What should I say when they are offered leaked answers before a test? 

Parenting Perspective 

Being offered leaked answers before a test is a sharp test of a child’s integrity, stirring up temptation and the fear of falling behind. This is a critical moment for character development. Your role is not simply to forbid cheating, but to help them understand why honesty is essential and that true success is earned through effort, not shortcuts. 

Start with Calm Curiosity, Not Accusation 

If your child mentions being offered answers, or if you suspect it has happened, begin the conversation with empathy, not anger. You could say, ‘That must have felt confusing. It is natural to want to do well on a test.’ By acknowledging the pressure they feel, you create a safe space for them to be honest with you. A harsh reaction will shut down communication, whereas a calm and curious approach builds trust. 

Explain What Integrity Protects 

Children often view cheating as a minor risk rather than a significant moral wound. Help them see the bigger picture by explaining what is truly at stake. You might say, ‘Dishonesty might get you a better mark, but it robs you of your confidence because you will stop believing in your own ability to succeed.’ Frame it positively by linking honesty to self-respect: ‘When you prepare honestly, the result is entirely yours to be proud of, no matter what it is.’ 

Practise a Refusal Script 

Equip your child with the words they need to refuse the offer without feeling embarrassed or alienating their peers. A refusal script can give them the confidence to stand firm. Practise a few simple and direct responses together at home: 

• ‘No thanks, I want to see what I can achieve on my own.’ 

• ‘That would not be fair to everyone else who has studied hard.’ 

• ‘I would rather not, it does not feel right to me.’ 

Having these phrases ready makes it much easier to respond well under real pressure. 

Reinforce That Effort Is What You Value 

Many children are tempted to cheat because they fear disappointing the adults in their lives. Make it clear that your pride in them is not based on their grades. Tell them directly, ‘I am proud of you when you try your best. Your honesty and effort are more important to me than your marks.’ When success is reframed as personal growth instead of just performance, the temptation to cheat becomes less powerful. 

Cultivate a Family Culture of Honesty 

Make honesty a visible and celebrated value in your home. This creates a strong family identity rooted in truthfulness. Share stories of people who chose the honest path under pressure, celebrate when family members admit to their mistakes, and discuss how sincerity is rewarded by Allah Almighty. When truth is a core part of your family’s culture, children are more likely to lean towards it in difficult moments. 

Spiritual Insight 

While cheating might feel like a private act, Islam teaches that integrity in secret is the essence of faith. Guiding your child through this challenge is an opportunity to teach them about taqwa, the consciousness that Allah Almighty is aware of every action and intention. 

Knowledge as a Sacred Trust 

The pursuit of knowledge is a trust from Allah, and it must be handled with honesty. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 42: 

‘And do not mix the truth with falsehood, and do not conceal the truth, and you are fully aware (of what you are doing).’ 

This verse teaches us that truth must be kept pure. You can explain to your child, ‘When you answer questions honestly, you are honouring the gift of knowledge that Allah has given you.’ This perspective helps shift their focus from competition to seeing their studies as an act of worship. 

Honesty as a Mark of Faith 

Dishonesty is described as a trait that is fundamentally opposed to the character of a believer. 

It is recorded in Sunan Nisai, Hadith 5023, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted, he betrays that trust.’ 

This hadith shows that dishonesty damages faith. You can gently explain, ‘When we are dishonest, even in a small way, we betray a trust. But when we choose to be truthful, Allah strengthens our hearts.’ Encourage them to begin their studies by saying Bismillah and to make a prayer such as, ‘O Allah, please grant me success that comes from my own honest effort.’ 

When a child learns that honouring the truth brings inner peace and pleases Allah, the allure of a dishonest advantage diminishes. Every test then becomes an opportunity not just to demonstrate knowledge, but to practise sincerity and build a character of lasting faith.