What steps can families take if siblings argue about what type of media plays in shared spaces? 

Parenting Perspective 

Establish Clear Family Rules 

Arguments over media in shared spaces usually happen when there are no clear expectations. Parents can prevent this by establishing a simple family rule: any media played in a shared space, like the living room, must be appropriate for everyone present. Explaining, ‘When we are all together, what we watch or listen to must be suitable for the whole family,’ creates a common standard and reduces potential conflict. 

Rotate Choices Fairly 

To ensure fairness and avoid resentment, parents can implement a simple rotation system, allowing each sibling a turn to choose the media. This teaches valuable lessons in compromise and patience. If a child makes an inappropriate choice, a parent can gently redirect them toward a better option without making them feel singled out or shamed. 

Offer Purposeful, Unifying Alternatives 

Rather than allowing shared media time to become a source of conflict, parents can proactively suggest unifying alternatives. This could include watching an Islamic documentary, listening to a beautiful Quran recitation, or finding an age-appropriate show that the entire family can enjoy together. By shifting the focus to uplifting content, shared spaces can become sources of harmony instead of friction. 

Spiritual Insight 

Nurturing Unity and Settling Disputes 

The Quran places great emphasis on maintaining unity and brotherhood among believers. For families, this means actively working to resolve disputes between siblings with fairness and mercy, which in turn invites the mercy of Allah. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 10: 

‘ Indeed, the believers are brothers (to each other); so, make peace with your brothers; and seek piety from Allah (Almighty) so that you may receive His Mercy.‘ 

True Strength is in Self-Control 

The prophetic tradition teaches that true strength is not shown by overpowering others, but by controlling one’s own anger. This is a crucial lesson for siblings to learn when they disagree, reminding them that patience is a greater virtue than winning an argument. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 6114, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong man is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the strong one is the one who controls himself when in anger.’ 

Lessons in Respect and Patience 

By setting shared standards, practising fairness, and guiding their children toward purposeful alternatives, parents can transform media-related arguments into valuable lessons in respect and compromise. In doing so, they help to create a home environment that reflects the unity, balance, and barakah that is pleasing to Allah Almighty.