What faith-based values help them choose respectful words? 

Parenting Perspective 

Respectful words are about more than just politeness; they reflect a person’s inner discipline and character. Children are often tempted to copy the sarcasm or casual rudeness they hear from their peers. To counter this, grounding them in core faith-based values can provide a powerful framework for understanding why respectful speech matters, even when others are speaking carelessly. 

Taqwa (God-Consciousness) 

You can teach your child that every word they speak is heard by Allah. A simple reminder like, ‘Remember, Allah is always listening to how we speak to one another,’ can help them to pause and choose words that are aligned with their faith. This builds a sense of personal accountability to God, not just to their parents. 

Ihsan (Excellence in Conduct) 

Encourage your child to view respectful speech as a way of striving for excellence for the sake of Allah. You can frame it by saying, ‘Part of ihsan is speaking kindly, even when you feel upset.’ This motivates them to rise above negative peer influences and to seek a higher standard for themselves. 

Rahmah (Mercy and Compassion) 

Remind your child of the beautiful Islamic value of mercy by explaining that their words can either heal or cause hurt. By choosing to speak with kindness, they are living out the principle of rahmah in their daily lives and reflecting the gentle example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that our speech is a direct measure of our faith. Guiding children to speak with respect is not just about teaching social etiquette, but about nurturing the core spiritual values that define a believer. 

The Prohibition of Ridicule 

The Quran makes it clear that using our words to mock or ridicule others is a serious transgression, as it violates the dignity that Allah has granted to all people. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verses 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…’ 

The Value of Small Kindnesses 

The prophetic tradition teaches us that even the smallest expressions of respect, such as a kind word or a gentle tone of voice, are considered significant good deeds in Islam. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2626, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Do not think little of any good deed, even if it is meeting your brother with a cheerful face.’ 

By teaching your child faith-based values like taqwa, ihsan, and rahmah, you are giving them powerful internal anchors to guide their speech. They learn that using respectful words is not just about avoiding trouble, but about pleasing Allah and living out the beautiful example of our faith.