Islam advocates kindness towards Children

Story by  Eman Sakina | Posted by  Aasha Khosa • 1 Years ago
Muslim Children enjoying themselves at Jama Masjid, Delhi, (Ravi Batra)
Muslim Children enjoying themselves at Jama Masjid, Delhi, (Ravi Batra)

 

Eman Sakina

In India, Children’s Day is celebrated on the 14th of November every year. Children look forward to special days and expect to be pampered; Children’s Day is one such event on which they wish to be treated extra special. Children need love and pampering on all days but you can always make them feel fabulous on days like this.

Friday Musings

Quran says: In Islam, every day is children's day.

The holy Quran says: No Muslim is a Muslim if he does not show mercy upon children. “And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We (Allah) shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin. Once a child is conceived, it has the right to life.”

The Quran makes it clear that all life is sacred.  It is never permissible to terminate a pregnancy because one fears being unable to financially support a child or another child.  It is God, who is the Provider and the Sustainer of all life.

The words of the Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, contain the rights and responsibilities granted by God to humankind.  They are not subject to the whims and desires of men or women therefore they do not change.

These unique rights mentioned in Islam also include the rights of children.  Children’s rights are not guaranteed by the actions of their parents, their communities, or even their governments.  God Himself guarantees children’s rights.

The rights of a child begin even before birth; in fact, they begin before conception. The Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad make it clear that two people should not enter into a marriage carelessly.  A great deal of thought and preparation is necessary before a man and woman commit to each other and to the family that may result from their union.  Prophet Muhammad was heard to say, “A woman may be married for four reasons: her wealth, her lineage, her beauty, and her religious commitment.  Marry the one who is religiously committed.”

When planning to terminate a pregnancy it is important to remember that having a child is a blessing from God and all such blessings should be accepted with joy and gratitude.  There are many people in the world today who are not able to have children, therefore when God blesses a family with one, it should be a cause for celebration and happiness.  However, children are not toys or possessions.  With them comes great responsibility.

Prophet Muhammad and the Quran both make explicit the responsibilities that come with parenting children. Believers must raise and take care of children by raising them to be moral, upright people. secure in the knowledge that they and their respective families are important members of humans. The failure to do this obligation may result in a person turning away from God and the way of righteousness.

“O you who believe!  Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angel’s stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from God, but do that which they are commanded” (Quran 66:6)

Caring for and properly raising children is a duty of parents and it is not always easy.  God reminds us in the Quran that children may even be a great trial for their parents.  The triumphs and tribulations of life are a test and children are no exception.  They can bring great joy and at times they can bring great sadness as well.  God in His infinite wisdom never leaves a human being alone and unable to face all of life’s trials.

Throughout Islamic history and in Islamic literature the rights and responsibilities of children are clear-cut.  Parents, families, and communities have certain responsibilities towards children.

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Many of them are obligatory, and on the Day of Judgement, God will question adults about the treatment of their children.