Parenting Perspective 

When a child is mocked by classmates for having a simple lunch or modest clothes, it can cause deep and lasting emotional harm. School is an environment where children naturally seek a sense of belonging, and being ridiculed for what they have can make them feel painfully excluded and inferior. 

Damage to a Child’s Self-Esteem 

Children may internalise this mockery and begin to believe they are somehow ‘less’ than their peers. This sense of shame can severely lower their confidence, making them reluctant to participate in class or socialise with others. 

Leading to Social Isolation and Anxiety 

To avoid being teased, a child might start skipping lunch or withdrawing from their friends. Over time, this fear and isolation can have a serious impact on their mental well-being and even their academic performance. 

Creating a Strain on Family Bonds 

A child who feels embarrassed by their family’s financial situation or choices may start to feel resentment towards their parents. They might blame them for not providing the ‘right’ kinds of food or clothes, creating unnecessary tension at home. 

Guiding a Child Through Mockery 

Parents can play a crucial role in helping their child overcome these experiences. 

• Reassure your child that their worth is never defined by possessions or the opinions of others. 

• Teach them to feel confident in simplicity, praising the value of nutritious food and being comfortable in modest clothes. 

• Equip them with calm responses to teasing, but also be prepared to inform teachers if the bullying continues. 

• Instil a strong pride in your family identity and values, so they feel grounded in something more meaningful than external criticism. 

By consistently affirming their child’s true worth, parents can protect them from letting cruel words define their self-image. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam upholds the values of dignity, modesty, and mutual respect, and it strictly warns against ridiculing others for their possessions. Mocking a child for their simplicity is an act that directly contradicts these core teachings, fostering arrogance where there should be humility. 

The Quran’s Condemnation of Mockery 

Allah Almighty explicitly forbids mockery, reminding believers that a person’s true standing is known only to Him. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 11: 

‘ Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them…’ 

This verse teaches that the one being ridiculed may be far more honoured in the sight of Allah than the one doing the mocking. 

Prophetic Guidance on the Dangers of Arrogance 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that arrogance, which is often the root cause of mockery, is a spiritually destructive trait. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 91, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of arrogance shall not enter Paradise.’ 

This hadith serves as a severe warning that mockery stemming from arrogance can have grave consequences for one’s eternal standing. 

By connecting the values of simplicity and humility to faith, parents can help their children understand that being mocked does not diminish their worth. True honour comes from righteousness and gratitude. This mindset protects a child’s heart, giving them the resilience to rise above cruelty and grow into a confident believer who finds their self-worth in their relationship with Allah.