Parenting Perspective 

Respond Calmly, Not with Shame 

Children can react with discomfort when they encounter behaviour that seems unfamiliar, whether it stems from a different culture or a neurodiverse trait. It is important to respond calmly and without shame. You can say, ‘I can see that this seems different to you, but being different is not the same as being wrong.’ Explain that everyone has a unique way of being, and our job is to treat them with kindness, even if we do not fully understand. 

Build Empathy Through Guidance 

Use examples your child can relate to: ‘Remember how you sometimes like to do things in your own special way? Your friend has their own way too.’ Encourage them to approach the situation with gentle curiosity instead of judgment. Praising respectful behaviour, such as when they show patience or acceptance, is also crucial. These small reinforcements help to build genuine empathy and reduce their resistance to what is unfamiliar. 

An Opportunity to Practise Kindness 

By approaching differences as opportunities to practise kindness, you help your child develop compassion and adaptability in diverse friendships. This builds their character and strengthens their relationships. 

Spiritual Insight 

Diversity is a Sign of Allah 

Islam teaches that the diversity within creation is a sign of Allah’s wisdom and power. The Quran explicitly mentions the differences in our languages and colours as something for people of knowledge to reflect upon. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Rome(30), Verse 22: 

‘And amongst His Signs (of the infinite truth) are that He (Allah Almighty) created the layers of trans-universal existence and the Earth; and (designed) diversity of your languages and your (skin) colours; indeed, in this there are (logical and rational) Signs for those who are imbued with knowledge.’ 

A Muslim is a Source of Safety 

The prophetic tradition defines a Muslim as someone from whom others are safe. This means our words and actions should be a source of comfort and security for everyone, including those whose behaviour may be different from our own. 

It is recorded in Sunan Nisai, 4995, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

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

Respecting Differences is Part of Faith 

When you teach your child that respecting differences is a part of our faith, they learn to see diversity not as something strange or threatening, but as a blessing from Allah. This perspective nurtures empathy, broadens their horizons, and strengthens their Islamic character.