Factors Influencing the Religious Upbringing of Our Children

Question

In this response, we explore the essential factors that affect the religious upbringing of children and how to ensure they grow up to be righteous individuals who support believers and are not led astray. [AR_ID:617]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you,

The key to influencing others and effecting change lies in personal transformation. The first area that one must change is oneself. If a person can change themselves, they will be more capable of influencing others. Continuous self-improvement by parents, along with adherence to moral and religious principles, is the primary means of effectively raising their children. Many foundational aspects of facilitating educational goals arise from personal experiences. A person who has overcome a negative trait within themselves will be able to articulate this process and share their experience with others, without resorting to complex terminology or concepts that are difficult to explain. This practical approach is often more relevant than many theoretical texts in the field of personal development.

Furthermore, dear questioner, it is important to understand that since God's will is to perfect humanity, this religion provides us with a framework for achieving that perfection. The only opportunity for this is the life we live. If we wish to strengthen our children's connection to this true religion, we must innovate every possible means to instill in them the importance of caring for their souls and how this relates to everything they will encounter in this life and the hereafter. The avenues for growth during this developmental stage are abundant and align with a love for good deeds, knowledge, and positive communication. While there are many specialized books that outline the principles of religious upbringing for children, we can highlight one crucial aspect: the preservation of the child's dignity. If you examine this closely, you will find numerous topics that fall under this principle.

For instance, since the foundation is to maintain the child's dignity so they can interact with themselves in a healthy way, avoiding self-hatred or feelings of inferiority due to humiliation, we understand that overlooking mistakes is essential, that indirect communication is preferable to direct criticism, and that every question from the child should be welcomed. These educational practices must be conducted under the umbrella of preserving the child's dignity, enabling them to learn with a sound mental state. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'Honor your children and improve their manners.' Therefore, any educational approach must be based on the principle of honoring children, which means bestowing dignity upon their personalities and existence. Adults must guide children towards human dignity so they do not belittle themselves, which could later lead to sin and straying from the path of piety.

May Allah accept your deeds and bless your commitment to these important aspects of knowledge. As we mentioned, this brief discussion cannot encompass all the principles that should be considered in the realm of upbringing. Therefore, we do not expect these few words to fully satisfy your inquiry. We recommend exploring some detailed writings in this area, such as:

1- Raising Children Religiously and Morally by Dr. Ali Al-Qaimi.

2- The Child Between Genetics and Upbringing by Muhammad Taqi Al-Falsafi.