Alhamdulillah, today we gather in the house of Allah, joined by our beloved youth who are with us during their school holidays. It brings great joy to welcome them, just as our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to warmly welcome the youth and honor them.
One such moment was when a young boy came to the Prophet ﷺ but found no space to sit. The Prophet ﷺ laid down his own cloak and invited him to sit on it. This is the level of care and attention the Prophet ﷺ gave to the young ones — setting a timeless example for us all.
The Blessings of Children
Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an that He gives us wealth and children as a trust and a blessing. Children are a gift, not a burden. Many of us have pleaded with Allah during our youth — for a good spouse, a righteous child — and when we receive this blessing, we must not forget our responsibilities.
Becoming a parent is a blessing, but it is also a sacred responsibility. Our concern should not just be to have children, but to raise righteous and upright children, who are spiritually, morally, and intellectually equipped.
A Story with a Lesson
A man once brought his son to the Khalifah Umar (رضي الله عنه), complaining about the boy's disobedience. But the boy responded:
“Ask my father if he fulfilled his duties towards me.”
He continued:
“Did he choose a righteous mother for me? My mother is a slave woman.”
“Did he give me a good name? He did not.”
“Did he give me an Islamic education? I was left without guidance.”
Umar (رضي الله عنه) asked the father, who admitted to his negligence. Umar then told the father:
“You failed him before he failed you.”
This story teaches us that parenting starts before the child is born — by choosing a righteous spouse, giving the child a good name, and providing proper Islamic education.
The Three Types of Education Every Child Needs
Parents are entrusted with three essential types of education:
Academic Education: This is provided through schools and is generally accessible in our societies.
Islamic Education: This is your responsibility. Schools and media cannot replace this.
Moral Education: Children learn from what they see at home. The mother especially plays a crucial role — children learn from her words, actions, and character from an early age.
We must be examples for our children in every aspect of life.
Don't Outsource Islam
Do not expect the mosque, the madrasa, or a teacher to handle the entire Islamic education of your children. It starts at home.
Be the one to teach them to love Allah. Be the one to teach them the stories of the Prophets. Recite Qur’an with them. Talk to them. Answer their questions. This connection is irreplaceable.
Give Them Your Time
Your children need more than financial support. They need your time.
Just as we make appointments for doctors or meetings, we must schedule quality time with our children:
Talk with them, without distractions.
Eat with them.
Pray with them.
Listen to them.
If we neglect this, we risk becoming strangers to our own families.
A man once said, "I only ever see my children asleep — either when I come home or before I leave." This is not the prophetic model of parenting. We must be present.
The Day of Judgment Complaint
Allah mentions in the Qur’an that on the Day of Judgment, some children will complain:
“O Allah, show us those who misled us — our parents, our guardians. They never taught us about You, they never connected us to You.”
This is a terrifying reminder that failing in our parental duties has eternal consequences.
Conclusion & Advice
Dear brothers and sisters, raising children is more than feeding and clothing them. It is about building a connection to Allah, instilling values, and preparing them to face the world as strong, believing individuals.
Welcome and honor your children as the Prophet ﷺ did.
Give them the education that shapes both heart and mind.
Be role models at home.
Invest time, love, and dua into their upbringing.
May Allah bless all our children, protect them, and make them among the righteous. May He give us the ability to fulfill our duties as parents in the best manner.
Ameen.
Khutbah by
Imam Abul Hussain Khan (East London Mosque)
