Children Rights

In Islam, children’s rights are the protections, responsibilities, and care that parents, society, and the state must provide for children. Islam teaches that children are a blessing and a trust from Allah, and they deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, and fairness. Here’s a breakdown of the basic rights of children in Islam:

1. Right to Love and Affection

• Children have the right to receive love and care from their parents. They should be treated with warmth and affection, as this helps them feel secure and valued.
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated this by showing affection to children. He was known to kiss his grandchildren and spend time with them.

2. Right to a Good Upbringing

• Parents have a responsibility to raise their children in a good environment, teaching them morals, manners, and values of Islam. This includes teaching them about faith, good behavior, honesty, and respect for others.
• The Quran encourages this:

“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from the Fire…”
(Surah At-Tahrim, 66:6)

3. Right to Education

• Islam places great importance on seeking knowledge. Children have the right to education, whether religious or worldly knowledge, to help them grow and contribute positively to society.
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)

4. Right to Be Provided for

• Parents are responsible for meeting the basic needs of their children, including food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. The financial responsibility for children lies with the parents.
• The Quran teaches:

“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Surely killing them is a heinous sin.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:31)

5. Right to Protection from Harm

• Children have the right to live in a safe and secure environment, free from physical or emotional abuse. Islam strictly forbids any form of harm to children.
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Do not harm yourself or others.”
(Sahih Muslim)

6. Right to Equal Treatment

• Parents are required to treat their children equally, with fairness. They should not favor one child over another, especially in matters like gifts and attention. The Prophet (PBUH) warned against showing favoritism among children.
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Fear Allah and be just to your children.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

7. Right to a Good Name

• It’s a child’s right to be given a good, meaningful name. In Islam, names hold great significance and should reflect positive meanings.
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said:

“Give your children good names.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)

8. Right to Inheritance

• Children have the right to inherit from their parents after their passing, according to Islamic law (Sharia). The Quran clearly outlines how inheritance should be distributed among family members.
• The Quran states:

“For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much – an obligatory share.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:7)

9. Right to Parental Care and Attention

• Parents must spend time with their children, show interest in their well-being, and be present in their lives. This includes guiding them, listening to them, and addressing their needs.
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The father is the best provider for his children.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)

10. Right to Prayers and Blessings

• Parents should pray for the well-being of their children and make dua (supplication) for them to grow up righteous and successful.
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often prayed for his children and for all children, seeking Allah’s guidance for them.

Summary of Children’s Rights in Islam:

1. Love and Affection: Children should be shown love and care by their parents.
2. Good Upbringing: Parents are responsible for teaching their children good values and manners.
3. Education: Children have the right to receive education and knowledge.
4. Provision: Parents must provide for the basic needs of their children.
5. Protection from Harm: Children must be protected from harm, both physical and emotional.
6. Fair Treatment: Parents should treat their children equally without showing favoritism.
7. Good Name: Children should be given meaningful, positive names.
8. Inheritance: Children have the right to inherit from their parents.
9. Parental Care: Parents should be actively involved in their children’s lives.
10. Prayers and Blessings: Parents should pray for the well-being and success of their children.

In Islam, children are seen as a gift and a trust from Allah, and it’s the responsibility of parents and society to ensure that they are raised with care, love, and proper guidance. Treating children well is not just a parental duty but also an act that pleases Allah.