Parenting Perspective 

When families and communities place an excessive focus on celebrating material success, such as high salaries or luxury possessions, children absorb the message that a person’s worth is tied only to their financial achievements. This can diminish the value of inner qualities like kindness and humility, leaving children with a very narrow and shallow view of what it means to be successful. 

Shaping a Shallow View of Achievement 

A child who is only praised for material or academic success learns to see life as a competition for status. This focus on external validation can prevent them from developing a strong internal moral compass, as they are taught to value what is seen by others over what is right. 

The Emotional Consequences for Children 

This environment can be harmful to a child’s emotional development. Those who cannot match the high standards of material success may feel inferior, no matter how kind or hardworking they are. Even children who do succeed may grow up with a fragile self-esteem, always needing the next achievement to feel a sense of validation. 

Creating Family and Social Strain 

Within families, siblings may feel overlooked if their unique talents are not as ‘materially impressive’ as those of another. This can cause resentment and distance. In social settings, children may form friendships based on status rather than sincerity, weakening their ability to build genuine, lasting bonds. 

Supporting Inner Growth and Balance 

Parents can protect their children from this harm by celebrating qualities beyond material success. Recognising and praising honesty, patience, and resilience reinforces the idea that inner worth is just as valuable as any outward achievement. Creating family traditions that honour good character helps children to develop a sense of balance and confidence, ensuring they feel loved for who they are, not just for what they achieve. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that while seeking lawful provision is encouraged, the true measure of a person’s success is their piety and the soundness of their heart. Over-celebrating worldly achievements can distract from this reality, leading both parents and children to forget what is truly valuable in the sight of Allah. 

A Quranic Reminder on Real Success 

The Quran reminds us that on the Day of Judgment, material success will be of no benefit. The only thing that will matter is the state of one’s heart. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Shua’raa (26), Verses 88-89: 

‘ On the Day when neither the wealth nor children of anyone will be of any benefit to them, except those who have been granted by Allah (Almighty) a balanced heart.‘ 

This verse teaches that inner purity and sincerity are what truly matter before Allah. 

The Prophetic Teaching on True Richness 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made it clear that the people most beloved to Allah are the humble and sincere, not the arrogant and proud. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2853, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Shall I not tell you about the people of Paradise? They are every humble and weak person who, if he were to swear by Allah, He would fulfil it for him. And the people of the Fire are every violent, arrogant, and proud person.’ 

This hadith shows that inner humility is valued by Allah, while arrogance linked to worldly pride leads to ruin. 

Parents can anchor their child’s identity in these timeless values by teaching them that Allah rewards sincerity and righteousness above all possessions. This grounding helps children to resist the pressures of material comparison, to grow secure in their inner worth, and to strive for a success that brings both worldly benefit and eternal reward.