Raising Amazing Kids the Islamic Way 💫

Salam Subuh! ☺️ Being a parent is the most rewarding job in the world, but it definitely comes with its challenges. Knowledge is power, and understanding these principles can equip us with the tools to raise amazing human beings.

Just wanted to share these 40 pearls of wisdom on raising children according to Islamic principles, summarized from Chapter 11: Raising Children: 40 Akhlaq Points on Interacting with Your Child on Al-Islam.org.

It's a bit of a read, but trust me, every word is gold! 

1. Daughters First: Always prioritize showering your daughters with love and gifts. ❤️

2. Playtime is Prime Time: Play with your kids! It's not just fun, it's essential for their development. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of engaging with children.

3. Crying is Communicating: Never hit a crying baby. Their cries have meaning. They're connecting with God, sending blessings, and even praying for you! 😇

4. Kisses Count: Shower your kids with kisses! Each kiss brings you closer to heaven, gaining you rewards that would take centuries to earn otherwise!

5. Start with Salaam: Greet your children with "Salaam." It fosters respect and builds their character. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) always greeted others first, setting a beautiful example.

6. No Ridicule Zone: Never ridicule or call your child silly. Their confidence is precious.

7. Find the Balance: Avoid excessive ordering or forbidding. It can lead to rebellion.

8. Respect is Mutual: Respect your children, and they'll learn to respect themselves and others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) showed incredible respect for his grandson, even pausing his prayers.

9. Promises Matter: Keeping promises is a cornerstone of faith. Teach your children the importance of their word.

10. Privacy is Key: Teach your children to ask permission before entering your room. It's a fundamental lesson in respect and boundaries.

11. Spoiling Can Spoil Them: Spoiling children can create weakness and entitlement. They may struggle to cope with the realities of life.

12. Encourage, Don't Discourage: Never tell your child they "can't." Encourage them, even if they fail.

13. Pray for Your Blessings: Pray for your children, both before and after they're born. 

14. Gentle Reminders, Not Harsh Words: Use gentle reminders instead of harsh commands.

15. Lead by Example: Your actions speak louder than words. Children learn by observing you.

16. Guide, Don't Control: Guide your children, but give them the freedom to explore and learn.

17. Nurture Their Faith: Introduce your children to the beauty of Islam from a young age. Their hearts are like fertile ground, ready to receive the seeds of faith.

18. No Wrist-Grabbing: Avoid grabbing your child's wrist. It can be frightening and damaging to their trust.

19. Honesty is the Best Policy: Encourage honesty and accept their efforts, even if they're not perfect.

20. Kindness Over Fear: Discipline with love and understanding. Fear can create lasting emotional scars.

21. Cuddles are a Must: Cuddles and kisses are essential for a child's emotional well-being. They provide comfort, security, and build strong bonds.

22. Teach Right from Wrong: Guide your children to understand the difference between right and wrong.

23. Separate Beds: Once they're around 6 years old, it's best to separate their beds, even if they're siblings.

24. A Happy Home Matters: A happy and harmonious home environment is crucial for a child's healthy development.

25. Playtime at Home, Manners Outside: Let them be free and playful at home, but teach them appropriate behavior outside.

26. Patience is a Virtue: Children make mistakes. Be patient, understanding, and focus on correcting behavior gently.

27. No Comparisons: Never compare your child to others. Every child is unique and special.

28. Storytime Adventures: Share stories with your children. Stories teach valuable lessons, entertain, and spark their imaginations.

29. Mischief is a Sign of Intelligence: Don't worry too much about a little mischief. It often indicates a bright mind!

30. Early Start to Worship: Encourage prayer (Salah) from around 7 years old and fasting (Sawm) from 9 years old, gradually increasing their participation.

31. Understand Their "Lies": Young children often "lie" due to imagination, not malice.

32. Encourage Curiosity: Answer their questions patiently. Never discourage their curiosity.

33. Avoid Quarrels: Never argue in front of your children. It creates anxiety and insecurity.

34. Talk About Death Gently: Gently explain death to your children, without scaring them.

35. Nurture Their Talents: Discover their talents and encourage them to explore and develop them.

36. Find the Right Balance: Provide for your children's needs, but don't overindulge them.

37. Love is the Foundation: Love and affection are the most important ingredients for a happy and healthy child.

38. Freedom with Responsibility: Give your children freedom, but guide them to make responsible choices.

39. Lead by Faith: Teach your children about Islam through your words and actions.

40. The Quran: A Guide for Life: Encourage Quran recitation in your home. It fills your home with peace and guidance.

Raising children is a beautiful journey, filled with joy and challenges. These principles offer valuable guidance as we navigate this incredible adventure. Remember to be patient, loving, and understanding.

May Allah (SWT) bless you and your children.