What role can Islamic stories and role models play in inspiring modest behaviour online? 

Parenting Perspective 

Stories and role models can be far more effective than rules and lectures for inspiring good character. They help children to connect with values on an emotional level, making them feel admirable and achievable. 

Making Modesty Relatable Through Storytelling 

Share examples from Islamic history, such as the quiet dignity of Maryam (AS) or the unwavering integrity of Prophet Yusuf (AS). These stories help your child to see modesty (haya) as a noble and admirable quality, not just a set of restrictions. 

Showing Real-Life Relevance 

Help your child to see how the values these great figures upheld can be applied to modern digital life. For example, just as Prophet Yusuf (AS) protected himself from a compromising situation, a child can learn to exit an inappropriate online chat. 

Highlighting Positive Role Models 

Actively encourage your children to follow and engage with positive Muslim role models online. Seeing respected creatives, scholars, or community figures who present themselves with dignity helps to normalise modest behaviour in the digital world. 

Inspiring Through Consistent Examples 

When children consistently hear these stories and see these examples, they begin to value the qualities of modesty and integrity. Over time, they will naturally aspire to reflect these virtues in their own online conduct. 

This approach inspires them from within, which is always more powerful than external rules. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quran is filled with stories that are intended not just as history, but as a source of timeless guidance for our own lives. 

Stories as Lessons from Allah Almighty 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Yusuf (12), Verse 111: 

‘There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding…’ 

This verse confirms that the stories of the prophets and righteous people of the past are a primary source of guidance for how we should conduct ourselves today, including online. 

Following the Best Example 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, Hadith 598, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Indeed, modesty and faith are companions; if one of them is lifted, the other is lifted.’ 

This shows children that haya is inseparable from true faith, and following the example of Islamic role models helps to preserve and strengthen both qualities in every aspect of life, including the digital world.