Every parent carries a tremendous responsibility in raising their children. This responsibility goes beyond providing physical care and necessities. It includes nurturing their spiritual understanding and instilling knowledge about God, the Prophet, and the religion. This foundational understanding is essential in a Muslim’s life, helping the child to know Allah, His Messenger, and the Qur’an as the ultimate guide to life. By introducing children to the concepts of tawhid (the oneness of God) and iman (faith) from an early age, parents equip them with values that will guide them through both this life and the hereafter.
Throughout history, many parents have given special attention to their children’s religious education. One notable example is the mother of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, a prominent scholar in the Hanbali school of thought. After his father passed away, his mother remained strong and committed to Ahmad’s religious education despite their modest circumstances. Her unwavering support and sincere sacrifice laid the foundation for his success as a great Islamic scholar who made lasting contributions to the development of Islamic knowledge.
Another powerful example is the mother of Imam al-Shafi’i, a towering figure in Islamic scholarship. Even in difficult times, she was willing to give up everything for her son’s education. From an early age, she nurtured his love for religious knowledge and even moved with him to Makkah so he could study with the scholars there. Her patience and devotion bore fruit in a son who mastered Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and became a guide and teacher to many in the Muslim community.
Educating a child is also one of the ways parents can attain ongoing rewards (sadaqah jariyah). In Islam, a righteous child who prays for their parents is a continuous source of blessing even after the parents have passed away. Therefore, investing in a child’s education and character development is one of the smartest and most enduring forms of good deeds. There is no greater joy for a parent than to witness their child grow into a person of faith, knowledge, and noble character.
Achieving this, however, requires sacrifice. This may involve time, energy, and even financial resources. Parents who work long hours must still find time to instil religious values in their children. Despite busy schedules, they strive to be role models in behaviour and character. They understand that leading by example is one of the most powerful forms of teaching, as children naturally imitate those closest to them.
Children reflect the actions of their parents and serve as an extension of their good deeds beyond their lifetime. Wise parents see their child’s education as a duty and an opportunity to perform a lasting act of worship. Teaching children to be useful, love knowledge, and respect their religion not only benefits the child’s future but also becomes a path to happiness for the parents in this life and the next.
In addition to sacrificing time and energy, many parents give up personal ambitions or comforts for the sake of their children’s well-being. They may leave demanding jobs or limit material desires in order to be present and engaged in their children’s lives. These sacrifices are never easy but are deeply meaningful in shaping a child’s future. When done with sincere intention, every sacrifice becomes a source of reward in the eyes of Allah.
Parents must always remember that children are a trust of Allah, one that must be protected and nurtured with care—not only materially but also emotionally and spiritually. Providing a solid religious education gives children the strength to face life’s challenges. It is one of the greatest acts of love a parent can give, for these children will grow into adults who carry forward the goodness and values of their family.
In the end, the struggle of parents in raising and educating their children is not merely about creating a new generation. It’s about ensuring the continuity of good deeds. Every bit of knowledge, every value, and every act of worship passed on to a child becomes a source of reward and blessing for the parent. By instilling faith and noble character, parents make one of the most valuable investments of their lives: securing a legacy of ongoing good deeds even after they are gone.
The journey of parenting and educating is filled with challenges and sacrifices. Yet, when approached with sincerity and devotion, every effort is rewarded with blessings and goodness. Parents who prioritize religious education are planting seeds of sadaqah jariyah, which will continue to grow and bear fruit, not just for their children, also for future generations, bi idznillah (with God’s permission).