In our faith, the protection and pure upbringing (tarbiyah) of our children is a sacred trust (amanah). Part of this duty is safeguarding their innocence from harm, including the prevalent reality of sexual harassment.
This requires a proactive, mindful approach rooted in both wisdom and divine guidance. Here are 13 principles to help build a fortress of safety around your child:
1. Teach Hayā’ (Modesty): Instill modesty by respecting privacy in the home. This practical application of Hayā’ teaches body awareness and boundaries from a young age.
2. Guard Physical Boundaries: Be a gatekeeper for your child's physical space. Teach them the Islamic concept of awrah and that they have control over who touches them.
3. Monitor Play & Environment: Be aware of the environments and influences your child is exposed to, ensuring they align with righteous company and wholesome activities.
4. Avoid Premature Adult Concepts: Protect their childhood by avoiding language that imposes adult relationships on them, preserving their innocence until the rightful time for marriage.
5. Trust Their Instincts: If a child expresses unease around someone, heed it. Their fitrah (natural disposition) can often sense what we cannot.
6. Provide Islamic Sex Education: In adolescence, guide them through changes with wisdom, explaining the hikmah (wisdom) behind Islamic rulings, turning a sensitive topic into an act of worship.
7. Be a Safe Haven: A sudden change in behavior is a cry for help. Listen with an open heart. If harassment occurs, guide them with compassion, reminding them of Allah's rules and the consequences of transgression.
8. Curate Media with Islamic Values: Choose children's content that builds good character, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of a pure heart. Replace harmful cartoons with beneficial stories.
9. Promote Purity (Taharah): Teaching self-cleaning after using the toilet is a first lesson in the importance of Taharah—a cornerstone of our faith.
10. Reinforce Body Sanctity: Minimize unnecessary touching of their private areas, fostering a deep-seated sense of shame (hayā’) for what should be concealed.
11. Identify Inappropriate Behavior: Clearly define and explain what constitutes bad behavior. Knowledge is their shield.
12. Validate & Advocate: If your child reports a misdeed, believe them. Use it as a teaching moment about justice and the Islamic procedure for complaints.
13. Empower Them to Speak Up: Train them to firmly reject a hostile or uncomfortable situation. Their voice is a powerful tool for protection.
This is a journey of mindful parenting, wrapped in faith and love.
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I explore these connections between mindful strategy, faith, and everyday well-being in my work.
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#IslamicParenting #Tarbiyah #ChildProtection #MuslimMotherhood #FamilyFirst #SafeguardingChildren #FaithAndFamily #ParentingWithPurpose

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