Parenting Perspective 

When your child shares that a teacher has spoken negatively about Islam, it can stir feelings of instant anger and protectiveness in a parent’s heart. Yet, how you handle this moment will teach your child far more than the comment itself. Your calmness in this situation is not a sign of weakness; it is a powerful demonstration that faith provides balance, not volatility. 

First, Tend to Your Child’s Emotions 

Your child may be feeling humiliated, confused, or even ashamed. Before you begin to discuss the details of the incident, your first priority must be to validate their feelings. A simple, sincere statement like, ‘That must have been deeply upsetting to hear. Thank you for being brave enough to tell me,’ gives them a safe space to process their hurt without fear of being dismissed. This is about emotional safety first. 

Model Calmness Over Anger 

Children often mirror their parents’ emotions. If you react with an explosion of anger, they may either retreat into silence in the future or learn to associate their faith with conflict. Instead, consciously slow your tone and remind yourself that your goal is to teach resilience, not reaction. A calm response does not deny the injustice; it simply frames a wiser way forward. 

Analyse the Situation Together 

Guide your child to reflect on the situation with a clear mind. Was the teacher’s comment born of ignorance, a careless attempt at humour, or deliberate bias? Helping them to distinguish between these possibilities fosters critical thinking and emotional intelligence. Sometimes, people are simply uninformed rather than malicious, and this nuance equips your child to face future situations without assuming hostility everywhere. 

Plan the Next Step Together 

Show your child that you take this matter seriously, but be sure to include them in deciding how to proceed. Perhaps the best course of action is writing a respectful note to the teacher, requesting a meeting, or simply preparing your child with dignified responses for the future. When your child is part of the decision, they feel empowered rather than sidelined. A great tool is to practise one calm, dignified sentence they could use, such as: ‘I respect your view, but my understanding as a Muslim is different.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

The noble Quran consistently guides believers to handle offence with composure and grace, teaching that true dignity lies in a measured response, not in matching the hostility of others. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verse 134: 

‘…They suppress their anger; and are forgiving to people; and Allah (Almighty) loves those who are benevolent.’ 

This verse reminds us that restraining anger is not a sign of weakness but of immense spiritual strength. By embodying this calmness, you show your child that their dignity is never diminished by another person’s words; it is only elevated by their own patience. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2609a, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong man is not the one who throws others down, but the strong man is the one who controls himself when he is angry.’ 

Sharing this hadith with your child powerfully reframes the meaning of strength. It is not found in loud retaliation, but in the quiet mastery of one’s own emotions. When they see that their composure aligns them with the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, their pain can be transformed into resilience. 

By addressing their feelings with empathy, helping them to interpret the situation wisely, and showing them that calmness is itself an act of faith, you teach your child an invaluable lesson: their dignity cannot be taken away by another’s careless words. Rather, it shines most brightly when their faith steadies their heart in a moment of trial.