Family Tarbiyah & Modern Challenges by Dr. Sahibzada Uzair Mahmood Al-Azhari
(President: World Association for Al-Azhar Graduates – Pakistan Branch; Director: Al-Mu'assasah Al-'Ilmiyyah Al-'Asriyyah (IPAMS))
Children are not merely personal extensions or worldly adornments; they are a solemn divine trust (Amanah). In this indispensable lecture on parental ethics, Dr. Uzair Mahmood Al-Azhari diagnoses the modern crisis of parenting, where physical provisions are emphasized while spiritual and character education (Tarbiyah) is utterly neglected.
Moving from Mere Parenting to Moral Mentorship
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned: "All of you are shepherds and all of you are responsible for your flock." Dr. Uzair emphasizes that feeding and schooling are basic needs, but instilling the love of Allah, prophetic character, critical thinking, and emotional resilience is the true religious duty of mother and father.
Practical Pillars of Child Tarbiyah:
- Leading by Living Example: Children rarely heed preaching when parental behavior contradicts the spoken word.
- Managing the Digital Environment: Sensible boundaries against smart-screen addiction, unfiltered media, and toxic peer pressures.
- Open Emotional Channels: Cultivating friendly, non-judgmental communication so children confide doubts and challenges at home rather than seeking refuge elsewhere.
