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Q&A · Youth & Parenting

What rights does a child have over his parents in Islam?

A child's rights begin before he can ask for them: the right to be nursed and maintained, as Allah says, "Mothers may nurse their children two complete years... and upon the father is their provision and clothing according to what is acceptable" (Quran 2:233), along with the right to a good name and to a known, truthful lineage. The weightiest right, however, is religious upbringing, since Allah commands, "O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire" (Quran 66:6), and the Prophet ﷺ said, "Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock" (Sahih Muslim 1829). Children also have a right to justice between them: when Nuʿman ibn Bashir's father singled him out with a gift, the Prophet ﷺ refused to witness it and said, "Fear Allah and be just between your children" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2587, Sahih Muslim 1623). These are not parenting preferences but an amanah that every parent will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement.

Evidence — the daleel
Quran 2:233Quran 66:6Sahih Muslim 1829 ṢaḥīḥSahih al-Bukhari 2587 ṢaḥīḥSahih Muslim 1623 Ṣaḥīḥ
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Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.

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