Raising Righteous Children: A Guide for Muslim Parents

 

Every Muslim parent must vigilantly guide their child to follow the true path of Deen, ensuring they perform prayers and recite the Quran. If they are steadfast, praise Allah. If not, sit with them and personally teach them to pray and recite the Quran. Do not solely depend on maulvis (clerics) for their Islamic education. Strive to be capable of teaching your child yourself.

From my childhood observations, parents often enroll both sons and daughters to learn the Quran from a maulvi. However, girls should ideally have a female teacher, and leaving them alone with a non-mahram (male stranger) is inadvisable. No matter how pure the intentions, Shaitan (Satan) is ever-present. A hadith warns that when a boy and girl are alone, Shaitan becomes the third presence.

Many modern parents in India and Pakistan, exhausted by their responsibilities, either delegate their children’s care to others or distract them with mobile phones. They remain indifferent to what their children are doing or watching, as long as it’s convenient. This neglect risks pushing children into a dangerous abyss.

Parents must listen to their children and gently explain the importance of following Allah’s Deen. Clarify why they should pray, fast, avoid haram, and give zakat. Foster a friendly home environment where children feel welcomed rather than fearful. Create an Islamic atmosphere, teaching them to respect both elders and younger ones.

Children are delicate strive to understand them. Prioritize their wishes over your own and motivate them to complete tasks joyfully, avoiding force that may lead to isolation or resentment. Raising children through fear weakens their willpower and makes them timid. Instead, teach them that good deeds earn Allah’s rewards in this world and the hereafter.

Rather than focusing on Allah’s punishment and warning children of Hell as if we know who will be judged emphasize Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. 

Allah says in the Quran, Surah 39: Verse 53:

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’”

In many households, older siblings belittle younger ones, and parents reinforce this by demanding respect for elders. But don’t younger siblings deserve respect too? The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to honor everyone. He would stand and kiss his daughter Fatima’s forehead when she visited. Are we, then, above the Prophet’s example?

May Allah grant us the ability to raise and educate our children rightly and guide us to follow His Deen.  

Ameen!