A Tradition of Learning: PM Anwar’s Grandchildren Visit Reflects Educational and Prophetic Values

A Tradition of Learning: PM Anwar’s Grandchildren Visit Reflects Educational and Prophetic Values 

PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent decision to bring several of his grandchildren to Perdana Putra has drawn both admiration and criticism. While some attempted to politicise the moment, a respected Islamic educator, Ustaz Hasrizal Abdul Jamil, offered a reflective and educational perspective rooted in Islamic tradition and modern pedagogy.

In a widely shared commentary, Ustaz Hasrizal emphasised that bringing children into the workplace is not a novelty, but rather a long-established practice in Islamic civilisation. It mirrors the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ approach to nurturing young minds through exposure, experience, and participation in adult environments.

“This is not merely a personal act by the Prime Minister, but a meaningful expression of experiential learning — deeply embedded in our religious tradition and aligned with global educational practices,” Hasrizal wrote.

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Learning from the Prophetic Example

Throughout his commentary, Hasrizal cited several authentic hadiths that demonstrate how the Prophet ﷺ included children in his gatherings, encouraged their participation in discussions, and instilled confidence and values through real-life engagement.

One such story involves Abdullah ibn Umar, who attended a gathering where the Prophet asked his companions to interpret a parable. Although Ibn Umar knew the answer, he hesitated to speak in front of his elders. The Prophet later praised the correct answer — the date palm tree — and Ibn Umar’s father encouraged him to speak up next time.

Another narration describes how Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab brought young Ibn Abbas into a high-level meeting with senior companions. When asked to interpret a Quranic verse, Ibn Abbas gave a profound answer, leading Umar to commend his insight and intellect.

“These examples show how Islamic education was never confined to the classroom. Children were active observers and participants in the social and intellectual life of the community,” Hasrizal wrote.

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Global Norms: Leaders as Parents and Educators

The act of bringing children to work is not unique to Malaysia. Across the globe, many leaders have included their children in official settings, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not separate from family life.

In April 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed children to the White House during the annual “Take Your Child to Work Day.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni brought her daughter on a diplomatic trip to China in 2024, defending her decision as an integration of parental and professional duties. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau often includes his children in public events, reinforcing transparency and human connection in leadership.

These practices reflect the spirit of the “Take Your Child to Work Day” movement, which began in 1993 to empower young girls and later expanded to all children. Its goals include exposing children to career environments, reducing gender stereotypes, and strengthening parent-child bonds.

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A Living Educational Model

Drawing from his own experiences in Finland, Hasrizal recounted how schools encouraged children to spend a day at their parents’ workplace — an initiative designed to foster awareness, aspiration, and understanding.

“It is a form of education that combines knowledge, manners, love, and vision. It is not a political issue, nor a mere publicity stunt,” he emphasised.

He further reminded readers of the hadith where the Prophet ﷺ expressed sorrow over the absence of a child who used to accompany his father to the mosque. When informed of the child’s passing, the Prophet visited the grieving father and offered words of profound comfort — affirming the spiritual and emotional significance of children's presence in communal spaces.

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Conclusion: Education Beyond the Classroom

In an era of political polarisation, Hasrizal’s commentary urges Malaysians to look beyond cynicism and rediscover the deeper meaning of leadership, education, and family. By bringing his grandchildren to the office, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim exemplified not just a personal moment of bonding, but a broader philosophy of inclusive, character-based learning.

As Hasrizal aptly concluded, “This is a tradition rooted in our faith — preparing the next generation through presence, participation, and purpose.”