But the matter was not so simple.

But the matter was not so simple. The story proceeded further. The boy found other subterfuges to continue his bad activities. He started boarding the omnibus and avoiding to pay the fare to the conductor. When his mother asked him to shop at the grocers, he would pinch the change. Later on it was learned that he has stolen money from his friends too. The conclusion of the story is that, when the child was beaten for one fault, he cleverly didnt repeat that act.

But his mind worked overtime, and he invented other methods of committing thefts. [1] One intellectual writes: The children who receive corrective beatings, become weak and useless persons. Or, otherwise they turn into stubborn and deceitful persons...They seem to be taking revenge of the ill treatment received in their childhood. [2] Mr. Russell writes: In my opinion, physical punishment of children is not right in any way.

[3] Islam too has termed physical punishment harmful and has prohibited it. Hazrat Ali says: The intelligent person gets guidance through politeness, it is only the animals that cannot be corrected without beatings. [4] Imam Jafar Sadiq says: [1] Ruwan Shinasi Tajrubi Kudak, Page 263. [2] Ibid., Page 266. [3] Dar Tarbiat, Page 169. [4] Ghurar al-Hikam, Page 236. Whoever whips another person once, Allah will shower the fiery whip against him.

[1] The Prophet of Islam said: Use love and affection in education and upbringing and dont have access to cruelty because a wise mentor is better than a cruel one. [2] One person said that he complained about his son to Imam Moosa bin Jafar. The Imam replied: Dont ever beat him! But maintain a distance from him, and this distance too should not be kept for too long! [3] Physical punishments are very harmful for the upbringing of the children and they must be avoided.

But if there is no other way of correcting the child, adopt it as a last resort. Islam too permits this in certain conditions. The Prophet of Islam has said: Ask your children to start offering prayers at the age of six years. If they dont listen to your repeated warnings, you may beat them to become regular at offering prayers when they are seven years old.

[4] In another tradition Imam Jafar Sadiq says: When the child is nine years old, teach him to do the Wadu (the ablution prior to offering prayers); order [1] Wasaail al-Shiah Vol. 19, Page 14. [2] Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 77, Page 175. [3] Ibid., Vol. 104, Page 99. [4] Mustadrak, Vol. 1, Page 171. him to do the Wadu and pray.