Education by Describing Outcome of Action
In today’s world when the advancement of technology has affected people’s conducts and behavior, learning about educational methods that could lead to improvement of behaviors at the individual and social level is of great importance.
One educational method that is commonly used by parents and teachers is letting children know the outcome of their actions. It is implemented in two ways:
In the first one, the teacher tells the child about what will happen as a result of what he or she does without undermining his/her self-esteem or making him/her frustrated.
In the second, the teacher forbids the child to do something and then lets him/her face the outcome of his/her actions.
God, the Al-Mighty, uses this method to teach human beings. When a person faces a tragedy, he wonders why has been wronged but the fact is that it is the result of his own actions. “Whatever good reaches you, it is from Allah, and whatever evil reaches you, it is from yourself.” (Verse 79 of Surah An-Nisa)
That is why God says in Verse 33 of Surah An-Nahl: “God did not do injustice to them, but they wronged themselves.”
Prophet Abraham (AS) is an Ulul Azm messengers of God whose name is mentioned in numerous verses of the Holy Quran. He, too, used this method of education. In order to inform disbelievers about the outcome of their actions, he said: “And how should I fear what you have associated when you yourselves are not afraid that you have associated with Allah that which He did not send down for it upon you an authority. Which of the two parties is more deserving of safety, if you know?” (Verse 81 of Surah Al-Anaam)
In fact, Prophet Abraham (AS) refers disbelievers to their internal paradox, saying, “you are warning me about what needs not to be feared while you yourselves do not fear what you should be afraid of.”
He warns them that if they continue walking on the path of Shirk (polytheism), they would face divine punishment.
