Parenting Perspective 

Teach That True Beauty Comes from Within 

Protecting your daughter from beauty pressures involves helping her to develop a strong sense of self-worth and encouraging her to value her inner beauty over her external appearance. You can start by teaching her that true beauty comes from within and that her value is not determined by how she looks but by her character, her actions, and her faith. You might say, ‘You are beautiful just the way you are, and your worth is not based on how you look. What matters most is being kind, caring, and respectful.’ 

Build Confidence Beyond Appearance 

Encourage your daughter to engage in activities that help her to build her confidence and self-esteem, whether they are related to academics, sports, or hobbies. You should praise her for her qualities and abilities that go beyond her appearance. ‘I am so proud of how hard you worked on that project. Your creativity and your effort are what make you shine.’ This reinforces that her value lies in her talents and her character. 

Discuss Unrealistic Media Portrayals 

Discuss the unrealistic portrayals of beauty in the media and help her to understand that these images are often altered or are based on narrow standards that do not represent reality. ‘What we see in magazines or on TV does not show the full picture. Everyone has their own unique beauty, and we should appreciate and love who we are, inside and out.’ Finally, you can help your daughter to set healthy boundaries for her media consumption by encouraging her to follow positive role models who promote self-respect, confidence, and authenticity. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, beauty is seen as something that comes from within and is reflected through good character and actions. Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ahzaab (33), Verse 35: 

‘Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women; and the believing men and believing women… and the men who remember Allah (Almighty) excessively and women who also remember (Allah Almighty excessively); Allah (Almighty) has prepared for all of them redemption and a great reward.’ 

This verse highlights that true beauty and worth are based on one’s faith and righteous actions, not on one’s outward appearance. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught that true beauty lies in one’s character and the sincerity of one’s faith. 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 reminds us that beauty is reflected in kindness, respect, and good character, qualities that we should all strive to embody. By helping your daughter to understand that her beauty comes from her character, you are helping her to align with these Islamic values of inner beauty and self-worth.