By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
An Islamic cleric and Chief Imam of Morris Central Jumu’at Mosque, Barikin Saleh in Minna Niger state, Mallam Attahiru Bala Dukku has called on Muslim Parents to be alive to their responsibilities of ensuring proper upbringing and parenting of their wards in order to be useful to the society.
The Chief Imam made the call while delivering a Friday sermon, stressing in Islam, parents are strongly encouraged and held accountable for ensuring the proper upbringing of their children.
He said it involves not only providing for their physical needs but also nurturing them with Islamic and western education, instilling in them moral values, good conduct and skills to be responsible and self-reliant.
Imam Dukku said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of a good upbringing, stating that it is the best gift a father can gives to his children, as such parents must be alive to their responsibilities to ensure that children are properly mentored to become useful adults to themselves, the society and the nation at large.
The sermon further highlighted the strong correlation between bad parenting and criminal behaviour, as children from such backgrounds may be more prone to exhibiting negative actions.
The clergyman maintained that family is the primary agent of socialization, and parental neglect or inconsistent moral training can lead to children engaging in anti-social behaviours, highlighting the importance of early and consistent moral education.
“Neglecting parental roles in mentoring and moral guidance can leave children more vulnerable to negative peer group influences.
“Parents serve as role models, with children often adopting behaviours they observe, parents should therefore set a positive example by demonstrating honesty and ethical values and decision-making.” He further added.
Imam Dukku also emphasizes the importance of Muslim parents praying for their children, as it fosters a spiritual connection, provides guidance and protection, instills faith and values in the child, and strengthens the parent-child bond by allowing them to entrust their children to Allah’s plan.
This practice according to him is a cornerstone of Islamic parenting, transforming spiritual well-being into a tangible part of a child’s upbringing and strengthening the parent-child bond through shared moments of supplication and trust in Allah’s guidance.