The Committed Believer · Raising Children

Islamic Practices in Child Upbringing

Explore rulings and advice on child care, behavior, and interactions.

9 questions · Medium · about 4 minutes

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9 questions, about 4 minutes.

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1. What is the ruling on children playing with dolls and similar toys?

  • They are allowed as an exception to the general prohibition on images. (correct answer)
  • They are strictly forbidden in all cases.
  • They are allowed only for adults.
  • They are allowed only if they are never touched.

Why

Islam generally prohibits making images of animate beings, but children’s toys and dolls are treated as an exception. The hadith of ‘Aishah رضي الله عنها and her dolls is used as evidence that such toys are permissible for children to play with. The source also distinguishes children’s playthings from other image-related matters and warns that cartoons and media still need careful review for harmful beliefs, music, immodesty, or distraction from obligations.

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2. What is the ruling on taking children to funfairs that contain clear objectionable things such as tabarruj, free mixing, music, or corrupting influences?

  • It is not permissible unless the objectionable things can be removed. (correct answer)
  • It is always permissible because children enjoy it.
  • It is encouraged as family bonding in every case.
  • It is allowed as long as the parents stay nearby.

Why

Children’s leisure should not train them to become used to forbidden matters or to regard them as insignificant. If a funfair contains objectionable things such as tabarruj, free mixing, music, or other harms, then going there is not allowed unless one is able to remove those harms. Parents should look for permissible alternatives, such as outdoor trips, clean parks, beneficial activities at home, useful reading, or games free of haram elements.

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3. How should a father teach sons about removing pubic hair?

  • By explaining verbally without uncovering anyone’s ‘awrah. (correct answer)
  • By uncovering his own ‘awrah to demonstrate.
  • By making the sons uncover their ‘awrah.
  • By saying it is unnecessary to teach this at all.

Why

Teaching sons how to remove pubic hair does not justify uncovering the ‘awrah or looking at another person’s ‘awrah. The father should explain the matter through words and description, or mention permissible methods, without exposing himself or asking the sons to expose themselves. Covering the ‘awrah is obligatory except in specific cases such as between spouses or genuine necessity like medical treatment. The father who uncovered himself for this purpose must repent and teach his children modesty.

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4. What is the duration of complete breastfeeding mentioned for a child who needs it?

  • Two whole years. (correct answer)
  • Three months.
  • Until the first tooth appears.
  • As long as the mother chooses with no guidance.

Why

Complete breastfeeding is described as lasting two whole years for a child who needs it and cannot do without it. The Qur’an confirms this by mentioning “two whole years.” If the breastfeeding mother wants to wean the child, the source advises gradual weaning rather than sudden weaning, because a sudden change in food and habit may harm the child.

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5. What infant-care advice is quoted from Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah about carrying a very young baby?

  • Not to pick up and carry the baby around until three months or more. (correct answer)
  • To feed solid food immediately after birth.
  • To scare the child so they become strong.
  • To ignore doctors and educators completely.

Why

The quoted summary from Ibn Qayyim’s childrearing advice says that very young infants should not be picked up and carried around until three months or more because their bodies are still weak. The same article also notes that many ordinary childcare matters are based on sound custom, experience, and the knowledge of doctors and educators, while being fine-tuned by the general teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. So this item should be understood as quoted advice from that source, not as a replacement for qualified medical guidance.

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6. What is a better way to deal with children who are already attached to electronic games?

  • Guide them, choose suitable games with them, and set limits gradually. (correct answer)
  • Impose a total ban immediately in every case.
  • Let them play freely as long as they finish schoolwork.
  • Ignore the issue because games have no real effect.

Why

A total ban may not work well for a child who is already attached to electronic games. The source recommends participation and guidance: parents should help the child choose games free of things contrary to Islamic teachings, suitable for the child’s age, and unlikely to cause psychological or behavioural harm. They should also talk to the child about time limits, use gradual methods, require useful tasks before play, spend real time with their children, provide beneficial alternatives, and make du‘a for them.

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7. What should parents do if they see a young child touching their private part?

  • Distract the child gently with a toy, affection, or another simple means. (correct answer)
  • Scold the child harshly and make a scene.
  • Leave the child naked for long periods.
  • Assume the child is certainly doing it for sinful reasons.

Why

Young children may touch their private parts for different reasons, including discomfort, itchiness, infection, clothing problems, or curiosity. Parents should not make a fuss or scold harshly, because that may increase curiosity. They should gently distract the child with a toy, food, a hug, or a kiss, and they may ask whether the child feels pain or itchiness. Parents should also help children get used to modesty and covering from a young age, using loose and suitable clothing.

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8. What is the ruling on a father hugging or kissing his adult daughter out of compassion?

  • It is permissible if there is no fear of fitnah or desire. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden in all cases once she is an adult.
  • It is allowed only if she is married.
  • It is allowed only if she initiates it.

Why

A father may hug his daughter or kiss her on the head, cheek, or between the eyes by way of compassion, kindness, and love, even if she is an adult, as long as there is no fear of fitnah or provocation of desire. Parents should not deprive children of wholesome affection, because hugging, kissing, and warmth are part of mercy and meet a real emotional need. If desire is present, then it becomes haram in order to block the means to immorality.

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9. What type of kiss is excluded between a father and his adult daughter?

  • Kissing on the mouth. (correct answer)
  • Kissing on the cheek without desire.
  • Kissing on the head without desire.
  • Kissing on the forehead without desire.

Why

Affectionate kissing between a father and daughter may be permissible when it is free of desire and fitnah, such as kissing on the cheek, head, or forehead. Kissing on the mouth is excluded because it is for spouses and usually provokes desire. The safer approach is to avoid it, and if desire is present, it is haram for all concerned.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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