Parenting Perspective 

Crying is a Sign of Strength 

Helping your son to see crying as a healthy act involves reshaping the way he views vulnerability and emotions. You can start by acknowledging that crying is a natural part of life and a healthy way to express feelings. You might say, ‘Crying is a normal way to release emotions like sadness or frustration, and it does not make you weak. In fact, it is a sign of strength to express how you feel, rather than holding it all inside.’ 

Use the Prophetic Example 

Encourage your son to talk about his emotions openly, whether he is feeling sad, frustrated, or happy. You can use Islamic teachings to reinforce that being emotionally open is not a sign of weakness. Share stories from the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who showed his emotions, such as when he mourned the death of his son, Ibrahim. ‘The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ showed love and sorrow for his family. He even cried when his son passed away, showing that emotions are a natural part of life.’ 

Reinforce That Crying is Healthy 

It is important to reinforce the idea that crying is not a weakness, but rather a healthy way to deal with one’s feelings. ‘When you cry, you are letting out what you are feeling inside. This helps you to feel better and to move forward.’ By praising him when he shares his feelings, you reinforce that being emotionally open is a sign of emotional maturity. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, crying and expressing emotions are viewed as part of the natural human experience. Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 109: 

‘And they fall on their faces, weeping, as this increases their humility…’ 

This verse shows that crying can be an expression of humility and emotional release, not of weakness. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also exemplified emotional openness. He cried over the death of his son, Ibrahim, showing that it is normal for even the most noble of individuals to express their emotions. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3587, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘The best of you are those who are the best to their families.’ 

This Hadith highlights that true strength is shown through emotional maturity, humility, and the way we express our feelings with kindness and respect. Teaching your son that crying is healthy aligns with these Islamic values of emotional strength and compassion.