Parenting Perspective 

Even a small and seemingly insignificant incident, such as accidentally bumping into someone in public, is a valuable opportunity to teach your child the importance of manners, humility, and responsibility. How you guide them in these brief moments will influence whether they grow up to be thoughtful and respectful adults. Apologising to strangers is not just about politeness; it is about instilling empathy, showing consideration for others, and building social confidence. 

Model and Practise Respectful Behaviour 

Children naturally copy what they see. If you instinctively apologise when you accidentally get in someone’s way, your child will learn that this is the normal and correct thing to do. In the moment, you can model the behaviour by calmly saying “Sorry about that” yourself, then gently encourage your child to repeat the words. At home, you can also role-play different situations where one person accidentally bumps into another, practising simple phrases like “I am sorry” or “Excuse me.” By rehearsing in a safe and playful environment, you prepare your child to act confidently and sincerely in real-life situations. 

Use Simple Language to Build Empathy 

Younger children can sometimes feel shy or intimidated about speaking to strangers, so it is helpful to provide them with short, age-appropriate scripts. Teach them that saying ‘sorry’ is not about being weak, but is instead about caring for the other person’s comfort and feelings. After they have offered an apology, you can point out the positive reaction: “Did you see how that person smiled when you said you were sorry? Your kind words made them feel better.” This helps your child to connect the act of apologising with kindness, making them more willing to do it again in the future. 

By modelling respectful behaviour, practising at home, and reinforcing the positive impact of their words, you can guide your child to see that offering an apology is a natural part of empathy and social responsibility. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam emphasises the importance of humility and good character in every interaction we have, even with those we do not know. The simple act of apologising for a small mistake, such as bumping into someone, is a practical way of living with respect and compassion. Teaching our children to carry this awareness into their public lives strengthens both their manners and their faith. 

Humility as a Daily Act of Worship 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Luqman (31), Verses 18: 

‘And do not turn your cheek from people (in pride and contempt), and do not walk on the Earth in self-glory; indeed, Allah (Almighty) does not love those (people who believe in) self-aggrandizement and boasting.’ 

This verse reminds us that we must treat all people with respect, showing humility instead of arrogance in all of our interactions, no matter how minor they may seem. A simple and sincere apology is one way of putting this beautiful command into practice. 

The Lasting Value of Good Character in Islam 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2003, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Nothing is heavier on the Scale of Deeds than good character.’ 

This teaches us that small, everyday acts of courtesy, such as apologising for bumping into someone, are not insignificant in the sight of Allah Almighty. In fact, these acts of good character carry immense reward. 

By teaching your child to apologise to strangers with sincerity, you are nurturing the core qualities of humility, respect, and good manners. These small, everyday courtesies can develop into lifelong habits, reflecting both a child’s emotional maturity and the timeless Islamic values of compassion and dignity.