Parenting Perspective 

Teach Polite Curiosity, Not Judgment 

When children encounter friends with different traditions, their natural curiosity can sometimes sound like judgment. It is important to teach them that kindness and respect must always come first. You can guide them to express their curiosity in a polite way by replacing judgment with questions. For example, instead of saying, ‘That’s a strange thing to do,’ they could ask, ‘That’s interesting, could you tell me more about it?’ Role-playing these conversations at home can help them to feel more confident. 

Emphasise Shared Values 

Encourage your child to look for shared human values, such as kindness and honesty, that connect them with their friends, despite any differences in tradition. At the same time, you can remind them that while we respect the ways of others, we remain firm in our own beliefs. It is crucial to praise your child when you see them showing respect, as this reinforces that kindness strengthens friendships without compromising one’s own identity. 

Interact with Kindness 

By preparing your child with practical language and modelling respect yourself, you give them the tools to interact with kindness and confidence in diverse environments. This teaches them that diversity is part of life, and respect is the foundation of all good relationships. 

Spiritual Insight 

Argue in a Way That is Best 

Islam teaches us to engage with people of other faiths with wisdom and respect. The Quran provides a clear guideline for dialogue, reminding us to use the best of manners and to focus on the common ground of belief in one God. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ankaboot (29), Verse 46: 

‘And do not debate with the People of the Book, except in an equitable manner; except for those amongst them who are imbued in the darkness (of ignorance and immorality); and say to them: “We believe in that which has been revealed upon us (Quran) and revealed upon you (Torah, Psalms and Injeel); and our Lord and your Lord is One and Only; and it is for Him (Allah Almighty) that we have become Muslims”.‘ 

A Muslim is a Source of Safety 

The prophetic tradition gives a simple yet profound measure of a Muslim’s character: they are a source of safety for others. This means that our words and actions should never be a cause of harm or hurt to anyone, regardless of their background. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 10, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand people are safe.’ 

Kindness is a Sign of Strength 

When you explain to your child that respecting the beliefs of others is a part of good Islamic manners, they learn that kindness is a sign of strength, not weakness. This nurtures confidence in their own deen while also building their capacity for compassion, respect, and wisdom in all their relationships.