Children in Islam

“Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The ruler is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of his family and is responsible for his flock. A woman is the shepherd of her husband’s household and is responsible for her flock” (Reported by Bukhari & Muslim)


Islam recognizes family as a basic social unit. Parents, families and communities have certain responsibilities pertaining to children. Many of them are obligatory and on the Day of Judgement, God will question us about our treatment towards our children.


It is clear that parents are the persons who give us innumerable favors. They provide protection, food and clothing to the newly born. The mother sacrifices her comforts and sleep to provide comfort to her children. The father works hard to provide for their children physical, educational and psychological (and spiritual) needs.


Parents have a responsibility to make their children understand the indecency of sin and to encourage the child’s good actions and righteousness. Children need to be taught that characteristics such as lying, backbiting, bad language etc are wrong and disliked.


Thus, naturally the child will refrain from such acts when their parents themselves have set such examples. Parents have a right to be respected and obeyed by children. All parents are well wishers of children. They issue orders and instructions that are in the best interest of children. Children should remember that annoying one’s parents can lead to God’s wrath.


After Allah our parents deserve our thanks and obedience for the favors they had done and given us. That’s why Quran lays stress on feeling grateful to parents, and doing good to them. “And your Lord has ordained that you shall worship none save Him and shall do your parents a good turn.” What does a ‘good turn’ mean? It includes obeying them, speaking softly, avoiding harsh words or harsh tone, giving them company when they are lonely, caring for their physical and psychological needs (especially in their old age), and praying to Allah that He may bless them and have mercy on them.

Parents have looked after the children for decades. So it is the duty of grown-up children to repay them by way of caring for them and looking to their physical and financial needs. As parents grow old their energies also decline. So it is the duty of children to help their parents in any household chore in which they can help.

Sons can help in lifting heavy things, cleaning home, arranging things etc. Daughters can help in mother’s household work—cooking, washing, cleaning, serving food etc. With good children such help should come automatically, not when asked for. Whenever you see your mother or father doing something extend a helping hand to her/him without their asking. This is what Islam expects from children.


Wallahu'alam