Parenting Perspective 

Demonstrate Sharing in Everyday Life 

Children learn most effectively through imitation. When parents share openly with each other and with their neighbours, it teaches that sharing is a normal part of life, not just a rule for children. Small, visible acts, such as letting your child hear you say, ‘You can have the last piece,’ are far more powerful than any lecture. Narrating the action—’I am sharing because it makes other people happy’—helps a child to connect the behaviour with a positive outcome. 

Make Sharing Feel Joyful 

Rather than presenting sharing as a chore, parents should frame it as an act that brings happiness. During playtime, this might mean encouraging a cooperative game where children build something together. Highlighting the positive emotional result by saying, ‘Look how happy your sister was when you let her have a turn,’ helps a child associate sharing with good feelings. Over time, they begin to see sharing not as a loss, but as a way to create joy and connection. 

Reinforce the Lesson with Consistency 

For the lesson to have a lasting impact, it must be modelled consistently. If parents demand that their children share toys but are unwilling to share their own time or attention, the hypocrisy will be obvious. However, when parents repeatedly demonstrate fairness, generosity, and patience in their own actions, children will naturally internalise these important values. 

Spiritual Insight 

True Sharing is for the Sake of Allah 

The Quran presents the highest form of sharing as giving something you love for the sake of Allah alone, without expecting any reward or thanks from others. This teaches us that true generosity is an act of sincere devotion. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Insaan (76), Verses 8-9: 

‘And donate food, despite their own desire for nourishment, to the needy and the orphans and those held in captivity. Indeed, (they say in their hearts): “We are only feeding you for the sake of Allah (Almighty); we do not seek from you any reward or any gratitude”.‘ 

Blessings Increase Through Sharing 

The prophetic tradition teaches the beautiful principle of barakah: that blessings are multiplied through the act of sharing. What seems like a small amount can become sufficient for many when it is shared with a generous heart. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 5392, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The food of one person is sufficient for two, the food of two is sufficient for four, and the food of four is sufficient for eight.’ 

An Act of Love and Iman 

By modelling sharing in daily life, making it a joyful experience, and remaining consistent, parents can help their children to absorb this value naturally. They will learn over time that sharing is not an obligation but a beautiful act of love, cooperation, and faith that enriches both the giver and the receiver.