In the vast realm of modern entertainment, particularly from Western sources like Disney, one often finds narratives that, while visually appealing, frequently lack profound moral guidance or serve what some might consider aimless escapism. Yet, even from such unexpected quarters, lessons can emerge for those with discerning hearts.
Just as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) commented on the incident of Shaitan (Satan) teaching Abu Hurayrah the virtue of Ayatul Kursi, remarking, “He told you the truth, although he is a liar.”, so too can wisdom be extracted from seemingly unlikely sources.
One such instance is the Disney cartoon, “Lambert the Sheepish Lion (1952).” The video captures a pivotal moment: Lambert, the lion raised by sheep since his birth, is seen sleeping uneasily amidst his flock under a moonlit sky with his sheep-mother. Lambert grows into a huge lion, but of course with the heart and characteristics of a sheep. One day a menacing wild wolf appears, its howl chilling the night and greatly terrifying Lambert and the other sheep. When this predator directly threatens and attacks his adoptive mother, a surge of innate lion courage suddenly awakens within Lambert. Despite his sheepish upbringing, he roars like a lion that he is, he charges forward, and with a brave and powerful ‘headbutt’—an action more akin to a sheep’s defense than a lion’s maul—he sends the wolf tumbling off the cliff, saving his beloved mother and earning the admiration of the entire flock.
This enduring tale offers a potent lesson on the profound impact of upbringing and the awakening of inherent nature. A lion cub, by divine fitra (innate nature) is a creature of strength, yet raised among sheep, adopts their timid ways. Only when confronted by a dire threat does his inherent nature stir, manifesting courage, albeit through a sheep’s familiar headbutt.
This parable holds deep wisdom for the Muslim Ummah, reminding us that true Islamic identity and strength, though ingrained in our children by Allah, can be obscured (hidden and concealed) without proper Tarbiyyah (Islamic nurturing and education). Historically, the Ummah possessed the heart of a lion, embodying Izzah (honour) and justice. However, without vigilant Tarbiyyah, successive generations risk becoming “sheepish,” adopting cautious, compliant habits in the face of challenges.
To cultivate a brave and resilient Ummah, one that truly embodies Islam’s Izzah, the Tarbiyyah of Muslim children is paramount. It is through dedicated Islamic parenting, instilling the stories of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions, a deep understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and cultural values rooted in our faith, that children learn to apply their inherent strength.
It is not enough for a child to be born a Muslim; they must be raised as one, nurtured to fully embrace that leonine spirit, ensuring courage becomes a foundational way of life, guided by Sharia and striving for Allah’s sovereignty on Earth.
May Allah guide us to nurture our children with the best Islamic upbringing possible from our end.
(Reflections by Mohammed bin Thajammul Hussain Manna. Author-compiler of the first Biography of the Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) in English that only uses authentic narrations for the story line. B.E (Aeronautical Engineering), and other books, B.A (Islamic Studies), Advanced Diploma (Islamic Studies), student of Masters in Social Work.)
Saheehus-Seerah 