Every child is born in a state of purity and cleanliness. As narrated in the hadith of Imam Bukhari and Muslim from Abu Hurairah, who conveyed the words of Prophet Muhammad PBUH: “Every child is born in a state of fitrah, then it is the parents who make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Zoroastrian.”
The duty of educating a child is the responsibility of both parents, Father and Mother. Along the way, this task is also assisted by neighbors, friends, and even teachers in educational institutions. They grow up in an environment full of challenges. Social interactions can also become a vulnerability to mischief. Many parents are worried and complain. However, in any case, the parents’ duty will never be finished.
When a child is in a boarding school, parents accompany the child with prayers. The power of prayer will not be broken even when at a distance. Angels also record and even report directly to Allah SWT, every request and supplication of the Father and Mother.
A father, as the captain of the family, needs to know and understand Islamic creed. When a father sows seeds in the mother's womb, he should at least start with the recitation of 'Bismillah'. This is to purify it from the temptations of Satan. Likewise, when the fetus is formed in the womb, the father is advised to frequently read the Qur’an, give charity, do good deeds, and not harm others. The actions of parents, including the father, will be conveyed to the baby.
Babies also have a high capacity for memorization. Parents who diligently read the Qur’an while the baby is in the womb, the baby will become familiar with these recitations. They have the potential to fluently recite Allah's verses beautifully in the future.
Then, when the baby is born, a father gives the adhan and lets the baby hear the words of Allah for the first time. Looking at the life journey of the Prophet Muhammad, he was born among polytheists. It is said that there were 360 idols worshiped by the people of ignorance (jahiliyah). The reason was their lack of knowledge of their God. Therefore, instilling faith becomes the first duty of parents. Besides that, it becomes the child's provision in the grave. They will be asked, 'Who is your Lord?'
In the Qur'an, Surah Luqman verse 13 emphasizes the role of parents in guiding children not to associate partners with Allah. Such actions are considered one of the major sins. This verse is then followed by verse 14, which narrates a mother's struggle during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weaning.
Then, as they grow older, a child reaches adulthood. We often encounter families with different religious beliefs. Even with differences, it is the child's duty to continue accompanying and not to be hostile. The role of parents cannot be replaced. To be an example for their sons and daughters through attitudes and actions. Both good and bad, everything has its own consequences.
In verse 17 of the same surah, it contains parents' admonitions for children to establish prayer, encourage good deeds (ma’ruf), and avoid bad deeds (munkar). Of course, this is not easy. Considering that enjoining good and forbidding evil is inseparable from trials and criticism. Nevertheless, a Father as the head of the family is advised to protect himself and his family from the danger of the fire of hell.
