Osman Nuri Topbas : a qualitative study of his childhood and parenting experiences

Abstract

The research aims to explore the experiences of Ustadh Osman Nuri Topbas' childhood and his own way of nurturing his own children. One main research question was employed for this research: How Ustadh Osman Nuri Topbas' nurturance shaped his way of parenting towards his own children. The research drew upon the Grounded Theory approach in qualitative research method in order to answer the research question. An in-depth and document analysis had been used based on Al-Ghazali‘s Model of Parenting Skill Attributes. His talks on YouTube, his books, his writings at magazines and his own blog were read and analyzed to understand his parenting experiences with his family and children. His father's and his daughter's documents were also analyzed in order to understand the family practicum on conscious parenting. Reviews of other scholars about his writings also analyzed. The research discovered that, Ustadh Osman Nuri Topbas demonstrated positive role model in the relationship with Allah and as a very good follower of the way of sunnah in all aspects of his life. He developed resilience among his children and his followers through the consolidation of the relationship between his children with Allah and others. Relationship with Allah covered prayer, fasting, reciting the Qur'an and inculcating knowledge culture. Relationship with others encompassed religious education, generosity, building and maintaining the relationship, and being conflict resolving. He emphasized so much on good ethics of conduct (adab), purification of the soul and heart, preparation for hereafter, quality service to humanity and protecting the pure lineage in order to nurture his children as a khalifah in this earth. His knowledge on Prophet's life as a best example, the practicum of families in Ottoman culture and family tradition were presented to him by his parents and eventually guided him to nurture his children. Research also discovered that positive environment with love, loyalty, respect, patience and fulfilling responsibilities was the emerging factor that significantly contributed to the success of his family life. The research also established the Osman Nuri Topbas’s Model of Parenting Skill and His Principle of Parenting. Key words: Parenting, conscious parenting, development, child education.