Tarbiyah is a lifelong journey, an amanah we must constantly strive to fulfill. When we raise our children, we are not merely fulfilling a worldly duty; we are engaging in a profound act of worship. 

Allah has entrusted us with these precious souls as a sacred trust, an amanah (أَمَانَة). How we care for this trust, how we nurture these seeds of faith, is one of the greatest acts of worship we will ever perform. It is a journey that shapes not only our families but the future of our entire Ummah (the global Muslim community). 

Let us, therefore, turn to the words of our Rabb to guide us on this blessed path.

1. A Quranic Quote on The Ultimate Responsibility in Child Upbringing

Before we can learn how to raise our children, the Quran tells us powerfully why this is a matter of eternal consequence. It is not a suggestion; it is a command tied to our ultimate salvation.

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ”

Yā ‘ayyuhal-ladhīna ‘āmanū qū ‘anfusakum wa-‘ahlīkum nāran waqūduhan-nāsu wal-ḥijārah.

“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.” (Surah At-Tahrim, 66:6)

Look at the power in that first command: “قُوا” (Qu!). This is an urgent, active verb. It means to shield, to guard, to save. 

This is Allah telling us that our role as parents is to be a protective shield for our children. 

In our modern world, this means actively shielding them from the ‘fires’ of misguidance, harmful influences, and ideologies that contradict our faith. 

2. A Quranic Quote Drives High Aspirations in Child Upbringing

Our parenting should be driven by high aspirations, or what we call himmah (هِمَّة). We should not aim for the minimum. 

Look at the prayer of our father, the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), when Allah promised him a great station.

“قَالَ إِنِّي جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِمَامًا ۖ قَالَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي”

Qāla ‘innī jā’iluka lin-nāsi ‘imāmā. Qāla wa-min dhurriyyatī.

“[Allah] said, ‘Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.’ [Abraham] said, ‘And of my descendants?’” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:124)

Ibrahim (alayhis salam) was just given the incredible news that he would be an Imam for all of humanity. What was his very first thought? His children. 

He didn’t just ask for them to be righteous; his himmah was so high that he asked for them to also be leaders in righteousness. 

This teaches us that our du’a (supplication) for our children should be ambitious. Ask Allah not only for their success in this world but for them to become sources of guidance, a light for others, and leaders for the Ummah.

3. A Quranic Quote on Prophet Ibrahim’s Prayer for His Children

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) gives us the perfect words to ask for steadfastness in prayer for our offspring.

“رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْنِى مُقِيمَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ”

Rabbi ijalnee muqeema alssalati wamin thurriyyatee rabbana wtaqabbal dua’

“My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication.” (Surah Ibrahim 14:40)

Notice that Ibrahim (`alayhis salam) prays for himself first: “Make me an establisher of prayer.” This teaches us that reform begins with ourselves. 

We cannot expect our children to establish the salah (prayer) if we are not diligent with it ourselves. 

He then says wa min thurriyyatee – “and from my descendants,” acknowledging that guidance is ultimately from Allah, but his heart’s desire is for his progeny to follow this path.

Understanding the richness of these prayers in their original Arabic opens up a new world of connection. When you learn to recite and comprehend these powerful words yourself in one of our Quranica courses like Islamic studies online course, your prayers for your children will carry a depth you have never felt before. 

4. A Luqman’s Golden Rules for Child Upbringing in Quran

The advice of Luqman the Wise to his son offers perhaps the most beautiful and practical demonstration of loving guidance for children within the Quran. It is a complete curriculum. But before the lessons, notice the tone.

“وَإِذْ قَالَ لُقْمَانُ لِابْنِهِ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ”

Wa-‘idh qāla Luqmānu libnihi wa-huwa ya’iẓuhu yā bunayya lā tushrik billāh.

“And [mention, O Muhammad], when Luqman said to his son while he was instructing him, “O my son, do not associate [anything] with Allah.” (Surah Luqman, 31:13)

The beautiful phrase “يَا بُنَيَّ” (Ya bunayya) in Arabic is a term of endearment that can be translated to “O my dear little son.” It is dripping with love, mercy, and tenderness. 

This tells us that our advice must come from a place of profound love, not harsh authority.

5. A Qur’anic Quote on Raising a Child Upon Tawhid

The very first and most crucial lesson is in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid). 

“وَإِذْ قَالَ لُقْمَانُ لِابْنِهِ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّ الشِّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ”

Wa idh qāla Luqmānu libnihi wa huwa ya’iẓuhū yā bunayya lā tushrik billāh, inna al-shirka laẓulmun ‘aẓīm.

“And [mention, O Muhammad], when Luqman said to his son while he was instructing him, ‘O my dear son, do not associate anything with Allah. Indeed, association [with him] is a great injustice.’” (Surah Luqman, 31:13)

Before any actions or manners are taught, the foundation of faith must be firmly established in a child’s heart. 

This establishes their relationship with their Creator, the core of their identity and purpose. Luqman’s initial advice to his beloved son is a testament to this priority, emphasizing that associating partners with Allah is the greatest injustice.

6. Qur’anic Quote on Raising a Child Upon Establishing Prayer (Salah)

After establishing the core belief, Luqman moves to the primary act of worship that connects a believer to Allah: the prayer (Salah). 

“يَا بُنَيَّ أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا أَصَابَكَ ۖ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ”

Yā bunayya aqimi al-ṣalāta wa’mur bil-ma’rūfi wa-inha ‘ani al-munkari wa-iṣbir ‘alā mā aṣābaka, inna dhālika min ‘azmi al-umūr.

“O my son, establish prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and be patient over what befalls you. Indeed, [all] that is of the matters [requiring] determination.” (Surah Luqman, 31:17)

He instructs his son not just to pray, but to establish the prayer, signifying consistency, reverence, and performing it with its proper conditions. This regular communication with the Divine builds discipline, mindfulness, and a constant sense of connection.

7. Qur’anic Quote on Raising a Child Upon Humility

True faith must manifest in one’s character. Luqman’s advice turns to the importance of humility in how one interacts with others. 

“وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ”

Wa lā tuṣa’ir khaddaka lil-nāsi wa lā tamshi fī al-arḍi maraḥan, inna Allāha lā yuḥibbu kulla mukhtālin fakhūr.

“And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.” (Surah Luqman, 31:18)

This lesson instills the value of treating every individual with respect and kindness, regardless of their social standing, reflecting a heart free from pride.

Read more about: Quranic verses

8. Qur’anic Quote on Raising a Child Upon Moderation

Finally, Luqman’s curriculum addresses the finer points of daily conduct—etiquette that reflects a balanced and dignified personality. 

“وَاقْصِدْ فِي مَشْيِكَ وَاغْضُضْ مِن صَوْتِكَ ۚ إِنَّ أَنكَرَ الْأَصْوَاتِ لَصَوْتُ الْحَمِيرِ”

Waqṣid fī mashyika wa-ighḍuḍ min ṣawtika, inna ankara al-aṣwāti laṣawtu al-ḥamīr.

“And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys.” (Surah Luqman, 31:19)

The advice to be moderate in one’s pace and to lower one’s voice teaches composure and self-control. It is a practical lesson in avoiding loudness and arrogance in one’s very presence, promoting a demeanor of calmness and respectfulness in walking and talking.

To truly feel the emotion in a phrase like ‘Ya bunayya,’ one must appreciate the nuances of the Arabic language. This is something we focus on deeply at Arabic Online Course—not just what the words mean, but how they feel.

9. A Quranic Quote on Persistence in Child Upbringing

Establishing righteous habits, especially prayer, is not a one-time event. It requires persistence and immense patience, or sabr. 

Allah acknowledges this struggle and gives us a special command filled with mercy.

“وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَاصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَا ۖ لَا نَسْأَلُكَ رِزْقًا ۖ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَ ۗ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ”

Wa’-mur ‘ahlaka biṣ-ṣalāti waṣ-ṭabir ‘alayhā, lā nas’aluka rizqā, naḥnu narzuquk, wal-‘āqibatu lit-taqwā.

“And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We do not ask you for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for righteousness.” (Surah Taha, 20:132)

Pay close attention to the word “وَاصْطَبِرْ” (w’astabir). This is a more intense form of the standard word for patience (sabr). It implies exerting yourself, being constant, and showing resolute patience over a long period. 

But look at the divine beauty that follows! Allah immediately says, “We do not ask you for provision; We provide for you.” The subtle message here is a powerful comfort for every parent: “You focus on the spiritual provision of your family, and We will take care of your worldly provision.” 

So when you feel tired of reminding your children to pray, remember this verse. Your effort is a direct response to a divine command, and Allah Himself promises to take care of you through it.

In our Quran Memorization (Hifz) Programs at Quranica, we can help you and your Children memorize whole surahs.

10. A Quranic Verses on Social Guidance in Child Upbringing

Our parental role extends beyond the home. The Quran warns us with a terrifying image about the powerful influence of a child’s companions.

“وَيَوْمَ يَعَضُّ الظَّالِمُ عَلَىٰ يَدَيْهِ يَقُولُ يَا لَيْتَنِي اتَّخَذْتُ مَعَ الرَّسُولِ سَبِيلًا ‎﴿٢٧﴾‏ يَا وَيْلَتَىٰ لَيْتَنِي لَمْ أَتَّخِذْ فُلَانًا خَلِيلًا ‎﴿٢٨﴾‏”

Wa-yawma ya’aḍḍuẓ-ẓālimu ‘alā yadayhi yaqūlu yā laytanit-takhadhtu ma’ar-Rasūli sabīlā. Yā waylatā laytanī lam ‘attakhidh fulānan khalīlā.

“And the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands, he will say, ‘Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way! Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend!’” (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:27-28)

This is the regret of one who was led astray by bad company. This verse is a stark reminder for us as parents that we must be vigilant. 

We must know our children’s friends and actively create an environment where they are drawn to suhbah salihah (righteous companionship).

11. ِA Quranic Quote on Leading by Example in Child Upbringing

The Quran doesn’t just command us; it shows us examples of those who succeeded. 

The Prophet Isma’il (peace be upon him), the son of Ibrahim, is praised by Allah in the Quran specifically for his role as a family leader.

“وَكَانَ يَأْمُرُ أَهْلَهُ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ وَكَانَ عِندَ رَبِّهِ مَرْضِيًّا”

Wa-kāna ya’muru ‘ahlahu biṣ-ṣalāti waz-zakāti wa-kāna ‘inda rabbihī marḍiyyā.

“And he used to enjoin on his family prayer and zakah and was in the sight of his Lord pleasing.” (Surah Maryam, 19:55)

In Arabic grammar, the phrase “وَكَانَ يَأْمُرُ” (wa kāna ya’muru) implies a continuous, ongoing, and habitual action. It wasn’t that he commanded them once or twice; it was his consistent character, his way of life. 

The verse concludes, “وَكَانَ عِندَ رَبِّهِ مَرْضِيًّا” (wa kāna ‘inda rabbihī marḍiyyā)—he was, in the sight of his Lord, “pleasing” or “approved.” 

He himself was obedient to Allah, and therefore Allah was pleased with him. So he used to command his children to do what he himself did, serving as an example for them in what he commanded.

Read more about: Quranic Verses About Science And Technology

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Quran provides profound guidance on how to nurture and raise children, emphasizing that it is not merely a responsibility but a sacred act of worship. The verses highlight that parenting is an ongoing journey of faith, where we must protect our children from misguidance, instill high aspirations, and raise them upon the foundations of Tawhid, prayer, and righteous conduct. 

As parents, we are entrusted with this amanah (trust) and must be consistent in our efforts, embodying the principles we wish to see in our children.

Ultimately, the path of child-rearing is one of perseverance, patience, and divine guidance. From the example of Prophet Ibrahim’s prayers for his offspring to the practical advice of Luqman, the Quran teaches us to lead by example, pray for our children’s success, and guide them with love and wisdom.