When children witness their parents giving help to those in need, it is hoped that they will emulate the acts of kindness. Gradually, the value of caring, generosity, giving and helping will be instilled and embedded in them.
Indeed, let our children be a part of the giving process. For example, after putting food in front of our neighbour's house, let our child call the neighbour and tell them where the food is.
Similarly, when we want to give some money to our co-worker's widow, maybe we can let our children see us put the money in the packet.
By being a part of the giving process, children will learn better and faster, and soon we will see that they are the ones who will be lending a helping hand.
Like all other good and bad qualities, "generosity" and "helping those in need" start from home. If the children see that their parents love to help others, helping others will become natural to them.
Therefore, to ensure the success of "Keluarga Malaysia", parents need to show their care and generosity for their children to emulate. As another quote says, "Children are great imitators. So, give them something great to imitate."
The writer is a senior fellow at the Centre for Economics and Social Studies, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia