In depth analysis of the Impact of Islamic values vs Secular values in the Upbringing of Children

Abstract

Parents wish their children to grow up being productive in this world and passionate about their religion. This desire in the parents leads them to follow and listen to successful parents' advice. Islam stresses the importance of the upbringing and grooming of children through the Quran and Sunnah because children are the standard-bearers of the future. Any shortcomings or imperfection in this will adversely affect the growth of Islam and Muslims. This thesis aims to prove the significance of Islamic values in the upbringing of children. In the contemporary era, most of the children prefer secular values rather than religious values. Religious values are labelled as outdated, primitive, unsophisticated, and uncivilized. But when secular values are inculcated while nurturing, children grow up to be arrogant, immoral, disrespectful, and disobedient to the Creator and their parents. Scrutinizing the online surveys with parents and the interviews conducted with successful parents disclosed four key players, who play a significant role in nurturing children: family, school, community, and peer pressure. Parents provide a safe environment and imbibe ethical and moral values in the upbringing of children. Solutions from the primary sources of religion are presented. Choosing Islamic schools is a necessity where the children can retain and develop their identity. The parents must choose for their children a community that provides a safe place to the religious diaspora. Finally, all these three factors support in overcoming the ill consequences of peer pressure. The findings of this research work exhibit few policy implications which will benefit the community in the upbringing of children.