The Holy Quran is the miraculous book of Islam, revealed by Allah as guidance and mercy for humanity. It serves as the constitution of Islam, outlining both the rights and responsibilities of individuals. Among the many rights discussed in the Quran, children's rights are emphasized to ensure they receive full opportunities for a dignified life.
In this article, we will explore the rights granted by Allah to children as outlined in the Quran. These rights ensure a fulfilling and comprehensive upbringing, covering various aspects of life such as selecting righteous parents, safeguarding their right to life, education, breastfeeding, and caring for orphans while instilling faith-based and moral values.
The Right to Righteous Parents
The Quran encourages men to choose righteous wives who will assist them in raising a family with strong moral values. Similarly, women are advised to choose pious husbands who will support them and share family responsibilities. As a result, children are raised in an environment that fosters the best level of care and upbringing. Allah says:
**"And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty, and Allah is All-Encompassing and Knowing."** (Surah An-Nur 24:32)
The Right to Life
Allah has prohibited the killing of children and emphasized the sanctity of their lives, warning against ending their lives due to fear of poverty. Allah is the provider for all. He states:
**"And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Surely, killing them is a great sin."** (Surah Al-Isra 17:31)
The Right to Breastfeeding
Allah has made breastfeeding a right for children, recommending that mothers nurse their infants for a full two years to ensure they receive complete nourishment. Fathers are instructed to provide all necessary support to the mother and child during this period. This stage is crucial for the child's well-being. Allah says:
**"Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing period. Upon the father is the mother’s provision and clothing according to what is acceptable..."** (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:233)
The Right of Orphans
The Quran stresses the importance of caring for orphans, preserving their rights, and ensuring they are not mistreated or deprived of their inheritance. Orphans should be treated with kindness, and their wealth should be protected until they reach maturity and are capable of managing it. Allah commands:
**"And test the orphans [in their abilities] until they reach marriageable age. Then if you perceive in them sound judgment, release their property to them..."** (Surah An-Nisa 4:6)
The Right to Education
One of the fundamental duties of parents is to educate their children in the teachings of the Quran, as it refines their character and nurtures their faith. It is also essential for children to acquire basic religious knowledge so that they understand their faith and worship Allah correctly.
Additionally, parents should ensure their children receive an education in worldly sciences such as medicine, engineering, programming, or language learning, as these fields contribute to the advancement of society. Knowledge must be accompanied by ethical values to prevent its misuse. Allah says:
**"Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only those with understanding will take heed."** (Surah Az-Zumar 39:9)
Raising Children with Faith-Based Education in the Quran
Islam encourages teaching children the correct beliefs and guiding them on the path of righteousness. The Quran provides an example in the story of Luqman, where he imparts faith-based wisdom to his son:
**"And [mention, O Muhammad], when Luqman said to his son while he was instructing him, 'O my son, do not associate [anything] with Allah. Indeed, association [with Him] is great injustice.'"** (Surah Luqman 31:13)
Additionally, Allah commands believers to teach their children to pray from a young age so they grow accustomed to it:
**"And enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast therein."** (Surah Taha 20:132)
Islam also places great emphasis on moral values, urging parents to instill virtues such as honesty, trustworthiness, generosity, and helping those in need. These ethics form the foundation of a strong and righteous family and society.
Conclusion
The Quran places significant emphasis on children's rights and their well-being, recognizing their immense value in society. Children are a trust that must be nurtured, protected, and guided with care to ensure they grow into righteous individuals.
By following the teachings of the Quran, we can fulfill these rights, beginning with ourselves and extending this awareness to others, reminding parents of their sacred responsibilities toward their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rights of children in Islam?
Islam grants children rights such as the right to life, care, education, protection from harm, breastfeeding, and the safeguarding of their wealth and rights, with an emphasis on faith-based and moral upbringing.
How does the Quran emphasize a child's right to life?
Allah has forbidden the killing of children out of fear of poverty, affirming that He is the provider, as stated in the verse:**"And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you."** (Surah Al-Isra 17:31).
How important is choosing righteous parents for raising children?
Islam advises selecting righteous spouses to ensure children are raised with Islamic values. Allah says:**"And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves."** (Surah An-Nur 24:32).
What is the right of orphans in Islam?
Islam emphasizes the protection of orphans’ rights and prohibits any form of injustice towards their wealth, as stated in the Quran:**"And if you perceive in them sound judgment, release their property to them."** (Surah An-Nisa 4:6).
hy does Islam emphasize the importance of children's education?
Education develops a child’s intellectual and spiritual abilities, which is an essential part of Islamic upbringing. Allah says:**"Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'"** (Surah Az-Zumar 39:9).
What is the mother's role in raising children in Islam?
The mother plays a vital role in instilling Islamic and moral values in her child. Breastfeeding is also a child’s right, as Allah says:**"Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years."** (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:233).
How does Islam encourage children to pray from an early age?
Islam encourages teaching children prayer from an early age so they become accustomed to it. Allah commands:**"And enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast therein."** (Surah Taha 20:132).
