The candle of knowledge
By Janat Yahaya Naggolola
Sharing knowledge, nurturing curiosity and raising children who benefit others
One candle can light a thousand others.
Imagine a child holding a candle in a dark room. As the child uses its flame to light another candle, something beautiful happens. The second candle begins to shine, yet the first loses none of its brightness. Instead, the room becomes brighter, and the light reaches further.
What a beautiful lesson for our children!
Knowledge is much like that candle. When shared, it does not diminish the one who possesses it. It creates opportunities for others to learn, grow and discover their own potential.
As parents, educators and mentors, we have a responsibility to raise children who do not simply accumulate knowledge but understand its value, share it generously and use it in ways that benefit others.
BEYOND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Every parent takes pride in seeing a child excel academically. Good grades, new skills and educational achievements are important milestones. Yet, the true value of learning extends far beyond examination results.
What happens when a child who understands a lesson helps a struggling classmate? When a child shares a useful skill with a sibling? When knowledge inspires kindness, cooperation and meaningful action?
These moments reveal the deeper purpose of education.
Children need to understand that knowledge is not merely a personal achievement. It is also an opportunity to contribute, serve and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
NURTURING CURIOSITY AND INDEPENDENT THINKING
Children are naturally curious. Their endless questions, observations and desire to explore are invitations to learning.
When we welcome their questions, encourage exploration and allow them to develop their own understanding, we nurture confidence, creativity and a lifelong love for learning.
Rather than dismissing a question, help your child explore the answer. Encourage reading, meaningful conversations, discovery and the development of practical skills.
A curious child, guided with patience and wisdom, can grow into an informed, thoughtful and responsible individual.
KNOWLEDGE NEEDS THE GUIDANCE OF CHARACTER
Knowledge is powerful, but the way it is used matters.
A child may be intelligent yet use words to hurt others, skills to deceive or information to manipulate. This reminds us that knowledge must be accompanied by sound character.
Teach children that being knowledgeable is not a reason to feel superior. It is an opportunity to become more humble, helpful, compassionate and responsible.
In Islam, the pursuit of beneficial knowledge is highly valued. Allah teaches us to pray:
“My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” Surah Taha 20:114
The Prophet Muhammad said: The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” Sahih al-Bukhari 5027
These teachings remind us that learning is a continuous journey and that sharing beneficial knowledge is a noble act.
Children should understand that knowledge is an amanah, a trust from Allah, to be used in ways that promote goodness, truth and righteousness.
RAISING CHILDREN WHO SHARE THEIR LIGHT
Parents can nurture this value through everyday opportunities:
- Encourage children to teach siblings or friends something useful they have learned.
- Welcome their questions and provide opportunities for exploration.
- Appreciate acts of helpfulness and sharing, not only academic achievement.
- Model generosity in sharing knowledge and willingness to learn from others.
- Teach children to use their abilities responsibly and in ways that please Allah.
A Message to Parents
Dear Parent,
Your child is not only a learner but also a potential source of benefit to others.
The knowledge they acquire, the skills they develop and the curiosity you nurture today can become instruments through which they serve their families, communities and society.
Do not only ask whether your child is learning. Ask how that learning is shaping their character and how they are using it to benefit others.
Let your child become a candle whose light does not stop with them, but continues to illuminate the lives of others.
A question for every parent
Are you nurturing beneficial knowledge and encouraging your child to use it in righteous ways?
The author can be contacted on 0772858289
