What should parents do if their child starts questioning Islamic values after repeated exposure to opposing online narratives? 

Parenting Perspective 

It can be deeply unsettling for parents when a child begins to question core Islamic values due to their exposure to opposing online narratives. It is important to remember that such questioning does not automatically signal a rejection of faith; often, it is a sign of genuine curiosity or confusion. If these doubts are met with anger or dismissal, a child may shut down and seek answers elsewhere. However, if approached with patience and wisdom, this can become a profound opportunity to deepen your child’s understanding and strengthen their conviction. 

Respond With Calm and Respect 

When your child says something like, ‘But online they say that this teaching is outdated,’ it is crucial to resist the urge to scold or become defensive. A calmer, more inviting response would be: ‘I can understand why hearing different ideas would make you wonder about that. Let us explore this topic together.’ This approach validates their intellectual struggle and keeps communication open. 

Equip Them With Knowledge 

Provide your child with access to authentic and articulate Islamic resources, such as books, lectures, or conversations with trusted local scholars who can address their specific questions. Doubts often fester in a vacuum of knowledge. Empowering them with knowledge gives them the confidence to engage with challenging ideas, knowing that Islam has a timeless tradition of deep wisdom and reasoned answers. 

Teach Critical Thinking 

Help your child to develop the ability to analyse the online narratives they encounter. Teach them to ask critical questions about the content they consume: ‘What is the source of this information? Does the person making this argument have a particular agenda? Is this argument based on evidence and sound reasoning, or is it based on emotion and personal opinion?’ These critical skills are essential for protecting them from blindly accepting every persuasive argument they hear. 

Strengthen the Emotional Connection to Faith 

Alongside providing intellectual answers, it is vital to nurture your child’s love for Islam. This can be done through shared family worship, highlighting positive and inspiring Muslim role models, and frequently pointing out the beauty and mercy of the faith in everyday life. A strong emotional attachment to Islam provides a powerful anchor when intellectual doubts arise. 

By approaching your child’s doubts with patience, openness, and sincere guidance, you can transform these challenges into moments of profound growth, helping them to move from a state of confusion to one of deep and lasting conviction. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam acknowledges that the human heart can waver, but it also provides us with powerful tools for strengthening our certainty (yaqeen). Parents should always remember that guiding their children through these moments with mercy is a fundamental part of their sacred trust (amanah). 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Kahf (18), Verses 28: 

‘ (O my Servant) show restraint upon yourself, (and join with) the company of those people who pray to their Sustainer, morning and evening, desiring that one day they shall meet Him (Allah Almighty); and do not even glance your eyes over those who (live in ignorance, and superficially) desire the luxuries of the worldly life…’ 

This verse reminds us that one of the most important ways to protect our faith is to surround ourselves with good, sincere company. For a child questioning their beliefs, being connected to a positive and knowledgeable Muslim community is essential. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, 2140, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Indeed, the hearts of the children of Adam are between two fingers of the Most Merciful, and He turns them however He wills.’ 

This teaching provides both a sense of humility and hope. It reminds us that the state of a person’s faith can fluctuate, and that we must constantly turn to Allah Almighty in prayer for steadfastness, both for ourselves and for our families. 

By combining open dialogue with sound knowledge and sincere spiritual nurturing, parents can help their children to see that Islam is not weakened by questions. On the contrary, it is strengthened when it is explored with sincerity, guided by authentic sources, and with a heart that relies upon Allah Almighty.