Parenting Perspective 

Address the Situation Calmly 

If your child takes something from a shop, it is crucial to address the situation immediately and calmly, focusing on teaching the value of honesty, accountability, and making amends. Start by asking your child what happened and gently encourage them to admit what they did. You could say, ‘I see you have something that was not paid for. Can you tell me why you took it?’ This approach helps your child to feel less defensive and more willing to take responsibility for their actions. 

Explain Why Stealing is Unacceptable 

Once your child admits to taking something, you can explain why stealing, even small items, is not acceptable. Teach them that honesty and respect for other people’s property are fundamental values. For example, ‘Taking something without paying for it is stealing, and it is wrong because it hurts others and breaks their trust.’ Help them to understand that taking something without permission, no matter how small, causes harm and creates problems. 

Guide Them to Make Amends 

Encourage your child to apologise and to return the item to the shop, explaining that making things right is an essential part of taking responsibility. You can guide them by saying, ‘It is important to apologise to the shopkeeper and to return the item. That is the right thing to do when we make a mistake.’ Praise your child when they follow through with making amends, as this reinforces the idea that honesty and taking responsibility are the right course of action. 

Additionally, you should set clear rules for what is acceptable behaviour when out in public and teach your child to ask before taking anything. This helps them to develop better decision-making skills and to avoid future mistakes. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, honesty and respect for others’ property are highly emphasised. Allah Almighty warns us in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 188: 

‘And do not consume each other’s wealth inequitably or present it (as a bribe) to the sovereign ruler, so that (the sovereign ruler may aid you) in consuming (further) wealth of the people inequitably, whilst you are fully aware (of your wrongful actions).’ 

This verse highlights the importance of respecting others’ belongings and ensuring that we are honest in all our dealings. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught the importance of honesty. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3587, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best of you are those who are the best to their families.’ 

This Hadith emphasises that good character, including honesty and integrity, should be exhibited in all areas of life. By teaching your child to be honest and to make amends when they make a mistake, you are helping them to live in accordance with the values of Islam, promoting trust and respect in their relationships.