Parenting Perspective 

Teach Them to Read Emotional Cues 

Children are often unaware of how their actions affect others. To help build this awareness, you can start by teaching them to read simple emotional cues, like a person’s facial expression or tone of voice. After a playdate, you could ask a gentle question: ‘Did you notice that your friend seemed a little quiet after you grabbed that toy?’ This helps them to connect their own actions with the feelings of others. 

Practise Empathy Through Reflection 

You can practise empathy through role-play at home. You might pretend to be upset by something small and then ask your child, ‘How do you think that made me feel?’ This encourages them to think before they act. It is also vital to praise them when you see them showing awareness in real life: ‘I saw that you noticed your friend was sad and you asked if they were okay. That was very thoughtful of you.’ 

Be More Considerate in Friendships 

By consistently helping your child to notice, reflect, and practise empathy, you guide them towards being more considerate in their friendships. This positive reinforcement teaches them that caring for others’ feelings is just as important as having fun. 

Spiritual Insight 

Preserving Relationships is an Act of Faith 

Islam places great importance on maintaining peace and brotherhood between believers. The Quran reminds us that we should actively avoid causing hurt and work to heal divisions, as this is an act of faith that invites mercy from Allah. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 10: 

‘Indeed, the believers are brothers (to each other); so, make peace with your brothers; and seek piety from Allah (Almighty) so that you may receive His Mercy.‘ 

Be Beneficial to Others 

The prophetic tradition teaches that the most beloved of people to Allah are those who bring the most benefit to others. Being sensitive to the feelings of our friends and avoiding causing them pain is a beautiful and simple way to live this teaching. 

It is recorded in Sunan Nisai, 5379, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.’ 

Empathy as an Islamic Value 

When your child understands that caring for a friend’s feelings is not just a social skill but a core Islamic value, they begin to see empathy as a part of their deen. This helps them to build friendships rooted in genuine respect and to grow into compassionate believers who are careful with the hearts of others.