How can I reinforce respect as part of iman? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children often see respect as just ‘good manners’, but in Islam, it is something much deeper; it is directly tied to a person’s iman (faith). When you reinforce respect as a reflection of faith, your child can begin to see politeness not just as a rule to please their parents, but as an act of worship that pleases Allah. This shift in perspective helps to build a long-term, internal motivation to be respectful. 

Connect Respect to Faith Regularly 

You can say, ‘Speaking to others kindly is not just good behaviour; it is a part of our faith.’ Regularly linking everyday manners with their iman helps your child to see respect as a spiritual quality, not just a social one. 

Highlight Respect in Small Acts 

When your child greets someone politely, thanks you for something, or softens their tone when they are upset, you can praise them by saying, ‘That was beautiful adab. That is a sign of your iman.’ This kind of praise, tied directly to faith, makes the act of being respectful feel valuable beyond simple family approval. 

Remind Them of Divine Accountability 

Gently explain to your child that every word we speak is recorded by the angels. A simple line like, ‘Our iman shows in how we speak to others, even when we are at home,’ can encourage a greater sense of mindfulness in their daily speech. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that a person’s outward conduct is a direct reflection of their inner faith. Good character, which is founded on respect for others, is not separate from belief but is an essential part of it. 

Nobility Through Righteousness 

The Quran reminds us that a person’s true dignity and nobility in the sight of Allah is measured not by their worldly status, but by their taqwa (God-consciousness), which is shown in their words, tone, and overall conduct. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verses 13: 

‘…Indeed, the best of you in the judgement of Allah (Almighty) is the one who is most virtuous…’ 

Modesty as a Branch of Faith 

The prophetic tradition teaches that respectful and modest behaviour is not an optional extra for a believer, but is an essential and inseparable branch of iman itself. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 35, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Faith has over seventy branches, and modesty is a branch of faith.’ 

By reinforcing respect as a branch of iman, you are helping your child to see that their faith is not only about prayer and rituals but is also about their daily character. They learn that every kind word and respectful response is a reflection of their closeness to Allah and strengthens their faith in action.