How can I help my child make good Muslim friends outside school? 

Parenting Perspective 

Utilising Your Local Community 

When teaching your child at home, you may find you need to go the extra mile to help them build healthy, meaningful friendships, especially with other Muslim children who share their values. Start by looking closely at your local community: does your masjid offer children’s classes, youth groups, or family events? These are natural spaces for your child to meet peers with a shared understanding of faith and good character. 

Setting Up Your Own Gatherings 

If there are few organised activities nearby, think about setting up something small yourself, a picnic, an Islamic story circle, or a simple craft afternoon with one or two trusted families. Look for extracurricular clubs that match your child’s interests but be mindful that the environment supports the Islamic behaviour and manners you want to nurture at home. 

Discussing the Qualities of a Good Friend 

Talk openly with your child about what it means to be a good friend, being kind, honest, loyal, and understanding towards others. Celebrate small steps: praise them when they help a friend, stand up for someone, or show patience. If you notice friendships that do not feel healthy, guide them gently with real-life examples. 

These early relationships help your child feel grounded and connected within good company, even without daily playground chatter. Over time, they learn that true friendship is not about numbers but about trust, shared values, and kindness, a lesson that will strengthen their confidence and sense of belonging, InshaAllah. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, righteous friends are described as a shield for our Iman, especially during childhood when a child’s heart is so open to influence. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqan (25), Verse 27–28: 

‘The Day when the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, “Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way. Woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend.” ‘

This powerful Ayah shows how deeply friendships shape our character and choices. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2378, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘A man follows the religion of his friend; so, each one should consider whom he makes his friend. ‘

This Hadith Shareef is a gentle reminder for parents to help children choose friends who uplift, not misguide. Make Dua that Allah Almighty surrounds your child with companions who strengthen their faith and character. Be proactive in planting these seeds: support your child’s efforts to be friendly and trustworthy themselves, as they too will attract good company by living these values. Trust that each good friendship your child builds is a blessing that can protect them for years to come.