Parenting Perspective 

Children often assume that saying ‘sorry’ makes them look weak or guilty, but in reality, it takes a great deal of courage and maturity to admit one’s mistakes. Teaching them that a sincere apology is a sign of inner strength helps them to connect it not only to good character but also directly to their faith. In Islam, true strength lies in humility, patience, and the desire to repair harm, not in stubborn pride. 

Teach That Admitting Mistakes Takes Courage 

Explain to your child that apologising is an act of bravery. You could say, “Anyone can try to hide a mistake, but it takes a person with real strength to be able to admit it and try to fix it.” This helps them to see the act of apologising as a courageous choice, rather than a moment of weakness. 

Link the Apology to Faith in Action 

Let your child know that every time they offer a sincere apology, they are practising a beautiful act of worship. This is because Allah Almighty loves the qualities of humility and reconciliation. When they understand this, saying sorry is no longer just about other people; it becomes about earning the pleasure and reward of Allah. 

Use Praise to Connect Apology with Honour 

When you see your child admit a mistake and apologise, praise their character and their faith. You might say, “That was a very strong thing to do. It shows that you care about others and that you are growing in your faith.” This kind of positive reinforcement helps them to connect the act of apologising with a sense of honour. 

Model Apology as a Confident Act of Strength 

When you need to apologise for your own mistakes, do so openly and with confidence, not with shame. A simple and sincere, “I am sorry, I was wrong,” shows your child that offering an apology does not reduce a person’s respect, but actually increases it. 

By teaching your child that an apology is both an act of strength and an expression of faith in action, you can help them to grow in confidence, humility, and personal responsibility. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, the true strength of a believer is measured not by their ego or stubbornness, but by their humility, patience, and honesty. Offering a sincere apology is a profound act of strength because it brings people’s hearts together and earns the pleasure of Allah Almighty. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Shuraa (42), Verses 43: 

‘And for the person who is patient and forgiving, indeed, (these acts are derived from) higher moral determination.’ 

This verse reminds us that the acts of forgiveness and humility require true determination and resolve, which are clear signs of strength in one’s faith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught that maintaining relationships is a sign of a strong believer. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1935, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Do not hate one another, and do not turn away from one another, but rather be servants of Allah as brothers. It is not lawful for a Muslim to forsake his brother for more than three days.’ 

This teaches us that actively working to keep relationships strong, which includes offering apologies and granting forgiveness, is a vital part of having true strength in our faith. By showing your child that an apology is a form of courage that is praised in Islam, you help them to see it as both a personal strength and a beautiful expression of their faith. They learn from your example that saying sorry is not about losing; it is about winning dignity, peace, and the pleasure of Allah Almighty.