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In
Islam, the rights of the child begin before he or she is even born. The child has the right to be
conceived within wedlock, so Islam encourages marriage to avoid illegitimate children. The child has
the right to life, and Islam forbids abortion except when the mother’s life is in danger. The
child also has the right to inherit from the father if he dies before the child is born.
Islam
gives children of both sexes the equal right to be breast-fed, and to be maintained, supported, and
educated. Even if the parents divorce, the children have the right to maintenance from the father.
The
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was a father, stepfather and grandfather who
showed us by his words and deeds how to treat children. He held small children on his lap (and did
not push them off in disgust when they peed on him) and hugged and kissed them. He never hit or
verbally abused a child, but taught and disciplined children with kind words, gentle remonstrance,
and gentle handling such as turning their heads away from evil sights.
Islam
teaches that strong families are the basis of a strong society. That is why it forbids pre- and
extramarital sex and discourages divorce. Adolescents are not encouraged to grow up too soon or
pushed into relationships with the opposite sex. Young children as well as teenagers continue to
receive love and guidance at home. In families and societies with strong Islamic precepts, it is
rare to see the problems with rebellious teenagers that are common in the West. |
