Children in Islam

In Islam, children are considered a blessing and are to be treated with love, kindness, and compassion. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of proper upbringing and education, and the responsibility of parents to care for their children.

Children are considered a trust from Allah and are to be protected and nurtured. The following are some of the key principles and values related to children in Islam:

Education: Islam places a high value on education, and it is considered the responsibility of parents to educate their children. The Quran says, "Seek knowledge, even if it is in China." (Hadith)

Respect for elders: Children are taught to respect and honor their elders, including parents, grandparents, teachers, and community leaders.

Good manners: Children are encouraged to develop good manners and character, including honesty, kindness, and compassion.

Physical discipline: While Islam prohibits physical abuse, it allows for a form of physical discipline as a last resort when other methods have failed. It is emphasized that discipline should be done in a gentle and loving manner.

Child marriage: Islam allows for marriage at a young age, but it is discouraged and seen as a practice of the past. Today, the majority of Muslim scholars and communities advocate for delaying marriage until a person has reached physical and emotional maturity.

Play and recreation: Children are encouraged to play and engage in recreational activities as a form of exercise and enjoyment.

Child protection: Islam places a strong emphasis on the protection and welfare of children, including their rights to life, safety, and education.

Some verses in the Quran that address the treatment of children include:

"And kill not your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin." (Quran, surah Al-Isra, verse: 31)

"And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination." (Quran, surah Luqman, verse: 14)

"And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent." (Quran, surah Al-Isra, verse: 29)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance of proper upbringing and education for children. He said:

"Each one of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charges. The ruler is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects; a husband is a guardian and is responsible for his family; a wife is a guardian and is responsible for her husband's house and his offspring; and so all of you are guardians and are responsible for your charges." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 43, No. 656)

"The womb is a school, so when a child is in the womb, the mother should speak gently and avoid anger, as the child will learn from her." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book 73, No. 54) - This Hadith highlights the importance of providing a supportive and nurturing environment for children from a young age.

"The Prophet (peace be upon him) would place his hand on the heads of children and pray for them." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Book 65, No. 380) - This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's blessings for children and nurturing their spiritual growth.

"The one who takes care of an orphan and myself will be together in Paradise like this." The Prophet (peace be upon him) joined his two fingers together to illustrate the closeness of their connection in Paradise. (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book 73, No. 35) - This Hadith highlights the virtue of caring for orphans and demonstrates the rewards that come from helping those in need.

"The Prophet (peace be upon him) would not refuse a child who wanted to sit with him, and he would pick them up and let them sit with him." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 4, Book 56, No. 733) - This Hadith demonstrates the love and compassion that the Prophet had for children, and the importance of spending time with them and showing them affection.

These Hadiths illustrate the importance of providing a supportive and nurturing environment for children, as well as the importance of seeking blessings for them and guiding them towards good character and spiritual growth.

In Islam, children are valued for their innocence and potential, and are expected to grow up to be responsible and productive members of society. The faith encourages parents to provide their children with a strong foundation in faith, morality, and education, so that they may lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.