Parenting Perspective 

Children and teenagers who practise modesty or observe their prayers in school environments may sometimes face teasing, intrusive questions, or subtle exclusion from their peers. These moments can make them feel torn between their faith and their desire to fit in. By helping them to prepare their responses, both verbal and emotional, you can build their resilience and protect their confidence. 

Acknowledge and Normalise Their Feelings 

It is important to start by acknowledging the discomfort of their situation. You could say, ‘It can feel awkward or unfair when other people tease you for something that is so important to you.’ Validating their emotions reassures your child that they are not overreacting and that their feelings are understood. 

Equip Them with Simple, Calm Responses 

You can coach your child with short and confident lines that they can use without sounding defensive. 

‘This is a part of my faith, and I am proud of it.’ 

‘I pray because it brings me a sense of peace.’ 

‘This is my personal choice, and it matters to me.’ 

It is a good idea to role-play these scenarios at home so that these replies can come to them more naturally when they are needed. 

Teach Them When Not to Respond 

Not every comment or act of teasing deserves a response. Sometimes, walking away or offering a calm smile is the most powerful reply. You can teach your child that their dignity does not depend on winning every argument or justifying their choices to others. 

Help Them Build a Supportive Network 

Encourage your child to spend time with friends who respect their identity and their choices. Having even one or two supportive allies can help to protect them against the sting of teasing. Where it is possible, it can also be helpful to communicate with their teachers so that the school environment is one that encourages respect for religious practice. 

By combining validation, prepared scripts, and community support, you can help your children to learn that practising their faith is a source of dignity, not shame, even in the face of mockery. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Islamic tradition teaches that a believer’s honour comes from their relationship with God, not from the approval of others. Responding to ignorance with patience and dignity is considered a sign of true spiritual strength. 

Responding to Ignorance with Peace 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 63: 

‘And the true servants of the One Who is Most Beneficent are those who wander around the Earth with humility; and when they are addressed by the ignorant people, they say: “Peace be unto you”.’ 

This verse reminds us that responding to ignorance with a calm dignity is a reflection of true strength and a sign of closeness to Allah. 

The Honour of Being a ‘Stranger’ 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3986, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Islam began as something strange and will return to being strange as it began, so glad tidings to the strangers.’ 

This hadith teaches us that being different because of our faith is not a weakness; it is a source of immense divine honour and reward. 

By teaching your children to meet teasing with confidence, patience, and dignity, you are preparing them to live their faith with a sense of pride. They will grow up knowing that every time they stand firm in their commitment to modesty or to Salah, they are drawing closer to Allah Almighty and embodying the noble example of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.