Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Just as parents have great rights over their children, children also have rights over their parents. Of course, parents have greater rights and are harder to fulfil. Man comes into this world by birth; He leaves the stages of childhood, youth, adulthood and old age behind and when his time comes, he passes away from the world. However, they continue their generation through the children and grandchildren they leave behind. Generations are the guarantee of the future. Therefore, we must give highest importance to them and perform our duties and responsibilities without compromising. The greatest of Allah’s blessings to mankind is children. This blessing comes first among the blessings that will be questioned in the sight of Allah on the Day of Judgment. It is necessary to protect them and to know their value. Allah (swt) mentions in the Quran: “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allāh in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.”[1] It has been stated that “protection from fire” in the verse will be possible with the education of the family. Especially if children are brought up with Islamic upbringing, they will attain happiness both in this world and in the hereafter and will be protected from the torment of hell.

Pointing to this responsibility, the Prophet (saw) also said: “You are all like shepherds of a flock. Just as the shepherd protects his flock, you must protect your homes and dependents from hell! You have to teach them about Islam. If you don’t teach, you will be liable.”[2]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Our religion has determined the following principles regarding responsibilities of a parent: First of all, a beautiful name should be given to the newborn child. Rasulullah (saw) has said: “One of the rights of the child on his father is to give them a good name and to have a good upbringing.”[3] “You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so choose good names for yourselves.”[4]

Dear Jama’ah!
One of the rights of children over their parents is to receive a good education. Parents should start their children’s education within the family. Because family education has a great place and importance in the education of children.

Parents should take measures to equip their children with faith and worship, morals, good manners and knowledge. Above all, they should set a good example for their children. They should treat their children well, be equal and fair among them. In another hadith Rasulullah (saw) has said, “Allah likes that you treat children fairly in all matters, even with regard to kissing.”[5] When children reach the age of marriage, getting them married is also among the rights of children on parents. It is not enough to give birth to children; it is also necessary to respect their rights. A good generation can only be raised like this.

May Allah (swt) bless our current and future generations. Ameen.

[1] Surah At-Tahrim, 66:6

[2] Buhârî, Vesâyâ 9, H. No: 2546; Müslim, İmâre 20, H. No: 3408

[3] Kütüb-ü Sitte Şerhi (Hadis Ansiklopedisi) VII/363

[4] Ebû Dâvûd, Sünen, Edeb, 61

[5] Feyzu’l Kadir, II/297

Khutba – Child’s Rights Over Parents