How to Model a Healthy, Faith-Centred Image of Manhood 

Parenting Perspective 

Your daughter’s understanding of manhood will be shaped less by what the world says and more by what she consistently witnesses at home. Children observe daily behaviour far more than they internalise lectures or slogans. For your daughter, a healthy image of masculinity will not come from debates about ‘toxic’ behaviour, but from seeing you embody balance, strength, and mercy in your own life. 

Start by showing her that authority and gentleness are not opposites. When you guide her with firmness, let it be through respect, not intimidation. When you show affection, let it be steady and sincere. In practical terms, this means keeping your word, handling disagreements calmly, and being present in small daily interactions, not only in moments of discipline. 

How You Treat Women 

It is also important for her to see how you treat women in your family. How you speak to her mother, sisters, or elders sets the foundation for what she will consider respectful manhood. If she sees you honouring women, listening to them, and treating them with dignity, she will learn that real strength includes humility. 

Balance is Key 

Balance is the essential component here. If you are always distant, she may think men must be cold. If you are always indulgent, she may think leadership means avoiding responsibility. What matters is demonstrating that true manhood is reliable, responsible, and rooted in mercy. By modelling this balance consistently, you give her a framework far healthier than any cultural label she may hear. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Qalam (68), verse 4: 

‘And indeed, you (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) innately possess characteristics that are the greatest (example).’ 

This Verse refers to the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, whose character is the ultimate model for all believers. His leadership was not defined by harshness, but by justice, patience, and compassion. For a father, this means that the best way to show healthy manhood is to emulate the Prophet’s ﷺ balance of strength and gentleness. 

The Prophetic Model: The Best of You 

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

‘The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the best character, and the best of you are those who are best to their women.’ 

[Jami al-Tirmidhi,12:17] 

This hadith links faith, character, and treatment of women directly to manhood. A father who is merciful and respectful is not weak, but among the best of believers. 

Therefore, when you show your daughter that manhood means being trustworthy, kind, firm in values, and merciful in dealings, you are giving her a faith-centred model of masculinity. You do not need to compete with cultural narratives. By living the prophetic example in your home, you show her that true manhood is defined by moral character and mercy, not dominance or detachment.