Parenting Perspective 

Amanah is an Arabic word that means trust; it refers to something that is entrusted to us by Allah Almighty and must be cared for with sincerity and responsibility. If children grow up seeing the parent-child bond as merely a biological or social connection, they may miss the sacred weight that lies behind it. Parents can model and explain that the love between them is more than natural affection; it is a trust placed in them by Allah, and fulfilling it is a way of earning His pleasure. By shaping daily words and actions around this truth, children can begin to understand that their family bond is a spiritual responsibility, not just a worldly one. 

Speak of the Bond as a Gift and a Trust 

It is important to name the concept directly so that the idea can be planted in your child’s heart. You could say, “Allah Almighty trusted me with you as an amanah. That means I must do my best to love, guide, and protect you for His sake.” 

Use Rituals to Reinforce the Sacred Message 

During quiet moments, such as at bedtime or after praying together, you can whisper a small prayer like, “I ask Allah Almighty to help me care for this beautiful amanah.” When children hear their relationship with you being described in this sacred way, they begin to internalise its importance. 

Demonstrate Accountability in Your Actions 

Let your children see you making dua for your role as a parent. A simple prayer like, “Ya Allah, please help me to raise this amanah with kindness and patience,” models humility and shows them that you do not take this sacred bond lightly. 

Teach a Sense of Mutual Responsibility 

You can explain to your child, “Just as I must care for you as an amanah, you must also try your best to treat me with the respect that Allah Almighty commands.” This helps to create a shared understanding that both the parent and the child have a duty to honour the trust that Allah has placed between them. 

Repair Conflicts Through the Lens of Amanah 

After a conflict or a moment of discipline, you can reconnect with your child by saying, “Even when we have a difficult moment, you are still my amanah from Allah. I will never stop caring for you.” This reassures them that the sacred trust between you is never broken. 

When the relationship is framed in this beautiful way, children learn that their family ties are not random but are in fact a sacred assignment, one that transforms the acts of love, respect, and mercy into a profound form of worship. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that our families are one of the most important trusts given to us by Allah. How we care for them is a direct reflection of our faith and a measure of our character. 

The Quran on Protecting Trusts 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verses 58: 

‘Indeed, Allah (Almighty) commands you to execute all trusts to their rightful owners; and when you (are asked to) judge between people, that you should judge with justice…’ 

This verse reminds us that fulfilling an amanah is a central command in our faith. Parents who see their bond with their children as a trust from Allah will naturally handle that relationship with greater mercy, fairness, and accountability. 

The Hadith on Responsibility as a Shepherd 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1829, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects. A man is the guardian of his family and he is responsible for them.’ 

This Hadith places the act of parenting squarely within the concept of amanah. By teaching children that your care for them is part of your accountability to Allah, you help them to see your shared bond as something truly sacred. This awareness nurtures within them a sense of gratitude, respect, and a shared feeling of responsibility that is rooted in faith.