Parenting Perspective 

Islam’s Guidance Comes First 

Helping your child to understand the difference between cultural expectations and Islamic principles involves teaching them to distinguish between practices that align with Islam and those that are shaped by local culture and tradition. You can start by explaining that while culture can influence how people live, the values that guide our behaviour come from Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. You could say, ‘In Islam, what matters most is following the guidance of Allah and the Prophet ﷺ, even if others around us might do things differently.’ 

Islam is Universal 

It is important to reinforce that Islam is universal and is not tied to any specific culture. ‘Islam is for all people, everywhere, and it is not limited to a certain way of life or specific customs. The most important thing is that we live by the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, not just by what others around us may do.’ 

Respect Others, Stay True to Faith 

Help your child to appreciate the beauty of Islamic principles and encourage them to respect the cultures of others while staying true to their faith. This also means teaching them to be respectful and understanding when they encounter cultural practices that are different from their own. ‘It is okay to appreciate and to respect other cultures, but we must always remember what Islam teaches us and stay true to its principles.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, the teachings of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ take precedence over cultural norms. Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 13: 

‘O mankind, indeed, We (Allah Almighty) have created you all from one man and one woman; and placed you amongst various nations and tribes for your introduction to each other; indeed, the best of you in the judgement of Allah (Almighty) is the one who is most virtuous; indeed, Allah (Almighty) is the Omniscient, the all Cognisant.’ 

This verse emphasises that Islam transcends cultural boundaries and teaches us that our worth in the sight of Allah is based on our righteousness, not our cultural background. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasised the universality of Islam. 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 reinforces that moral and spiritual excellence, as taught in Islam, is the foundation of a good life, regardless of cultural practices. By teaching your child the difference between cultural expectations and Islamic principles, you are helping them to navigate their identity and to remain steadfast in their faith.