Observation

The question was one of the popular among the candidates. Majority of those who attempted it performed averagely well. Though, some of them concentrated on the duties of parents without showing more emphasis on that of children. The question requested the candidates to examine the Islamic teachings on parent child relationship, thus:

Teachings of Islam on parent-child relationship

Parent-child relationship is a very important aspect in Islamic teaching, which is referred to or regarded in Islam as (Birr al-wālidayn) meaning “kindness or goodness to parents” (Q.46:15) (Introduction).

1. Islam lays emphasis on good and cordial parent-child relationships.
2. Islam specifies the duties of the parents as well as those of the children towards their parents.
3. Parents have a right to be respected by children (Q.17:23-24).
4. It is the mother’s responsibility as a parent to breastfeed the child(Q.31:14, Q.2:233).
5. Children have right to be fed, clothed and protected till they grow up to adulthood (Q.2:233).
6. The parents begin their duties by making a right choice of partners to be married by their children.
7. It is instinctive obligation of parents to protect their children from physical and moral harm.
8. The child that comes out of the marriage should be given a good name.
9. The child also deserves good shelter and adequate feeding.
10. Clothing and the protection of a child is the sole responsibility of the parents.
11. He must be given moral tutelage and standard education.
12. The child must be given adequate care and kind parenting.
13. The child should show utmost respect to the parents (17:23).
14. He must be kind to the parents especially at old age (17:23).
15. He should pay back all he enjoyed as a child from the parents.
16. He should obey them and listen to their guidance.
17. He must not also hiss at them.
18. He must not, at any point in time, shout at them.
19. The children, as a matter of responsibility, should pray for their parents.
20. Responsibility for and compassion towards the child by the parent is a matter of religious importance as well as social concern.
21. Children should obey their parents except in matters of associating partners with Allah (Shirk) (Q.29:8, 31:15).
22. Parents should not kill their children because of fear of poverty (Q.17:31).
23. Children must lower the wing of humility to their parents (Q.17:24).
24. Children should address their parents honourably (Q.17:23).
25. Parents can engage wet-nurse to take care of their children (Q.2:233).