Children are a cherished blessing and responsibility, and the Quran beautifully highlights their value in shaping a brighter future. At Madrasat El Quran, we explore how the Quran guides us to nurture, educate, and care for the next generation with love, wisdom, and faith.
From understanding the rights of children to instilling moral values through Quranic teachings, we help parents and educators unlock timeless lessons that foster growth, kindness, and spirituality in young hearts.
Join us on this inspiring journey to learn what the Quran says about children and empower the next generation with the light of divine guidance!
Until What Age Is a Person Considered a Child in The Prophet’s Time?
In the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the term “child” generally referred to individuals who had not yet reached the age of maturity or adulthood. This maturity was typically marked by physical and mental development, and was often indicated by the onset of puberty.
Age of Maturity (Puberty)
In Islam, adulthood (or “bulugh”) is typically determined by the age at which a person reaches puberty, which varies among individuals. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized that a child is considered to have reached maturity when they experience signs of puberty, such as:
- The onset of menstruation for girls.
- The growth of pubic hair or the production of semen for boys.
Once a person reaches puberty, they are no longer considered a “child” in the Islamic sense, as they are then expected to fulfill the religious obligations such as prayer, fasting, and other duties.
Specific Age in Hadith:
Although the exact age may vary, in the time of the Prophet (PBUH), children were typically considered to have reached adulthood around the ages of 12-15. However, the exact age could differ depending on the individual’s development. There are no specific Hadith that state an exact age limit for childhood, but the transition from childhood to adulthood was understood to occur with the signs of puberty.
Example from Hadith:
- Aisha (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The pen is lifted from three: from the sleeper until he wakes, from the child until he reaches puberty, and from the insane until he becomes sane.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
This Hadith clarifies that a child is not held accountable for their actions until they reach maturity (puberty). Therefore, in the time of the Prophet (PBUH), a person was considered a child until they reached the age of puberty, which typically occurred between 12 and 15 years old, depending on individual development.
What Does Allah Say About Having Children?
In Islam, having children is considered a great blessing and a divine gift from Allah. The Quran highlights the significance of children, their role in family life, and the responsibility parents bear in raising them with love, care, and responsibility. Allah’s teachings emphasize gratitude, responsibility, and the recognition that children are a part of life’s tests and rewards.
1. Children as a Blessing and Adornment of Life
Allah describes children as one of the greatest blessings of this world:
“Wealth and children are [but] adornments of worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope.”
ٱلْمَالُ وَٱلْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْبَٰقِيَٰتُ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا
This verse highlights the joy that children bring to life, while also reminding us that good deeds and righteousness are of greater value in the eyes of Allah.
2. Children as a Test from Allah
Children are a test from Allah, meant to test parents’ faith, patience, and responsibility. In the Quran, Allah acknowledges that children can be both a source of joy and a trial:
“And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us is your return.”
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ وَنَبْلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
Having children and raising them is a responsibility that tests a parent’s character, patience, and ability to uphold moral values in the face of challenges.
3. The Importance of Providing for Children
Allah commands parents to take care of their children’s needs, both materially and emotionally, and to ensure their well-being:
“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Surely killing them is a heinous sin.”
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلَٰقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ إِنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْـًٔا كَبِيرًا
This verse underscores the importance of trusting Allah for sustenance and avoiding harmful practices such as infanticide, which was prevalent in some cultures before Islam.
4. The Love and Affection for Children
Islam encourages love and compassion toward children. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated immense love for children and considered showing affection as a sign of kindness.
“He is not one of us who does not have mercy on young children…”
(Hadith – Sahih Muslim)
This teaching highlights the importance of love and tenderness in raising children, which aligns with the overall spirit of care and mercy in Islam.
5. Children as a Source of Prayer and Blessing
In Islam, parents often pray for their children, seeking Allah’s blessings for their well-being, guidance, and righteousness. The Quran includes prayers made by the Prophets for their offspring:
“My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous.”
رَبِّ هَبْ لِى مِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ
This prayer reflects the deep desire of parents to have children who are pious, beneficial to society, and blessed with success in this world and the Hereafter.
How Does Islam View Children?
In Islam, children are considered a divine blessing, a source of joy, and a trust from Allah. They are to be nurtured with love, compassion, and guidance, ensuring their rights are upheld and their upbringing reflects Islamic values. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of treating children with care, providing for their needs, and instilling moral and spiritual values.
1. Children as a Blessing
The Quran highlights that children are among the adornments of life:
“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope.”
ٱلْمَالُ وَٱلْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْبَٰقِيَٰتُ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا
2. Children as a Trust and Responsibility
Parents are entrusted by Allah with the care and upbringing of their children:
“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 Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.”
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ
3. Rights of Children
Children have specific rights in Islam, including love, care, education, and protection. The Quran reminds believers of the equal importance of sons and daughters:
“And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief. He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been informed. Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is what they decide.”
وَإِذَا بُشِّرَ أَحَدُهُم بِٱلْأُنثَىٰ ظَلَّ وَجْهُهُۥ مُسْوَدًّا وَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ
4. Accountability and Innocence of Children
Islam teaches that children are born in a state of purity and are not held accountable for their actions until they reach maturity:
“And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives.”
وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَٰنِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ
How Many Children Allah Wants You To Have?
In Islam, there is no specific number of children that Allah has decreed for every individual or family to have. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the value of children as blessings from Allah, and it is up to parents to decide the number of children they can responsibly care for, provided they ensure their well-being and upbringing in an Islamic manner.
- Children as a Blessing and Provision:
- Surah Al-Kahf (18:46):
“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope.”
ٱلْمَالُ وَٱلْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْبَٰقِيَٰتُ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا
This verse indicates that children are one of the adornments of worldly life, a blessing from Allah. However, it emphasizes that good deeds are of greater value in the sight of Allah.
- Encouragement to Have Children:
- Hadith (Sunan Ibn Majah):
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Marry those who are loving and fertile, for I will boast of your great numbers before the other nations on the Day of Judgment.”
This Hadith encourages having children, especially those who will grow up to be loving and righteous. It suggests that having children is a source of pride in the Hereafter.
- Allah Provides for Children:
- Surah Al-Isra (17:31):
“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Surely killing them is a heinous sin.”
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلَٰقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ إِنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْـًٔا كَبِيرًا
This verse highlights that Allah provides for all His creations, including children, and that the fear of not being able to provide for them is not a valid reason to harm or neglect them.
Islam’s Approach to Family Size:
Islam teaches that children are a gift and a trust. While the Quran does not specify an exact number of children, the teachings emphasize that parents should be capable of providing for their children physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There is flexibility in the number of children one may have, but the focus is on proper care and upbringing.
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What Does The Quran Say About Parents Treating Children?
In Islam, the Quran emphasizes the importance of treating children with kindness, respect, and responsibility. Parents are considered the guardians and caretakers of their children, and they have specific duties to ensure their well-being, education, and moral upbringing. The Quran provides clear guidance on how parents should treat their children, emphasizing love, patience, and guidance. One way to foster a deep connection with the Quran is by focusing on How to Help Children Love the Quran: 17 Tips to Try, which offers practical advice for making the Quran an integral part of their lives from a young age.
1. Kindness and Compassion Toward Children
The Quran encourages parents to treat their children with compassion and tenderness. It is important for parents to show mercy and care, as this contributes to the emotional and psychological well-being of the child.
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, never say to them, ‘uff,’ and never rebuke them and speak to them a noble word.”
وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَٰنًا إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا
This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking to parents (and by extension, children) with kindness and avoiding any form of disrespect, including harsh words.
2. Providing for Children’s Needs
Parents are commanded to provide for their children’s material and emotional needs, ensuring that they are well taken care of. The Quran stresses the importance of giving children what they need to thrive.
“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Surely killing them is a heinous sin.”
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلَٰقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ إِنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْـًٔا كَبِيرًا
This verse reminds parents to have faith in Allah’s provision and not to harm their children out of fear of financial struggles, as Allah is the provider of sustenance.
3. Educating and Guiding Children
Islam stresses the importance of guiding children toward righteousness and teaching them the values of faith, morality, and good behavior. Parents are tasked with educating their children both in worldly knowledge and religious teachings.
“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.”
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of parents to protect their children not only from physical harm but also from spiritual harm, guiding them to live a life that pleases Allah.
4. Avoiding Harshness
The Quran warns against being harsh or too strict with children. While discipline is important, it must be done with wisdom and gentleness, as excessive severity can harm the relationship between parents and children.
“And say, ‘My Lord, forgive me and my parents and have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.”
وَٱخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ ٱلذُّلِّ مِنَ ٱلرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ٱرْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِى صَغِيرًا
This verse teaches children to pray for their parents, showing the importance of the bond between parents and children and encouraging both to seek mercy and forgiveness from Allah.
5. Equal Treatment and Justice
Islam teaches that children should be treated equally, without any form of favoritism. Parents should ensure that they provide their children with fairness, whether it is in terms of love, resources, or opportunities.
“Indeed, your wealth and your children are but a trial; but with Allah is a great reward.”
إِنَّمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَأَوْلَٰدُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ
This verse highlights that children are a test for parents, and they should be treated with care and equity, recognizing them as a trust from Allah.
Which Verse In The Quran Talks About Children?
Several verses in the Quran mention children, emphasizing their significance as blessings, tests, and responsibilities. One of the key verses that talks about children is:
1. Surah Al-Kahf (18:46)
“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope.”
ٱلْمَالُ وَٱلْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْبَٰقِيَٰتُ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا
This verse highlights that children are a part of the material blessings of this world, which are meant to beautify life, but it also reminds believers that good deeds are far more valuable in the eyes of Allah for both reward and hope for the future.
2. Surah At-Tahrim (66:6)
“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.”
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of parents to protect their children not only physically but also spiritually by guiding them on the right path to avoid the consequences of wrongdoing.
3. Surah Al-Isra (17:31)
“وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَوْلَادَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ فَقْرٍ ۚ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ”
“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Surely killing them is a heinous sin.”
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلَٰقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ إِنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْـًٔا كَبِيرًا
This verse highlights the sanctity of life, warning against harmful practices like infanticide, and assuring parents that Allah is the provider for their children.
These verses, among others, reflect the Quran’s teachings about children, encouraging care, protection, and proper upbringing, and affirming their importance in both this world and the Hereafter.
What Does The Quran Say About Killing Children?
The Quran explicitly condemns the act of killing children and considers it a grave sin. Several verses highlight the sanctity of life, including the lives of children, and stress that no one has the right to take innocent life. Below are key verses that address the issue:
1. Surah Al-Isra (17:31)
“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Surely killing them is a heinous sin.”
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلَٰقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ إِنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْـًٔا كَبِيرًا
This verse condemns the killing of children due to fear of poverty, reassuring believers that Allah is the Provider and that children are a blessing and not a burden. Killing them is considered a major sin.
2. Surah An-Nisa (4:29)
“And do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.”
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَأْكُلُوٓا۟ أَمْوَٰلَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِٱلْبَٰطِلِ إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَ تِجَٰرَةً عَن تَرَاضٍ مِّنكُمْ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا
While this verse speaks more broadly about the sanctity of life, it includes the prohibition against killing others, which encompasses the killing of children as well.
3. Surah Al-Furqan (25:68)
“And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right…”
وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَدْعُونَ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا ءَاخَرَ وَلَا يَقْتُلُونَ ٱلنَّفْسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَلَا يَزْنُونَ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ يَلْقَ أَثَامًا
This verse highlights that killing any soul that Allah has sanctified, including that of children, is a forbidden act unless it is in accordance with just causes, such as lawful punishment.
These verses underscore the strong prohibition against killing children and emphasize the value of life in Islam. Allah commands believers to safeguard life, trust in His provision, and never harm their children.
In conclusion, Madrasat El Quran emphasizes the profound teachings of the Quran regarding children, highlighting their significance as blessings and responsibilities. The Quran not only cherishes children but also outlines the moral and ethical framework necessary for their upbringing.
By instilling values such as kindness, honesty, and respect for parents, we prepare our children to become righteous individuals who contribute positively to society. As we nurture their spiritual and emotional growth, we fulfill our duty as caregivers and ensure that they grow into compassionate, responsible adults.
Embrace the wisdom of the Quran in your parenting journey and witness the transformative impact it can have on the next generation. Let us honor this sacred trust and guide our children with love, patience, and unwavering faith.
FAQS
What does the Quran say about the rights of children?
The Quran emphasizes the rights of children, including the right to good upbringing and education. It encourages parents to treat their children with kindness and fairness.
How should children be treated according to the Quran?
The Quran advocates for compassion and respect towards children. It encourages parents to nurture and protect them, providing a safe and loving environment to grow.
Does the Quran mention the value of children?
Yes, the Quran highlights the value of children as blessings and gifts from Allah. They are described as a source of joy and a means of attaining rewards in the Hereafter.
What does the Quran say about education for children?
The Quran encourages education and knowledge-seeking. It emphasizes the importance of teaching children about faith, morality, and the principles of Islam from an early age.
