Parenting Perspective 

When children overhear their peers gossiping about their parents’ jobs, whether it involves mocking a modest profession or glorifying a high-paying one, it can profoundly affect their sense of family identity. A child’s parents are their first and most important source of pride, so any gossip that belittles their work can cause a deep and personal wound to a child’s dignity. 

The Damage to a Child’s Self-Esteem 

A child may feel embarrassed or inferior if their parents’ jobs are discussed in a negative light. They can easily internalise this gossip, wrongly believing that their family’s value is tied to social status or income. This can harm their confidence and their pride in who they are. 

The Risk of Resentment and Conflict 

This kind of peer gossip can create several problems. 

• Some children may begin to resent their parents for not having more ‘impressive’ jobs, creating unnecessary strain at home. 

• Others might withdraw from their friends or avoid talking about their family to escape being judged. 

• In some cases, a child may even feel pressured to lie about their parents’ work, which can weaken trust and openness within the family. 

How to Support a Child’s Pride in Their Family 

Parents can protect their children from the hurt of such gossip. 

• Reassure them that every halal job carries dignity and provides a valuable service to society. 

• Teach them that gossip is often based on arrogance or ignorance, not on the truth. 

• Share stories about how your work contributes in a meaningful way, whatever the role may be. 

• Model confidence and gratitude for your own work, showing them that honour comes from effort and honesty, not from a job title. 

This helps children to maintain pride in their family and builds their resilience against the judgment of others. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that all forms of honest work undertaken to provide for one’s family are considered noble in the sight of Allah. Gossip that mocks another person’s livelihood is strongly condemned, as it is an act that fosters arrogance in the speaker and seeks to humiliate others. 

The Inherent Dignity of Honest Work 

The Quran affirms that seeking lawful provision is an honourable act, directly connected to seeking the blessings of Allah. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Jumu’ah (62), Verse 10: 

‘ Then when the prayer has concluded, then dispersed on the Earth and seek the benefaction of Allah (Almighty); and remember Allah (Almighty) excessively so that you may be victorious.‘ 

This verse frames the act of working as a way of seeking the bounty of Allah, giving it immense dignity. 

The Prophetic Example of Earning a Livelihood 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that earning an honest living is a noble act, so much so that it was the practice of the Prophets. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2072, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘No one ever ate food better than that which he earned with the work of his own hands. The Prophet of Allah, Dawud (peace be upon him), used to eat from the earnings of his own labour.’ 

This hadith highlights that all halal labour carries honour and is among the best of deeds. 

By connecting their family’s work to the Islamic teachings on honour and provision, parents can help their children rise above peer gossip. This teaches them to feel gratitude and pride in an honest living, shaping their identity around the values of sincerity and trust in Allah, rather than around society’s shallow judgments.