Tag: parents

In the journey of parenting, we often find ourselves searching for the perfect manual. The truth is, that perfect manual has already been sent to us. The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) provide a timeless, compassionate, and profound blueprint for raising children who are not only successful in this world but are a source of ongoing reward (sadaqah jariyah) for us in the Hereafter. Parenting in Islam is not just about providing food, shelter, and education. It is an act of worship, a sacred trust (amanah) from Allah SWT, with the ultimate goal of nurturing a child’s heart and soul to know, love, and worship its Creator. Let’s explore some of the divine guidance that can illuminate our path. 1. The Foundation: Dua and Seeking Righteous Offspring Even before our children are born, the foundation of their upbringing is laid through our sincere prayers. The Quran is filled with examples of the prophets making dua for their progeny. “رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ” “My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous.” (Quran, Surah As-Saffat, 37:100) This powerful supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) teaches us to first turn to Allah. Our efforts must begin and be sustained with dua, asking Allah to bless us with righteous children and to make our task easy. 2. The First Words: The Adhan in the Ear The Sunnah provides a beautiful welcome for a newborn. The first thing a Muslim child should hear is the name of Allah. It is recommended to recite the Adhan (call to prayer) in the baby’s right ear. This simple yet profound act imprints the reality of Tawheed (the Oneness of God) onto the child’s soul from their very first moments in the world, symbolizing that the ultimate purpose of their life is to worship Allah alone. 3. The Gift of a Good Name The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) placed great emphasis on giving children good names. A name is not just a label; it carries meaning and can influence a child’s identity. عن أبي الدرداء رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إنكم تدعون يوم القيامة بأسمائكم وأسماء آبائكم، فأحسنوا أسماءكم.” Abu Darda (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Indeed, you will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so make your names good.” (Sunan Abi Dawud) Choose a name that has a beautiful meaning, reflects Islamic values, and honors a righteous person. It is a gift they will carry for life. 4. The Primary Responsibility: Teaching and Nurturing As children grow, our responsibility shifts to active nurturing. The core of this upbringing is teaching them about their faith. “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ” “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones…” (Quran, Surah At-Tahrim, 66:6) This verse is a clear command. Protecting our families from the Fire means educating them about Islam, teaching them right from wrong, and creating a home environment that is filled with the remembrance of Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) was a model of compassion with children. He played with them, showed them affection, and was always fair. This teaches us that effective upbringing is rooted in love and mercy, not just strictness and discipline. 5. Leading by Example: The Most Powerful Lesson Children may not always listen to what we say, but they never fail to imitate what we do. The most powerful tarbiyah (upbringing) is through our own actions. When they see us praying with concentration, being honest in our dealings, speaking kindly, and reading the Quran, these actions leave a far deeper impression than any lecture. Our character is the first and most influential “Islamic studies” curriculum they will ever experience. 6. The Ultimate Goal: Kindness to Parents is a Return on Investment The beautiful promise of Islam is that the righteous upbringing we give our children is what will lead them to be a source of our happiness in this life and the next. “وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا” “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], ‘uff,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” (Quran, Surah Al-Isra, 17:23) By raising our children upon goodness, we are, God willing, planting the seeds for them to be the dutiful and compassionate children described in this verse. The circle of righteousness completes itself. Conclusion: A Journey of Love and Patience Raising children with the Quran and Sunnah is a journey that requires immense patience, constant prayer, and abundant love. It’s about being intentional in our actions and consistent in our efforts. There will be challenges, but we must always remember that this is our most significant amanah. Let us strive to be the parents our children deserve, seeking help and guidance from Allah every step of the way. May He make our children the coolness of our eyes and a means for us to enter Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen. — What is the most valuable lesson from the Quran or Sunnah that has guided your parenting journey? Please share in the comments below! #IslamicParenting, #RaisingMuslimKids, #QuranAndKids, #SunnahParenting, #MuslimFamily, #Tarbiyah, #DuaForChildren.