ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Codes of Training Play & Recreation As breathing is necessary for the child, so is some exercise and play. At the preliminary and middle levels at the school the predominant activities of the children are sports, games and recreation. As they progress in their curricula, these activities are reduced. Despite increasing load of scholastic work, the children have to take out some time for sports.

Participating in outdoor games is an important physical activity that is essential for the good health of a child. Those children who dont take part in some outdoor games are generally not healthy. Islam is conscious of this natural prerequisite and therefore advises to keep the children physically free. Imam Jafar Sadiq says: Leave the child free to play till it is seven years old. [1] The Prophet of Islam says: Let them play; the earth is the pasture of the children!

[2] Playing is a natural exercise for the child. This will make its limbs strong. The mental capabilities will sharpen and it will grow in strength. At the ground of play the child will be exposed to community living and sharing [1] Wassail, Vol. 15, Page 193. [2] Majma az Zawaid, Vol. 8, Page 159. responsibilities with others. The psychologists differ in their assessment of the importance of sports. We need not go into the details of their findings.

For us it is sufficient that play and physical exercise is an important aspect of the upbringing of a child. The mentor therefore should not consider this only as an extra-curricular-activity to be treated lightly. The child gets acquainted with the outside world while at play. He learns about performing tasks. He practices avoiding risks and also co-operating and coordinating with the members of his team.

In team games he learns to respect the rights of others and learns about the rules of the games. William Astern writes: Games are a source of developing the natural capabilities in the child. They are like an exercise for the future discipline and activities of the person. [1] Alexi Maxim writes: Games provide to the child comprehension of life and a means of exercise to the body. Games help the child acquaint himself with the social norms. Play strengthens the childs feelings.

The child in his play makes a house, builds a factory, takes an expedition to the North Pole, flies in the space and guards the borders of his country.