What Does Islam Say About Raising Children?

Introduction

Children are a trust (amanah) from Allah. Raising them is one of the greatest responsibilities in Islam. Parents will be questioned about how they raised their children — physically, emotionally, spiritually, and morally.

Islamic Principles for Parenting

1. Provide Love and Mercy

The Prophet ﷺ showed immense love to children. Kindness shapes confident, emotionally healthy kids.

2. Teach Tawheed and Faith

First lesson is belief in Allah. Teach:

  • Allah is our Creator
  • Qur’an and Sunnah
  • Love for Prophet ﷺ
  • Meaning of worship and prayer

3. Teach Manners and Character

Islam emphasizes akhlaq. Teach children:

  • Respect elders
  • Honesty
  • Patience
  • Sharing and caring
  • Truthfulness
  • Clean speech

Stages of Islamic Parenting

Birth

  • Adhan in ear
  • Tahneek
  • Naming
  • Aqeeqah
  • Hair shaving and charity

Early childhood

  • Love and play
  • Teach basics of faith gently
  • Model good manners

Age 7–10

  • Teach Salah
  • Discipline with kindness
  • Teach Qur’an and Islamic knowledge

Teenage years

  • Treat as friends
  • Give responsibilities
  • Guide on halal and haram
  • Teach modesty and dignity
  • Help develop identity as confident Muslim

Providing Needs

Islam requires parents to provide:

  • Food, shelter, clothing
  • Education
  • Emotional support
  • Safe environment

Avoid Harshness

Islam forbids abuse, cruelty, humiliation. Discipline must be gentle, fair, and purposeful.

Leading by Example

Children learn from parents’ actions more than words. Be honest, modest, prayerful, generous — they will follow.

Protecting From Evil

  • Guard them from bad company
  • Limit harmful media
  • Teach halal entertainment
  • Teach rules of privacy and modesty

Dua for Children

Make dua regularly:

“O Allah, make my children righteous and among the worshippers of You.”

Conclusion

Islamic parenting builds strong faith, good manners, discipline, and emotional strength. Raising righteous children brings reward, sadaqah jariyah, and peace in dunya and akhirah.

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