“Allah will ask every guardian about the people under his care. And, man will be asked about the people of his household.” –Nasa’i, Abu Da’ud

Parents hold a great stature in Islam. Allah ﷻ make is essential for children to submit to their parents and show their best attitude to them. The paramount of children’s successful life lies in the pleasure and happiness of parents. They must lower their ‘wings’ of mercy towards them and must cooperate with them during their difficult times. Children may achieve this level of manners only if the parents have steered them according to the guidelines of Islam which is their fundamental responsibility.

 

A Good Name

The primary responsibility of parents after the birth of their child is to give them a good name by the traditions of Islam. This is because every name affects its bearer. As stated by Prophet Muhammad PBUH;

“The most favorite of your names to Allah are Abd-Allah and Abd Al-Rahman” –Muslim: 2132

 

Fair Treatment

Every child has its own place and right in the family. He must be treated fairly especially when it comes to spending and gifting. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH stated the significance of treating children fairly in one of his sayings;

“Whoever is a guardian of the girls and treats them well, they will be s safeguard shield for him against the hellfire.” –Bukhari: 5649, Muslim: 2629

 

This proves showing undue preference to children by gender is a sinful act. This arise feeling of hatred and jealousy among siblings that continues for rest of their lives.

Inculcating Right of Allah

One of the prime responsibilities of parents is to instill the correct faith and rights of Allah in their children. It must be followed by the religious acts of worship that will get them closer to Allah ﷻ. The concept of Tawheed is the most sensitive principle that marks the circle of entering in Islam. Prophet Muhammad PBUH said;

“Muadh! Do you know what Allah’s right is over His servants and what is their right to Him? I said; “Allah and his Apostle know the best.

He replied; “Allah’s right over His believers is that they worship Him without associating any partner with him. And their right to Him is that He doesn’t punish anyone who worships Him without associating doing shirk.” –Sahih al Bukhari, Muslim

Spend Appropriately

Fathers have the utmost responsibility to spend properly on their children. Mothers are not accountable for this purpose and if they do pay it is as best of sadaqah. Father has the sole obligation of providing to their families and giving children all the necessities of life. They must find ways to bring their kids up properly. One hadith of Allah’s Apostle Muhammad PBUH quotes;

“It is an abundant sin for a man if he neglects those on him he’s obliged to spend.”

Right of Proper Education

The right training is the most significant facet of raising kids. In Islam, the best gift to children from their parents is proper education as it helps them to become responsible Muslims and fulfill the rights of Almighty Allah. This will help them to become successful in the hereafter as well. A hadith in Tirmidhi quotes;

“The best gift from a father to children is the rightful upbringing and education.”

 

If every parent takes their responsibility seriously and ensures to make their children true successors of Islam, this will be a continuous charity for the parent’s own benefit and also bring positive change in our society.