ABSTRACT
Parenting in Islam represents a sacred responsibility extending beyond physical and emotional care to encompass moral and spiritual child development. This chapter will explore key principles of Tarbiyah (nurturing and education), Ta’dib (moral upbringing), Ta’lim (instruction and knowledge), and Islah (rectification and reform), drawing from the Qur’an, prophetic traditions and various Islamic texts to examine how these principles are applied in contemporary parenting and child development practices.
A case study on a parenting programme, Prophetic Parenting, emphasising reciprocal rights and responsibilities between parents and children illustrates how these principles nurture spiritually resilient and morally conscious children and practical applications across various stages of development.
Adaptability of these parenting approaches regarding evolving societal influences are explored, offering a balanced perspective on raising children, with a focus upon the crucial role of the parent as caretaker, in shaping how a child’s spirituality develops. Additionally, actionable strategies where the role of love, discipline and mentorship in nurturing environments for a strong spiritual foundation at each developmental stage are delineated.
An Islamic approach to parenting is rooted in the recognition and cultivation of the sacred bonds between parents and children. Key principles create a framework fostering spirituality in children that is universally pertinent, and spiritually grounding.
