Islamic Principles for Raising Children
Mufti Muhammad Anisur Rahman Rizvi
The birth of a child is not merely a source of joy for a family; it marks the beginning of a nation’s future. The child in today’s arms may become tomorrow’s scholar, teacher, physician, scientist, statesman or social reformer. Conversely, without proper care and moral education, that same child may eventually become a burden on society. Islam, therefore, does not merely teach people how to have children; it provides a comprehensive system for nurturing them with faith, piety, knowledge, manners, good character and humanitarian values.
An Ideal Society Begins with an Ideal Family
At a time when family bonds are weakening, juvenile crime is increasing, and drug abuse, obscenity, misuse of technology and moral decline are affecting society, Islam’s principles of child-rearing offer important guidance. An ideal society begins with an ideal family, and the foundation of an ideal family is the proper upbringing of righteous and well-educated children.
Allah Almighty says: “O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.” (Surah At-Tahrim, verse 6). This verse reminds us that providing children with food, clothing and education is not enough. Parents also have an important religious responsibility to safeguard their children’s faith, deeds, character and spiritual well-being.
Children Are a Precious Trust from Allah
From the Islamic perspective, children are neither possessions nor objects of pride; rather, they are a precious trust entrusted by Allah. Fulfilling the rights of this trust can bring peace in this world and salvation in the Hereafter.
Allah says: “Wealth and children are only the adornment of worldly life. But lasting righteous deeds are better with your Lord for reward and better for hope.” (Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46).
Therefore, raising a child to be merely highly educated or professionally successful is not enough. True success lies in raising a child to become God-fearing, truthful, righteous and an exemplary Muslim.
Praying for Righteous Children
The process of raising a righteous child begins with supplication and piety. In fact, child-rearing begins even before the child is born. Islam places special emphasis on choosing a righteous spouse, earning a lawful livelihood and sincerely praying for righteous children.
the Holy Quran records the supplication of Allah’s righteous servants: “Our Lord! Grant us from among our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us leaders of the righteous.” (Surah Al-Furqan, verse 74).
A family that prays to Allah for righteous children and conducts its own life according to Islamic principles is more likely to nurture children with exemplary character.
Raising Children Is Not Only a Responsibility but Also an Act of Worship
Teaching children the message of monotheism, followed by the Holy Quran, prayer, manners, good character and humanitarian values is central to Islamic upbringing. The advice of Luqman (S.) remains an example for every parent: “O my dear son! Do not associate anything with Allah. Indeed, associating others with Him is truly a great injustice.” (Surah Luqman, verse 13).
The Messenger of Allah (S.) said: “Command your children to pray when they are seven years old.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 495).
This teaching demonstrates that guiding children toward religious observance is not merely a moral responsibility; it is also a great act of worship.
Righteous Parents Are a Child’s Greatest Teachers
Children often learn more through imitation than through advice. Therefore, every action of a parent has a profound influence on a child’s personality. If a home is characterized by truthfulness, prayer, Quran recitation, humility, modesty and mutual respect, children are naturally more likely to develop these qualities.
The Messenger of Allah (S.) said: “The best of you is the one who is best to his family.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3895).
New Challenges in the Age of Technology
Today, handing a child a mobile phone is easy, but protecting the child’s conscience, faith and character is much more difficult. The internet, social media, online games, obscene content and virtual addiction can seriously affect the mental and moral development of children and adolescents.
Technology itself is not prohibited. Rather, Islamic teachings emphasize moderation and responsible use. Parents should therefore teach children how to use technology properly while protecting them from harmful content and excessive dependence.
Justice Among Children
Equal affection and justice toward children are among the important teachings of Islam. Discrimination among children can lead to family conflict, resentment and jealousy. The Messenger of Allah (S.) said: “Be just among your children.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2587; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1623).
Halal Provision Is a Foundation for Righteous Children
The food given to a child affects not only the body but also the child’s character and spiritual development. Therefore, ensuring lawful earnings, halal food and a wholesome environment is an important responsibility of every Muslim parent. It should be remembered that the greatest inheritance parents can leave for their children is not wealth, but sound faith, good character, Islamic values and quality education. A family that raises its children according to these principles can become a haven of peace; such families can contribute to a morally enriched society, and such a nation can become deserving of Allah’s mercy and blessings. May Allah Almighty grant us the ability to raise our children not merely as successful individuals, but as God-fearing, virtuous, socially responsible and exemplary Muslims who follow the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (S.).
