Rights of Children in Islam

Islam establishes comprehensive rights for children that begin even before birth and extend through their upbringing to adulthood. These rights are not merely cultural recommendations but religious obligations upon parents. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim). Children are an amanah (trust) from Allah, and parents will be questioned about how they fulfilled this trust on the Day of Judgment.

Rights Before and At Birth

A child's rights begin with the parent's choice of spouse. The Prophet encouraged choosing righteous spouses because this affects the child's upbringing environment. Upon birth, the sunnah practices include: reciting the adhan in the newborn's right ear and the iqamah in the left (though the hadith about the iqamah is weaker); performing tahnik (softening a date and rubbing it on the newborn's palate, following the Prophet's practice); giving the child a good name (the Prophet said: "On the Day of Judgment you will be called by your names and the names of your fathers, so give good names," Sunan Abu Dawud); performing the aqiqah (sacrificing one sheep for a girl, two for a boy) on the seventh day; and shaving the newborn's head and giving the equivalent weight of hair in silver as charity.

The Right to Sustenance and Care

Parents are obligated to provide children with food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. This obligation falls primarily on the father, but Islam considers the mother's nursing and care equally essential. The Quran says: "Mothers shall nurse their children for two complete years, for whoever wishes to complete the nursing. Upon the father is the mothers' provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable" (Quran 2:233). Even after divorce, the father remains financially responsible for his children. Neglecting a child's physical needs is a serious sin.

The Right to Education and Upbringing

The most important right after physical provision is the right to a proper Islamic upbringing (tarbiyah). The Quran commands: "O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones" (Quran 66:6). This means teaching children the fundamentals of faith, prayer, Quran recitation, good character, and Islamic values. The Prophet said: "Command your children to pray at seven and discipline them for it at ten, and separate them in their beds" (Sunan Abu Dawud). Secular education is also important: teaching children skills that benefit them in this life is part of the parent's responsibility.

Justice Between Children

Islam strictly requires parents to treat their children with justice and equality. When al-Nu'man ibn Bashir's father gave him a gift and brought the Prophet as a witness, the Prophet asked: "Did you give the same to all your children?" When the father said no, the Prophet refused to witness it, saying: "I do not bear witness to injustice" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim). Favoritism between children breeds resentment, damages family bonds, and is considered a form of injustice (dhulm). This applies to gifts, attention, affection, and discipline. The only exception scholars mention is if a child has a special need (such as medical expenses) that justifies additional spending.

Love, Mercy, and Play

The Prophet demonstrated extraordinary tenderness toward children. He would let his grandchildren Hasan and Husayn ride on his back during prayer, prolonging the prostration so they could climb down safely. He kissed his grandchildren frequently, and when a Bedouin expressed surprise at this, saying "I have ten children and I have never kissed one of them," the Prophet said: "What can I do for you if Allah has removed mercy from your heart?" (Sahih al-Bukhari). He played with children, gave them nicknames (calling one boy "Abu Umayr, what happened to the little bird?"), and took their concerns seriously. This prophetic example establishes that a loving, playful, and emotionally nurturing environment is not a luxury but a right of every child.