Protection of children in Islam

Children are enormous blessings from Allah; at the same time they are Amanah or trust from Him to us. The ultimate aim of preserving that trust is to do our best to protect them from hell-fire in the after-life, "O You Who Believe! Protect yourselves and Your Families from that fire, whose fuel will be humans and stones." (Al-Qur'an: 66: 6). All children, not just orphans, come into the category of 'vulnerable' - their parents and society as a whole need to ensure they are looked after, not only because children have intrinsic rights, but because Muslims have a duty to be charitable. Islam regards safeguarding children's rights as important because all human life is sacred to Allah. (UNICEF and Al-Azhar University)
Many children are facing multi-dimensional forms of violence that cause long lasting harm to their natural development. Children consistently expressed their concerns about the absence of a safe environment which leads to violence, abuse and exploitation within the family, community, street, work place, school, in state and non-state institutions. The situation aggravated because of most of the duty bearers are insensitive to children's rights and fail to provide protection, special care and treatment.
In this context Islam establishes a legal framework, and embodies a code of ethics, designed to protect the rights of an individual including his or her right to live in a secure society. For children, security is of the topmost importance. The rights of a child begin even before birth; in fact they begin before conception.
The Islamic Shariah states all of the following rights, which are evident in the Quran and the sublime Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through his sayings and actions:
l A child's right to health and life.
l A child's right to a family, kindred, name, property and inheritance.
l A child's right to healthcare and proper nutrition.
l A child's right to education and the acquisition of talents.
l A child's right to live in security and peace, and enjoy human dignity and protection under the responsibility of the parents.
l The caring role of society and the state to support all these rights and support families incapable of providing appropriate conditions for their children.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Allah will (on the Day of Reckoning) question each person in a position of responsibility about what he (she) were responsible for (in this life)." The concept of child protection cannot be fulfilled unless we confront all forms of abuse, violence and exploitation that deny children - or only threaten to deny them - with basic rights to attain sufficient parental care, education, healthcare, enjoyment of recreation and sports and freedom of expression and thought.
The Qur'an and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), speaks clearly about the responsibility that comes with raising a child. It is an obligation upon the believers to raise and care for children by bringing them up as moral, righteous human beings. Secure in the knowledge that they are valued members of the human race, and their particular families. Neglecting this duty could potentially lead a person away from the path of righteousness and away from God.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The ruler is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of his family and is responsible for his flock. A woman is the shepherd of her husband's household and is responsible for her flock." (Bukhari)
Caring for and raising children in the proper manner is a duty on parents and it is not always easy. In fact, God reminds us in the Qur'an that children may even be a great trial for their parents. The triumphs and tribulations of life are a test and children are no exception. They can bring great joy and at times they can bring great sadness as well. God in His infinite wisdom never leaves a human being alone and unable to face all of life's trials. "Your wealth and your children are only a trial, whereas God, with Him is a great reward (Paradise)." (Qur'an 64:15)
Following the teachings of Islam enables a believer to face all life events including the trials, the tribulations and the triumphs. The correct Islamic advice for raising and rearing children covers all aspects of life. Just like Islam itself, it is holistic advice. Physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing are all of equal importance.
A child is considered to be a gift from Allah and a source of inner satisfaction for their parents. The Qur'an says, "And Allah has made for you mates (and companions) of your nature and made for you, out of them, sons and daughters and grand children, and for you sustenance of best: will they then believe in vain things, and be for Allah's favours?" However be mindful as Allah says, "And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial (fitnah) and that surely with Allah is a mighty reward." (Surah al-Anfal, 28) Therefore, your children will also test you and it's not a smooth process of bringing children up but requires patience, love and support.
The Prophet Ibrahim (AS) prayed to Allah to be blessed with offspring and as a result he was gifted with Ismail and Ishaq: "Praise be to Allah Who hath granted on to me in old age Ismail and Ishaq: for truly My Lord is He, the Hearer of prayer". Islam also stresses treating the children with affection and kindness. The Prophet (PBUH) has said, "He who does not have mercy for our young ones and respect for our old ones, is not from among us."
What exactly are the rights of children in Islam? The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to Imam Ali (RA): "O Ali, there are as many rights of children incumbent upon parents as there are rights of parents incumbent upon children." Parents and families are expected to provide care for children with responsibility for this trust on the Day of Judgment. Islamic teachings underline the role of family for care and protection of children as a basic social unit. Due to the importance of the parent-child relationship there is a clear description of the rights and obligations which apply to both parents and children. The reciprocal relations among family members provide strength to all. Duties of one side are the rights of the other. So to explain further, in the parent-child relationship the rights of parents are the obligations (duties) of children and the rights of children are obligations (duties) of parents. Islam clearly defines the rights of parents (duties of children) and obligations of parents (rights of children). Not only that Islam also ensures protection from child abuse, violence and harmful punishment because children are the vulnerable segments of society as they are mostly dependent on adult males. Hence, Allah has given responsibility to adult Muslims and the state to ensure that they are safeguarded from any kind of abuse, violence and exploitation, which may happen anywhere in society, such as at school, at home, on the playground, etc.  Shari'a advises parents to look after their children with special care and warns that they must be careful about all dangers that may put a child at risk. Parents are advised to discipline their children without physically hurting them, and Allah the Exalted reminds Muslims that "Believers, there are enemies to you among your spouses and your offspring, so beware of them. But if you forgive and overlook their offences and pardon them, then surely Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Compassionate."
The Prophet (PBUH) urged all Muslims to be very kind and affectionate to children when he said: "He is not one of us, who does not show tenderness to the young and does not show respect to the elder." Controlling oneself at a time of anger is very difficult, but the Prophet (PBUH) appreciates patience in these situations. He is reported to have said: "Strong is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but strong is the one who controls himself while in anger."
The writers are child rights activists. E-mail: [email protected]