How to Treat Children: 8 Beautiful Hadith to Guide Us

As parents, we all want the best for our children. In Islam, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has provided us with timeless guidance on how to treat children with love, care, and respect. Alhamdulillah, we have many beautiful examples from the Hadith to shape how we raise the next generation. Let’s explore some of these teachings together, and how they can inspire us in our daily parenting journey.

Show Mercy and Kindness

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for his immense kindness toward children. He said, “He who does not show mercy to our young ones, or acknowledge the rights of our elders, is not one of us” (Sunan Abu Dawood). This reminds us to always show compassion and gentleness, even when our children test our patience. I try to remember this Hadith during those challenging moments—whether it’s tantrums or bedtime struggles. Masha'Allah, it truly helps to stay calm and guide them with love.

Engage in Play

Children are naturally playful, and our Prophet (peace be upon him) embraced this. It’s narrated that he would play with children and let them ride on his back as a form of joy and connection. When we engage in play with our children, we not only strengthen our bond but also bring happiness to their hearts. I’ve found that incorporating My Salah Mat into playtime has been a wonderful way to blend learning and fun. The interactive mat helps teach children how to pray in a way that’s both engaging and beneficial for their faith.

Be Patient and Forgiving

We are reminded by the Prophet (peace be upon him) to be patient with our children’s mistakes. He said, “Allah is not merciful to him who is not merciful to people” (Sahih Muslim). Children will make mistakes—that’s part of growing up. It’s essential that we guide them gently and with forgiveness, showing them how to improve rather than scolding harshly.

Teach Them the Deen from an Early Age

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the importance of teaching children from a young age. He encouraged parents to start with simple lessons, like Salah and good manners. My Salah Mat has been a fantastic tool in this journey, making it easy for young children to learn their prayers in a fun and interactive way. It’s truly a blessing to watch little ones learn the positions of Salah while following along on the mat, Alhamdulillah.

Respect Their Feelings

Children have their own thoughts and emotions, and Islam teaches us to respect that. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would listen to children and respond to their needs thoughtfully. Even if their concerns seem small to us, acknowledging them shows that we value their feelings and helps build their confidence.

Give Them Gifts

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Exchange gifts, for it will increase your love for one another” (Al-Bukhari). Giving gifts to children—whether it’s a toy, a book, or even a small surprise—can be a way to express love and strengthen your bond with them. I’ve noticed how even small acts, like giving my child something meaningful to them, brings joy and makes them feel special.

Be Just and Fair

It’s important to treat children equally and with justice. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Fear Allah and treat your children [fairly]” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This Hadith teaches us to avoid favouritism and ensure that each child feels equally loved and valued.

Encourage Good Deeds

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged parents to praise their children when they do good. Positive reinforcement motivates them to continue these actions. I’ve found that when I praise my child for completing their Salah or showing kindness, it encourages them to keep up these beautiful habits, Masha'Allah.

By following these blessed teachings from the Hadith, we can raise our children in a way that reflects the mercy, love, and fairness of Islam. Tools like My Salah Mat can support us in introducing these values early on, nurturing their connection with Allah (SWT) from a young age. May Allah (SWT) guide us all to be the best parents we can be, Ameen.