Topics: Parents

Raising Children in Islam: 2 Essential Points to Consider

Laying the Foundation for a Righteous Generation: Reflections on Parenting in Islam

Important Points of reflection on raising children 

POINT 1. Raising children starts way before their existence

Abū Bakrah narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said: 

«ما من ذنب أجدر أن يعجل اللہ لصاحبه العقوبة في الدنيا، مع ما يدخر له في الآخرة؛ مثل البغي وقطيعة الرحم».

“There is no sin more worthy of Allāh hastening the punishment upon its perpetrator in the world – along with what awaits him in the Hereafter – than transgression and severing the ties of kinship.” 

Relayed by Abū Dāwūd in his Sunan with an authentic chain of transmission

Explanation:

This ḥadīth indicates that raising children begins way before their existence, and that is by honouring and being good to one’s own parents; because your treatment of your parents is a debt that your children will pay back to you in full; if you treated your parents well, your children will treat you well, and if you were bad to them, your recompense will be the same. That is because Allāh hastens the punishment of transgression and severing the ties of kinship for its perpetrator in this world, unless he repents.

And based on the reverse understanding of the ḥadīth, we realise that dutifulness towards one’s parents results in dutifulness of children towards them in this world alongside the great reward that awaits them in the Hereafter.

POINT 2. Marrying a fertile woman 

Narrated Ma’qil ibn Yasār: A man came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and said: ‘I have found a woman who is from a good family and of good status, but she does not bear children, should I marry her?’ He told him not to. Then he came to him a second time and he told him not to [marry her]. Then he came to him a third time and he told him not to [marry her], then he said: 

((تَزَوَّجُوا الْوَلُودَ الْوَدُودَ فَإِنِّي مُكَاثِرٌ بِكُمْ)).‏  

“Marry the one who is fertile and loving, for I will boast of your great numbers.” 

[Sunan An-Nasā’ē, 3227 – graded “Sahīh” by Sheikh Albani in Sahīh Al-Jāmi’ (2940)] 

Explanation:

In this hadith, the Prophet ﷺ encouraged to marry women who are fertile, meaning those who able to bear many children, and this is known by looking at her female relatives; if the married female relatives in her family have many children, then she will mostly likely follow suit. 

That is because having a large number of children is a manifestations of humanity and from the delights of this worldly life, as Allāh ﷻ said:

{ ٱلۡمَالُ وَٱلۡبَنُونَ زِینَةُ ٱلۡحَیَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡیَا}

“Wealth and children are the adornment of this worldly life.” [Sūrah Al-Kahf: 46]

It is also a source of benefit and goodness after death, as Abū Hurairah (may Allāh be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger ﷺ as saying: 

((إِذَا مَاتَ الإِنْسَانُ انْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلاَّ مِنْ ثَلاَثَةٍ إِلاَّ مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ)). 

“When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased).” [Sahih Muslim, 1631] 

نعـــم الإلـه عـلـى الـعبـاد عظيمـة * ومــــــن النــــــــم نجابــــــة الأولاد

Author: IslamicHelper

IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

Sharia Limit on Profit?

Explore if Sharia sets a profit limit in trade, permissible extents, and evidence from Quran, Hadith, and scholars. Learn why… Read More

2 hours ago

What is Taqlid in Islam?

Explore the linguistic and technical meanings of Taqlid in Islam, its historical context, Shari'ah rulings, and evidence from the Quran,… Read More

2 hours ago

Islam on Female Slaves

Discover the Islamic definition of female slaves (Kaneez/Londi), permissibility of intercourse without marriage, Quranic/Hadith evidence, and why domestic helpers aren't… Read More

6 days ago

Islam’s Stance on Slavery

Explore Islam's historical and humane approach to slavery, countering criticisms on male/female slaves, sexual rights, and justice. Detailed answers rooted… Read More

6 days ago

True Qualities of Salafi Scholars

Explore the superiority of scholars in Islam, drawing from Quran, Hadith, and Salaf Saliheen teachings. Discover qualities of authentic Salafi… Read More

7 days ago

Combining Prayers in Bad Weather

Explore the Shari'ah rulings on combining Isha prayer immediately after Maghrib due to rain or bad weather, including Hadith references… Read More

7 days ago