Many fathers pay no attention to the upbringing of their children, especially with respect to the religion, They are negligent concerning their teaching, arguing that they are tired after a hard day’s work. What is your advice?
It is obligatory upon the believer to pay significant attention to the upbringing of his children, so that he may be applying the words of Allaah, The Most High:
"0 you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire [Hell] whose fuel is men and stones, over which are [appointed] angels stern [and] severe, who disobey not, [from executing] the Commands from Allaah, but do that which t3hey are commanded", [Q 66:6]
So that he may rise to the responsibility that the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] has placed upon him in his saying:
“A man is as a shepherd amongst his family and he is responsible for his flock. "[Bukhari]
It is not permissible for him to neglect them rather it is upon him to discipline them according to their bad manners and wrongdoings. This is why the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said;
"Order your children to perform the prayer at seven and spank them over it at ten". [Abu Dawud]
Let him know that this is a trust that has been placed upon him and that he will be asked about it on the Day of Resurrection. Let him prepare the correct answer so that he may be free from this responsibility on that day. He will reap the fruits of his works if good then that is good, if it is bad then he will see it. It may be that he is punished in this world by being tested with children who treat him badly, disobey him and do not pay him his due respect.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited