Islamic Teachings on Protecting Children in Educational Institutions
An educational institution is a sacred place where a child’s intellect, creativity, moral values and personality are nurtured. After parents, teachers are the most respected guardians, guides and skilled mentors responsible for shaping children into worthy human beings. However, it is deeply regrettable that reports of heinous and brutal acts of physical abuse against innocent children in various educational institutions, including schools and religious seminaries, are increasingly appearing in the media, deeply disturbing our collective conscience.
The very hands that should lovingly place books and pens in children’s hands and guide them towards enlightenment sometimes become instruments of abuse, inflicting physical and psychological wounds on innocent children driven by lust. When this happens, society and humanity lose every reason for pride. Islam is not merely a religion; it is a comprehensive and justice-based way of life that provides guidance for every aspect of human existence and places the highest emphasis on ensuring the safety and dignity of every child. To protect future generations from this social scourge and severe moral degradation, we must return to the timeless and humane teachings of Islam.
In Islam, children are regarded as the most innocent and pure members of society, a special trust bestowed by Almighty Allah and flowers of Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described showing boundless affection and love towards children as a unique expression of faith and one of the means of attaining Paradise. According to the noble teachings of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and respect our elders.” This fundamental principle of Islam makes it clear that children must never be subjected to neglect, cruelty or any form of humiliation.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself treated children with extraordinary tenderness. He would greet children first whenever he encountered them on the streets of Madinah. He also cared for young Companion Anas (RA) with affection for ten years and gave the Muslim community strict instructions to uphold children’s rights. Yet, today, some unscrupulous and misguided individuals disguise themselves in the noble attire of teachers while subjecting these precious gifts of Allah to brutal abuse. Such acts are entirely contrary to the fundamental teachings of Islam and constitute among the most heinous and unforgivable crimes.
When a child is physically abused by a teacher in an educational institution, the harm goes far beyond physical injury. It can permanently damage the child’s psychological well-being. Islam places equal importance on protecting both the physical and mental well-being of human beings. In the Holy Quran, Almighty Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala declares that He has honoured the children of Adam, thereby granting dignity to all human beings.
When a teacher or an institution’s responsible authority violates a child’s sanctity, they strike a severe blow against the universal human dignity bestowed by Allah. Protecting a child’s mental well-being and self-respect is of paramount importance in Islam, as safeguarding human dignity is considered one of the principal objectives of Shariah, known as Maqasid al-Shariah. In his historic Farewell Sermon, the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) clearly declared that the blood, property and honour of Muslims are sacred and inviolable and must never be violated.
In the Islamic legal system, adultery, rape and all forms of sexual abuse are regarded as grave and reprehensible offences that warrant severe punishment. Almighty Allah instructs in Surah Al-Isra of the Holy Quran: “Do not go near adultery. Indeed, it is an abomination and an evil way.” This prohibition does not apply only to the final act of adultery; Islam also strictly forbids every act that may lead to such offences, including lustful gazes, unwanted touching, suggestive gestures and inappropriate conduct. These are described in Islamic teachings as the zina of the eyes and the zina of the hands.
This is particularly serious in the case of children, who are entirely incapable of protecting themselves and place their trust in teachers. Deceptive and brutal behaviour towards them constitutes khiyanah (betrayal of trust) and a grave violation of the responsibility entrusted to teachers. Teaching is a sacred trust. The Holy Quran clearly states that successful believers are those who honour their trusts and commitments. On the other hand, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) issued a clear warning: “There is no faith in the one who cannot be trusted.”
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), describing himself as a teacher of extraordinary compassion, said, “Indeed, I have been sent as a teacher.” He built relationships with his Companions based on affection, patience and love and never instilled fear or resentment in the hearts of children. When a teacher abandons this noble example and harms a child driven by lust, that individual will face severe accountability and punishment not only under the laws of this world but also before Almighty Allah in the Hereafter.
