When my child mocks religious rules or acts indifferent to Islamic manners, how should I respond? 

Parenting Perspective 

Understanding the Mockery 

When a child mocks Islamic principles or shows disregard for religious manners, intense emotions might arise, including fear, frustration, and even terror. However, reacting angrily can exacerbate the situation by transforming a moment of uncertainty or immaturity into a power battle. What your child needs most is direction based on calm authority, emotional intelligence, and genuine modelling. First, differentiate between purposeful ridicule and immature frustration. A child may roll their eyes during Wudu, ignore courteous greetings, or grumble about modest clothing not because they oppose Islam, but because they feel limited, ashamed, or detached. 

A Strategy for Calm Guidance 

Reacting with How dare you say that! or You are being disrespectful to Islam! may cut off contact and impede further openness. Respond with firm but calm clarity: I understand this may be difficult or different from what others do, but these values come from our Deen and deserve respect. You are not justifying the behaviour, but rather redirecting without escalation. When things are peaceful, invite a conversation. Ask the question: Can you tell me why that rule feels hard or silly to you? Listen without interruptions. Often, ridicule masks uncertainty, peer pressure, or emotional separation. Your duty is to identify the barrier and then explain the reasoning of Islamic manners in a realistic manner. Share anecdotes about your own life or the lives of other Muslims who practise with integrity and delight. Show that Islamic manners, such as saying Salam, dropping one’s eyes, and demonstrating humility, are acts of strength rather than constraints. Avoid lengthy lectures. Consider asking thought-provoking questions such as What does it mean to be respectful in Allah’s eyes?. Above all, be a model of respect for yourself. When you regard Islamic teachings with reverence in both your words and your actions, your child acquires that tone – even if they resist it today. 

Spiritual Insight 

Mockery of religious principles is not to be taken lightly, but it must be addressed with understanding rather than severity. Islam promotes knowledge, compassion, and consistency when imparting Islamic truth, particularly to children who are still growing. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujurat (49), Verse 11: 

“O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people, perhaps they may be better than them. “

This verse emphasises that ridicule arises from hubris or ignorance, both of which can be softened through genuine education and humility. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 48, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

“He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should say what is good or remain silent. “

The Hadith tells us that the tongue reflects the heart. Teaching a child to talk responsibly about spiritual topics is a lifetime effort that involves both discipline and charity. By being calm, assertive, and profoundly respectful yourself, you indicate that Islamic manners are not cultural burdens, but rather indications of honour. With time and clarity, even the child who mocks may come to comprehend — and eventually embody — the ideals they once rejected.