Children a Precious Gift and a Path to Paradise
Children are one of the greatest blessings from Allah, a source of joy, love, and mercy in this world. In Islam, they are regarded as a trust (Amanah) given to parents, who are responsible for their care, upbringing, and guidance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasised kindness and compassion towards children, showing us how they should be nurtured with love and raised upon righteousness.
Children as a Gift and Mercy from Allah
Allah reminds us in the Quran that children are a gift and a test, meant to enrich our lives and draw us closer to Him:
While children bring happiness, they also come with great responsibility. They are a means of earning immense rewards through proper upbringing and guidance. The way parents treat and teach their children shapes not only their future but also their own legacy in this world and the Hereafter.
The Prophet’s Love and Kindness Towards Children
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was known for his immense love, mercy, and patience with children. He would play with them, joke with them, and always treat them with respect.
Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
His example teaches us that children should be nurtured with love and gentleness, not harshness or neglect. Every interaction is an opportunity to instill good character, faith, and kindness in them.
The Responsibility of Raising Righteous Children
Raising children is not just about providing food, shelter, and education—it is about shaping their character and faith. Parents are their first teachers, and the way they guide their children will have lasting consequences.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
This means that parents will be questioned about how they raised their children. Teaching them good manners, honesty, kindness, and love for Allah is just as important as fulfilling their physical needs.
Children as a Means of Continuous Reward (Sadaqah Jariyah)
One of the greatest blessings of having children is that they can become a source of ongoing rewards (Sadaqah Jariyah) even after a person passes away.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
A child who prays, does good deeds, and seeks forgiveness for their parents benefits them even after they have left this world. This is why raising righteous children is an investment in the Hereafter.
Gratitude for the Blessing of Children
Not everyone is granted children, and for those who are blessed with them, it is important to be grateful to Allah. Raising children is a journey filled with challenges, but also with unmatched love and rewards. Instead of seeing them as a burden, we should cherish them, raise them with care, and seek Allah’s help in guiding them to righteousness.
Conclusion
Children are one of the most beautiful gifts from Allah, bringing both joy and responsibility. Islam teaches us to treat them with kindness, raise them upon faith, and recognise them as a means of earning great rewards. By fulfilling our duty as parents, we not only raise righteous individuals but also build a legacy that will benefit us in this life and the Hereafter.
May Allah bless all parents with wisdom, patience, and the ability to raise righteous children. Ameen.