How to raise my children according to the Quran?

Raising children according to the divine teachings of the Holy Quran is not merely a parental duty, but a profound spiritual and societal mission that ensures the worldly and otherworldly well-being of the children, and ultimately, the welfare and salvation of society. The Holy Quran, as the complete guide for humanity, offers comprehensive and fundamental strategies for nurturing a righteous, faithful, and elevated generation. These strategies go beyond mere theoretical instruction, emphasizing the creation of an environment rich in spirituality, ethics, knowledge, and love, enabling children to grow in a correct and purposeful manner and to become the best versions of themselves. This educational path addresses both the spiritual and religious aspects, as well as giving special attention to the physical, intellectual, and social dimensions of children. The first and most crucial pillar in Quranic child-rearing is **strengthening Tawhid (monotheism) and deep faith in the One God**. This is the foundation of all good beliefs and behaviors. As Luqman the Wise, with utmost compassion and wisdom, advised his son: “O my dear son! Ascribe no partners to Allah. For polytheism is indeed the greatest wrongdoing.” (Luqman, 13). This verse shows that the root of all virtues and the avoidance of vices lies in firm faith in monotheism and abstaining from any form of polytheism or idolatry. Parents must, from early childhood, teach their children the concepts of Tawhid, knowing God, and love for the Creator in a simple, tangible, and understandable language. This teaching should not only be through words and admonitions but also through actions, demonstrating reliance on God in difficulties, gratitude for blessings, and steadfastness in the path of truth. The child should perceive God as their secure refuge, generous provider, and the most knowledgeable and compassionate friend. Quranic stories about the Prophets, their faith, and examples of divine grace and mercy can be effective and engaging tools in this regard, ensuring that love for God takes root in the child's heart, guiding them towards goodness. The second key principle is **moral upbringing and cultivating noble human virtues**. The Quran is replete with verses pertaining to good morals, which form the bedrock of a healthy and effective personality. These virtues include truthfulness, trustworthiness, respect for elders (especially parents), kindness to younger ones, justice, honesty in speech and deeds, patience and forbearance, clemency and self-restraint, forgiveness, and abstaining from backbiting, slander, and other verbal and behavioral sins. Parents themselves must become the best role models and examples of these qualities for their children. No teaching is more effective than children witnessing righteous actions and good conduct from their parents. For instance, if parents are truthful and trustworthy in their daily lives, the child will naturally and subconsciously learn these traits, and they will become ingrained in their personality. Teaching forgiveness for others' mistakes, showing compassion, and avoiding malice and envy are also crucial points rooted in profound Quranic teachings, contributing to the child's psychological and social well-being. The third fundamental pillar is **encouraging the establishment of Salat (prayer) and engaging in acts of worship and remembrance of Allah**. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prayer and remembering God. “And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein.” (Taha, 132). This verse explicitly states the parents’ duty to teach and encourage their children to pray and persevere in it. This teaching must be conducted with love, gradually, and through encouragement, not through coercion, harshness, or scolding. Creating a spiritual atmosphere at home, taking children to the mosque and involving them in congregational prayers, reading the Quran together, and reminding them of divine blessings can be very effective in fostering a heartfelt desire for worship and connection with God. The remembrance of God in all aspects of life brings peace to the child and makes them resilient against temptations and difficulties. The fourth important aspect is **emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge and critical thinking**. The Holy Quran repeatedly invites humanity to reflect, reason, ponder, and study the horizons and themselves. “Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'” (Az-Zumar, 9). This verse, among many others, shows that Islam places special importance on knowledge in all its dimensions (both religious and worldly). Parents must guide their children towards acquiring various sciences, encouraging them to read, research, and respond to their scientific curiosities. This includes understanding the Quran, Hadith, Islamic history, as well as modern sciences, arts, and skills that are essential for personal and societal progress. Nurturing the child’s intellectual and cognitive abilities prepares them to face life’s challenges and find appropriate solutions. The fifth principle is **supplication (Du'a) and seeking goodness for children from Allah Almighty**. Parents play a significant role in their children's destiny through prayer. Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) prayed: “My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants.” (Ibrahim, 40). This prayer demonstrates that parents should always pray for their children’s guidance, health, success, and righteousness. This supplication is not only beneficial for the children but also keeps parents steadfast on the divine path of upbringing, instilling in them a greater sense of responsibility and reliance on God. Teaching children how to pray and encouraging them to ask God for their needs is also immensely important. The sixth pillar is **parents serving as a role model (Uswah Hasana)**. Children learn more from their parents' behavior and actions than from what they hear. If parents themselves adhere to Quranic teachings, pray, are truthful, act justly, treat each other and others with kindness and respect, and are patient in the face of difficulties, children will naturally absorb these qualities, and they will become ingrained in their personality. The home environment should be calm, full of love, affection, and free from any tension or conflict so that the child can grow in psychological and emotional security and feel valued. Seventh, **maintaining balance and avoiding extremism or negligence in upbringing** is crucial. Quranic upbringing not only emphasizes spiritual and otherworldly aspects but also pays attention to the material needs and worldly aspects of children. A child should live a healthy and balanced life, play sufficiently, establish healthy social relationships, exercise, and learn the necessary skills for an independent and successful life. However, all this must be within the framework of divine values, such that the worldly life becomes a means to achieve ultimate success in the hereafter, not the ultimate goal or primary concern. Teaching contentment, avoiding extravagance and materialism, and respecting the rights of others are essential parts of this balanced upbringing. Finally, **patience and perseverance in the path of upbringing** are of paramount importance. Child-rearing is a long, complex process that requires patience, consistency, and wisdom. Children may make mistakes, resist certain teachings, or choose a different path. Parents must continue to guide and educate them with wisdom, kindness, and without despair. The Holy Quran emphasizes the importance of patience in all matters of life. This patience, coupled with reliance on God and hope for divine reward, is the key to success in this significant endeavor. It is important to remember that children are a trust from Allah, and parents are responsible for the proper growth and nurturing of these divine trusts, so that a righteous, effective, and prosperous generation may be raised in society, whose worldly and otherworldly lives are both flourishing. This comprehensive and caring upbringing ensures a generation that is strong spiritually and morally, as well as intellectually, physically, and socially dynamic and capable, attaining salvation and divine pleasure.