Child Rearing Practices in Islam

The daily lives and family rituals of Muslims remain a mystery to people who have not explored their cultures and religious beliefs. A Muslim's upbringing will affect the type of person he or she becomes as an adult. Read further to find out the most important aspects of raising a Muslim child.

Misconceptions

One important misunderstanding is that all Muslims are the same, but Islam is practiced all over the world. Since so may different people practice this religion, child-rearing practices can vary from culture to culture and region to region. But there are a few priorities that remain consistent.

Practices

Many Muslim families strive to teach their children Islam at an early age. This involves modeling in the home as well as sending them to private schools or Islamic study classes, normally housed in masjids on weekends. There they will learn respect for their religion and the tenants of Islam will be further modeled and enforced. Morality, modesty and love and respect for others are attributes that will flourish in this environment. The establishment of regular prayer is encouraged. Arabic language, lessons from the Quran and the lives of the prophets are often studied and emulated both at home and school. From this, good moral character will be molded and developed.

Environment

Community life is important to foster in young Muslim children. Parents make every effort to bring their offspring to the mosque regularly for prayer and other activities such as volunteering, community dinners and Girl and Boy Scouts, fostering a greater sense of community.

Considerations

Though the Quran mentions the option for Muslim children to be breastfed until the age of 2, some women do not practice this based on cultural norms and their own preferences. Child discipline methods also vary, however, the child is to be respected.

References

• Child Rearing: An Islamic Perspective
• The Holy Quran, 1989