What do I say if they want to re-use an older sibling’s assignment? 

Parenting Perspective 

When your child asks to use an older sibling’s assignment, it can seem like a harmless shortcut, but it presents an important moment to teach academic integrity and self-respect. This temptation often comes from a fear of failure or a simple desire to save time, not from defiance. Your role is to shift the conversation from what is easiest to what is honest. 

Begin with Understanding, Then Redirect 

Acknowledge the logic behind their request before you set the boundary. You could say, ‘I understand that it seems much easier to use your brother’s work, but that would be his learning, not yours.’ By validating their impulse, you keep them open to your guidance. Then, you can calmly add, ‘Schoolwork is not just about getting it finished; it is about showing what you have learned.’ This simple distinction reframes the issue from one of obedience to one of personal growth. 

Explain Why Reuse Is Misrepresentation 

Children often assume that because a sibling did the work, it can be treated as ‘family property’. Gently clarify that every assignment is a personal record of an individual’s learning. You might use an analogy: ‘It is fine to read your brother’s old essay to get ideas, but submitting it as your own would be like wearing his name badge on your uniform. It might look correct, but it belongs to someone else.’ This imagery helps them to grasp the ethical line between inspiration and duplication. 

Offer Safe Ways to Learn from Old Work 

Encourage your child to use their sibling’s assignment as a guide, not a template. You can prompt them with questions that encourage learning through observation. 

• Ask: ‘What do you notice about how they structured their argument?’ 

• Challenge: ‘Can you write your own version but include one better example?’ 

This approach respects their autonomy while still allowing them to benefit from the existing work. 

Set Clear, Kind Boundaries 

State the rule plainly and without anger: ‘You are welcome to look at it for ideas, but you must write your own from scratch.’ Explain that honesty in these small matters builds the trust that teachers and others have in them, which is far more valuable than any single grade. If they do copy, the consequence should be to redo the task honestly rather than a harsh punishment. The goal is reform, not humiliation. 

Link Integrity to Confidence 

Help your child find pride in their own efforts. Tell them, ‘When you complete your own work, even if it is not perfect, it belongs completely to you. You can be proud of what you know and what you have accomplished.’ When they see that your pride is in their sincerity, not in borrowed success, they will begin to take ownership of their learning. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam treats honesty in all matters, whether big or small, as a sacred duty. Submitting another person’s work as one’s own, even a family member’s, blurs the line between truth and deceit. Guiding your child to resist this temptation helps to nurture sidq (truthfulness) and amanah (trustworthiness), which are the foundations of a believer’s character. 

Sincerity Over Imitation 

The Quran teaches that sincere devotion is what is valued by Allah, not outward appearances or imitation. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Zumar (39), Verse 3: 

‘Unquestionably, the pathway of life which leads to Allah (Almighty) is perfect; and those people that adopt a patron instead of Him (say): “We do not worship them (the idols) except that they may bring us closer to Allah (Almighty), with His compassion; indeed, Allah (Almighty) shall judge between them on matters in which they disputed; indeed, Allah (Almighty) does not guide those who are liars and extremists in disbelief”.’ 

This verse reminds us that ikhlas (sincerity) is more important than presenting a flawless but dishonest piece of work. You can tell your child, ‘Allah values your honest effort, even if it is small, more than He values borrowed perfection.’ This links their academic honesty directly to their worship. 

Accountability for One’s Own Deeds 

Islam teaches that every individual will be held accountable for their own actions, especially concerning how they used the knowledge they were given. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 407, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The feet of a servant will not move on the Day of Resurrection until he is asked about his life  how he spent it, his knowledge what he did with it, his wealth how he earned it and spent it, and his body how he used it.’ 

This hadith is a powerful reminder of personal responsibility. Remind your child, ‘Your assignment is a small part of how you are using your knowledge, and that is something you will answer for before Allah. No one else can stand in for you.’ This helps them to see their schoolwork not as a competition, but as preparation for ultimate accountability.