Children are among the greatest blessings granted by Allah (SWT). In Islam, nurturing children with love, discipline, and righteous values is not just a responsibility, but a sacred trust and an amanah (trust) from Allah entrusted to every parent. Islamic parenting means not just fulfilling children’s physical needs but also guiding them spiritually, emotionally, and morally according to the Qur’an and Sunnah. When nurtured according to these divine teachings, children become a source of mercy and lasting success for their parents in both this world and the Hereafter.
In today’s modern age, where technology is rapidly advancing, negative influences have become widespread and easily accessible within every home. Therefore, raising children according to the Qur’an and Sunnah has become a real challenge for parents.
Why is Islamic Parenting Essential for Raising Children?
The Quran and Hadith repeatedly emphasize the responsibility of parents to provide a good upbringing for their children. Raising children with Islamic values is not only essential for their personal development but also crucial for the success of the entire family in this world and the Hereafter.
In the Quran, Allah (SWT) reminds parents of their responsibility towards their children. He says:”
“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones…”
— Surah At-Tahrim 66:6
Through this verse, Allah (SWT) instructs parents to ensure their children are protected from wrongdoing and are nurtured upon the path of faith and righteousness.
Abdullah ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,
“Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.”
— Sahih Muslim 1829a
This Hadith makes it clear that every individual has responsibilities for which they will be held accountable. Among these, parents carry the greatest responsibility—the upbringing of their children. On the Day of Judgment, they will be questioned about how they fulfilled this trust. Thus, in Islam, parenting children is not only for their well-being but also a sacred duty upon parents themselves.
Islamic Parenting Tips
Raising children in today’s modern world is a challenge, especially when they are surrounded by distractions and un-Islamic influences. Here are 10 practical steps parents can take to raise their children in an Islamic, loving, and balanced way.
1. Teach Through Actions, Not Just Words
Children imitate what they see, not just what they are told. Parents are their first role models, and their actions leave a lasting impression on their children’s hearts. If you truly want your children to grow up with strong Islamic values, begin by embodying those values yourself. Create an Islamic environment at home, demonstrate good character in daily life, and let your own actions reflect the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. In this way, your example becomes the most powerful form of guidance for them.
2. Make Salah a Family Habit
Salah (prayer) is the pillar of Islam and the clear distinction between a Muslim and a non-believer. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised parents to teach their children prayer from an early age and encourage them to establish the habit of praying five times a day. To achieve this, parents should make Salah a family practice by praying together at home or in the mosque. When children see their parents standing in prayer with devotion, they naturally learn that Salah is not a burden but a blessing and a source of peace.
3. Start Quran Learning from Childhood
The Quran is the final and most complete Book of Allah, revealed as guidance for all aspects of life—both worldly and spiritual. Without learning and understanding it, one cannot become a true practicing Muslim. For this reason, parents should introduce their children to the Qur’an from an early age. Enrolling them in madaris or arranging proper Quran classes helps children not only recite it correctly but also understand its teachings, which will shape their character and guide them throughout life.
4. Teach Daily Duas and Dhikr
Parents should make duas (supplications) and dhikr (remembrance of Allah) a regular part of their children’s daily routine. Teach them simple and basic duas, such as the dua before and after eating, the dua for drinking water, the dua before sleeping, and the dua upon waking up, etc. When children practice these regularly, they remain connected to Allah (SWT) throughout the day. This constant remembrance brings blessings into their lives and helps them grow closer to Allah.
5. Create a Halal Environment at Home
The environment in which children grow up has the greatest influence on their personality and behavior. Parents should create an Islamic environment at home, allowing children to adopt good values naturally. This means replacing harmful or non-Islamic content with beneficial Islamic content. Encourage children to watch Islamic cartoons, read the stories of the Prophets, and explore Islamic books. At the same time, keep them away from music, inappropriate media, and negative influences. A pure and halal environment will help children remain connected to their faith and develop a strong Islamic identity.
6. Teach Them Good Manners and Akhlaq
A person’s greatest beauty is found in their akhlaq (character and manners). The character of children reflects the upbringing given by their parents. That is why parents must teach their children basic manners such as respecting elders, greeting others with salaam, and saying Bismillah before starting any task. Parents should not only instruct their children but also practice these manners themselves so that children can learn through observation. Developing good manners and akhlaq from a young age helps children grow into respectful and responsible Muslims.
7. Treat Children with Respect and Love
Parents should not treat their children only with authority, but also build a friendly relationship with them. Speak to them kindly, guide them with love, and make them feel valued. If they make mistakes, avoid harsh punishment or constant scolding. Instead, explain their mistake gently and make them understand the consequences of wrong actions. When children are corrected with love and respect, they are more likely to listen and avoid repeating the same mistake. This nurturing approach strengthens trust and creates a positive bond between parents and children.
8. Make Dua for Your Children
Surely, the One who gives true guidance is Allah (SWT). He guides whom He wills and lets astray whom He wills, for all guidance is in His control. Therefore, parents should regularly make Dua for their children to become righteous and pious. They should ask Allah to bless their children with goodness and grant them a deep understanding of the Deen. Constant prayers from parents play an important role in shaping children into righteous Muslims.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) used to make this dua:
رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنَ الصَّالِحِين
“My Lord! Grant me [a child] from among the righteous.”
Islamic Parenting in Modern Times
With the rise of social media, many negative influences have spread, and the internet now offers all kinds of content—some beneficial, but much of it harmful for children. Parents must therefore remain alert by limiting their children’s screen time, monitoring their online activities, and using parental control policies where needed. It is also important to engage with children about the content they watch, discussing its impact from an Islamic perspective. The best approach, however, is to keep them involved in healthy alternatives such as physical games, household responsibilities, schoolwork, and madrasa studies. In this way, parents can help protect their children from harmful influences while nurturing them in a balanced and Islamic manner.
Conclusion
Raising children is not a task of one day; it requires consistent effort, patience, and dedication. If parents keep these important points in mind and apply them, they will, In shā’ Allah, succeed in raising their children as good Muslims. Islamic parenting is not about force or harshness; rather, Islam teaches love, compassion, and kindness in nurturing children. By combining guidance with mercy, parents can shape their children into righteous Muslims who will bring goodness to both this world and the Hereafter.