We are living in a time when certain differences have arisen between parents and children. People who lived…

We are living in a time when certain differences have arisen between parents and children. People who lived far from religion and faith in the former Soviet era, because they were deprived of the original sources, were cut off from sacred values. Independence opened the way for every person to have the right to freely choose his own belief and way of life. The children of independence, listening to their minds and hearts, are discovering faith — which all humanity recognizes and which has been the most correct path humankind has followed in history. In this, the state’s humane policy, resting on enlightenment, holds a special place. Dear parents! Has your child become interested in religion? Does he want to pray? Does he want to read the Quran? You know black from white. You have seen many hardships in life. You have knowledgeable friends and acquaintances. You should make good use of these opportunities of yours. That is, first of all, talk with your child in a friendly way. What feelings is he going through, which lectures is he being moved by? Whom is he listening to? If he has been listening to banned figures, do not be afraid — the child is yours! First meet with some knowledgeable person yourself, ask him about religion, put questions to him, and learn accurate, reliable information. Then describe your child’s situation and arrange an educational conversation with three people taking part: you, your son and a scholarly teacher. Let him go to a Quran course, let him read permitted books, allow him to ask any question he wants. You raised your child with patience and endurance — be a little patient here too, and in the end you will both learn about religion yourself and set your child on the right path. On the internet platform of the Muslim Board there are answers to all questions concerning our religion, so there is no need at all to hesitate. Our aim in saying these words is to find a way to close the chasm between parents and children. If your child thinks about family and married life differently from the Soviet ideology, do not say, “It will be as I say”; the solution to every problem can be found with wisdom. People should strive to live calmly and in peace. Let every person study thoroughly the problem that troubles him. Otherwise, he will end up suffering. As for our dear young men and young women, when their parents sometimes oppose them, let them be patient, even if it does not please their egos. Even if parents have no share of religious knowledge, out of love for their child they act on the best experience of their lives. Of course, ignorant, excessively heedless parents who listen to nothing are an exception, but such people are few. Let young people who are following the path of faith gladden their parents with affection and service. Let them hold themselves humble and lowly. Let them never be displeased with their parents. This is the most correct path. Whoever tells someone, “Your parents are ignorant, turn away from them” or “go against them,” has said the greatest and most dangerous wrong thing. Even if some of our people have remained far from religion and faith, in their hearts and in their innate nature there is a yearning for guidance. Almost all parents understand their child correctly. We are impatient servants. We do not know how to solve a problem with wisdom by harmless methods; we immediately want to cut and chop. If only something would give us results quickly! If only something would be done quickly! No — reform takes years; the skill of being patient and gentle is something we greatly need.