Who Is Raising the Next Generation of Muslims?

 

FAJR REMINDER: THE NEGLECT OF CHILDREN'S TARBIYAH

By: Umm ‘Affān

Jumādā al-Ākhirah 2, 1448 AH | 12 November 2026

Who Is Raising the Next Generation of Muslims?

One growing concern within Muslim communities today is the gradual neglect of children's spiritual and moral upbringing.

Many parents devote considerable attention to providing material comfort, quality education, financial security, and opportunities for their children to succeed in life. While these responsibilities are important, some parents unfortunately overlook an even greater responsibility: nurturing their children's relationship with Allāh (ﷻ).

Today, some children can excel academically, operate sophisticated smartphones, and navigate social media with remarkable ease, yet struggle with fundamental aspects of Islām, including Ṣalāh, Qur'ān recitation, good manners, and understanding their religious identity.

Furthermore, many children are increasingly exposed to inappropriate entertainment, harmful ideologies, and negative influences without adequate parental supervision.

There appears to be a growing emphasis on preparing children for worldly success, while insufficient attention is given to preparing them for the Ākhirah.

The Root Causes

At the heart of this problem are misplaced priorities, parental negligence, and a misunderstanding of parental responsibilities.

Some parents mistakenly believe that enrolling their children in Islamic schools or sending them for Qur'ān lessons is sufficient. While such institutions play an important role in Islamic education, they cannot replace the responsibility of parents to establish a strong foundation of Tarbiyah within their homes.

Others become so occupied with their careers, businesses, social engagements, and personal interests that they inadvertently allow technology and peer groups to assume roles that should primarily belong to parents.

Perhaps more concerning is that some parents expect their children to practise values that they themselves fail to demonstrate.

We must remember that children learn not only through what they are told but also through what they observe. They need more than instructions; they need affection, guidance, consistency, discipline, and positive role models.

The Generations Before Us

Let us reflect on the beautiful advice of Luqmān to his son, as recorded in Sūrah Luqmān (31): 13–19.

Luqmān began by teaching his son Tawḥīd, warning him against Shirk and reminding him that Allāh is fully aware of everything, no matter how small or hidden.

He then instructed him to establish Ṣalāh, encourage what is right, discourage what is wrong, exercise patience during difficulties, and maintain humility and good manners.

This remarkable example demonstrates that effective Tarbiyah must begin with a sound foundation of faith and extend to worship, character, conduct, and everyday behaviour.

We should also reflect on ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhumā), who became one of the most distinguished scholars among the Companions.

The Prophet (ﷺ) supplicated for him, saying:

“O Allāh, grant him understanding of the religion and teach him the interpretation.”

[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 143]

This reminds us of the importance of praying for our children, nurturing their intellectual and spiritual development, and surrounding them with beneficial knowledge and righteous guidance.

The Lessons We Have Forgotten

Our righteous predecessors understood that raising children involved much more than providing food, clothing, shelter, and formal education.

It meant nurturing their Īmān, instilling responsibility, developing their character, teaching them accountability, and preparing them to become righteous servants of Allāh.

Unfortunately, some parents today know their children's academic performance, favourite entertainment, and social media activities but struggle to explain how regularly they observe their Ṣalāh, what they are learning about their religion, or who significantly influences their beliefs and attitudes.

We must understand that children do not automatically become righteous simply because they are born into Muslim families.

They require intentional upbringing, consistent guidance, genuine affection, appropriate discipline, and parents who practise what they preach.

A child may inherit your wealth, surname, and properties, but their relationship with Allāh requires deliberate nurturing.

The Way Forward

Allāh (ﷻ) says:

“O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allāh, but do that which they are commanded.”

[Sūrah At-Taḥrīm (66): 6]

The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) also said:

“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”

[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 7138; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1829]

These teachings remind us that parenting is an enormous responsibility for which we will be accountable before Allāh.

We must therefore take practical steps to fulfil this responsibility:

1. Prioritise Islamic education: Make the Qur'ān and Sunnah an integral part of your children's upbringing.
2. Establish Ṣalāh early: Teach them the importance of prayer and gradually develop consistency in their worship.
3. Lead by example: Let your children witness honesty, kindness, modesty, patience, and good character in your daily conduct.
4. Create a religious atmosphere at home: Establish family Qur'ān recitation, Islamic discussions, and beneficial learning sessions.
5. Monitor their digital activities: Be mindful of the content they consume, the platforms they use, and the influences shaping their minds.
6. Pay attention to their friendships: Encourage beneficial associations and teach them how to recognise positive and negative influences.
7. Make room for questions: Allow your children to ask questions about Islām and answer them patiently, without making them afraid to express their concerns.
8. Pray consistently for them: Never underestimate the importance of sincerely asking Allāh to guide your children and make them righteous.

Above all, let us create homes where practising Islām is not merely an instruction but a way of life.

A Final Wake-Up Call

Dear parents, what legacy are we leaving behind if we provide everything our children need to succeed in this world but fail to prepare them for the Hereafter?

Let us sincerely ask ourselves:

Are we raising children who genuinely understand their religion, or are we merely preparing them to navigate a world that constantly competes for their hearts and minds?

Do we pay as much attention to their spiritual development as we do to their academic achievements?

Are we concerned about the kind of Muslims they are becoming, or only the kind of professionals they will eventually become?

Remember, our children are an Amānah (trust) from Allāh, and we will be accountable for how we discharge this responsibility.

Our duty extends beyond raising children who can earn a living, acquire academic qualifications, and become financially independent.

We must strive to raise Muslims who recognise their Creator, establish Ṣalāh, uphold the truth, embody excellent character, and understand their responsibilities towards Islām and humanity.

Let us not be so occupied with securing our children's future in this temporary world that we neglect their preparation for the eternal Hereafter.

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to help us become responsible parents, guide our children upon the Qur'ān and Sunnah, protect them from harmful influences, strengthen their Īmān, and make them righteous servants who will benefit their families, communities, and the entire Ummah.

Āmīn Yā Rabb al-‘Ālamīn.