Islamic Path to Emotional Well-being
A child’s mental health is one of
the foundational pillars in building their personality and social stability.
Its importance grows significantly in our current era, marked by rapid changes
in which our children find themselves surrounded by all kinds of distractions,
diversions, and even corruptions that distort their psychological well-being.
This, in turn, negatively impacts their behavior and, ultimately, their entire
lives.
To address this complex reality,
our vision of Islamic upbringing must begin with a comprehensive understanding
of the child’s mental health. It should focus on raising the child in a
balanced environment characterized by love, justice, and proper guidance, all
of which contribute to developing a well-adjusted personality capable of facing
life’s challenges.
Here, the family plays the most
critical role in shaping the child’s psyche. It is the first nurturing space
where the child absorbs values and concepts that shape their behavior and
beliefs. The family environment should be safe and stable, founded on justice
and mercy, serving as a practical translation of the command of the Prophet ﷺ to guardians: “Each
of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Psychological studies confirm
that children raised in emotionally stable families possess greater
self-confidence and are better equipped to interact positively with society.
Children exposed to parenting methods based on dialogue and calm guidance are less
likely to suffer from psychological disorders such as anxiety and
depression—conditions that have proliferated alongside the widespread use of
modern technology and its excessive consumption.
While the World Health
Organization warns that excessive screen time can weaken family bonds and
isolate children from their real environment, the Islamic view of upbringing
goes far beyond physical health. The other challenges facing our children today
are closely linked to threats that can disturb their identity, especially in
the age of expansive media exposure.
This is where the importance of
Islamic upbringing emerges in strengthening our children’s identity by teaching
them the correct creed and instilling values of belonging to the family and
society. This responsibility is one Allah has placed upon the guardians of
children, as expressed in the divine command: “O
you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire.” (At-Tahrim:
6)
Book Review:
“60 Practical Commandments on the Rights of Children” By Dr. Salah Sultan
A Comprehensive Methodology
The Prophet’s ﷺ way of upbringing offers a practical
application and comprehensive approach that considers the psychological
well-being of the child. The Prophet ﷺ was known for his gentle and compassionate
treatment of children, as summarized in the words of Anas ibn Malik: “I never saw anyone more kindly towards children than
God's messenger.” (Sahih Muslim)
The essence of prophetic
upbringing lies in guiding children based on the principle of unconditional
love—something that modern psychology has affirmed as crucial. One of the most
effective methods in this regard is positive reinforcement, especially
through praise. A clear example is seen in the Prophet’s ﷺ relationship with the noble Companion
Abdullah ibn Abbas, for whom he made the supplication: “O Allah! Make him (Ibn `Abbas) a learned scholar in
religion (Islam).”
A study published in the Ibn
Khaldun Journal confirmed that love-based parenting in Islam enhances
children's mental health and demonstrates a strong link between love-based
upbringing and psychological well-being: the more love-centered the upbringing,
the better the mental health.
Social Interaction
Another essential aspect
emphasized in the prophetic method is the importance of play and social
interaction for children. Narrations from the Prophet’s ﷺ biography recount his affectionate
relationship with his grandsons al-Hasan and al-Husayn—may Allah be pleased
with them—in many situations, including instances where he carried them while
delivering sermons in the mosque, as reported in Sunan at-Tirmidhi.
These examples not only highlight
the greatness and mercy of the Prophet ﷺ but also underline the role of play in the
psychological and emotional development of children. This is backed by most
contemporary studies, including one from the Arab Center for Psychological
Research, which found that children with ample playtime are less prone to
behavioral disorders and more socially adaptable.
Thus, parenting methods and their
impact on the child’s mental health play a central role in facing the
challenges of our time. These methods must be rooted in the child’s faith and identity
while aligning with the realities of the modern age.
For example, regulating
children's use of technology is a matter of utmost importance, especially for
the age group between 3 and 6 years. Psychological studies recommend setting
clear limits on screen time while encouraging alternative activities like reading
and sports. This helps children develop their social and cognitive skills away
from digital isolation.
Additionally, strengthening
family dialogue is a core element of sound upbringing. When parents dedicate
daily time to enjoy and interact with their children, it is not a luxury—it is
essential for creating a stable psychological environment. It allows children
to express their feelings without fear or hesitation, reducing the likelihood
of psychological stress and its complications.
When it comes to instilling
Islamic values, practical methods in parenting are the most impactful. Love for
worship begins when children observe their parents praying regularly. This is
then reinforced with gentle encouragement rather than coercion or compulsion,
along with presenting role models from the prophetic tradition that reflect
their reality and help them grasp moral values with ease.
This practical approach was
perfectly embodied by al-Hasan and al-Husayn—may Allah be pleased with
them—when they taught a senior man how to perform wudu’ properly without
excessive preaching or instruction, as reported in Sahih Muslim and Sunan
Abi Dawood. This is what they had learned in the school of prophethood:
actions speak louder than words, and a single situation can be more effective
than a thousand sermons.
The man had not washed his hands
or feet correctly. Al-Hasan and al-Husayn saw this and decided to teach him the
proper way. Al-Hasan said:
“O my brother, we prayed behind the Messenger of
Allah ﷺ, and he taught us how to perform ablution.” Then
al-Husayn asked the man to judge between them and determine who performed it
more precisely. The man then acknowledged his mistake and expressed his
gratitude for the noble manners of the grandsons of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Our identity is an inseparable
part of our children's psychological formation. It is never enough to merely
provide them with material comfort without reinforcing their ethical and moral
compass. How many parents ensured a luxurious life for their children only to
lose them in terms of their faith and their Hereafter? What has one truly
gained if he wins a fleeting worldly life but loses the eternal one?!
Book
Review: “How to Make Your Child Happy?” By Wafaa Saadawi
-------------------------------------------------------------
Follow us
Find us on social media
