Islam provides timeless principles that can help navigate this age—when applied with wisdom, consistency, and love.
1. Parenting Is a Trust (Amanah)
Key Principle: Caring for a child goes beyond physical safety—it includes guiding their spiritual, emotional, and intellectual journeyBelievers, guard yourselves and your families against a Fire that is fueled by people and rocks.— Surah At-Tahrim 66:6
Digital Application: Don’t hand over a smartphone without spiritual supervision. Know what they’re consuming. Just as you wouldn’t let your child walk alone into a dangerous place, don’t let them roam unsupervised online.
2. Teach Tawheed and Values Early
The entire passage of Surah Luqman (31:12–19) is a parenting blueprint: Tawheed (Oneness of Allah),Gratitude, Prayer, Humility, Respect for parents, Avoiding arrogance and loudnessWhen Luqman was guiding his son, he said: 'O my child, never associate others with Allah, as this is a tremendous wrong— Surah Luqman 31:13
Key Principle: Teach values before technology teaches them something else.
Digital Application: Children are naturally curious. They’ll seek answers—so be their first teacher about identity, sexuality, purpose, and right vs wrong—before YouTube or influencers step in.
3. Be Gentle and Merciful –
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
Key Principle: Connection before correction.One who shows no mercy to the younger and no respect to the older is not considered among us— Sunan At-Tirmidhi
Digital Application: Instead of yelling or threatening over screen time or content, build trust. Ask: "What are you watching? Why do you like it? Does it make you feel closer to Allah? Open dialogue keeps doors open for guidance.
4. Guard the Senses—They’ll Be Questioned
Key Principle: Children must learn that Allah is always watching, even if parents are not.Indeed, every person will be answerable for what they listened to, what they saw, and what they felt in their heart— Surah Al-Isra 17:36
Digital Application: Teach kids digital self-accountability (Taqwa online).Install halal filters, but also build internal filters (conscience).Ask: “Would you watch this if the Prophet ﷺ were in the room?”
5. Establish Salah Before Screen Time
The Prophet ﷺ said:Order your loved ones to observe salah, and persevere in practicing it yourself. Surah Ta-Ha 20:132
Key Principle: Salah must be prioritized and modeled at home.Instruct your children to pray at seven— Abu Dawud
Digital Application: Turn off all screens during prayer times and Make salah a non-negotiable family event. Let your children lead or give the adhan to feel involved.
Practical Sunnah-Based Parenting Tools
a. Lead by Example
Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a beautiful example...Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21
If your child sees you constantly scrolling, they’ll mimic it. Show balanced, mindful use of technology.
b. Teach Purpose
Raise children who know they are accountable to Allah—and were not created for likes or views.The Prophet ﷺ said:Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock...— Bukhari & Muslim
c. Communication & Du'a: The Prophet ﷺ frequently made du'a for his family.
Make du'a for their hearts, guidance, and protection from fitnah.O Allah, guide my offspring and correct their affairs.— (General supplication in various Hadith)
Final Reflection
Parenting in the digital age is tough—but Allah rewards the struggle.
Whoever strives in devotion to Us, We will guide them to the paths that lead to Us— Surah Al-‘Ankabut 29:69
Raise children who will be your sadaqah jariyah, not your regret.The Prophet ﷺ said:Once someone dies, their record of deeds ends—except for three things: lasting charity, useful knowledge, and the supplication of a righteous offspring— Sahih Muslim