Principles in the moral education of children in the light of Qur’anic stories

Abstract

The moral education of children is at the forefront of the challenges faced by Islamic societies and, more especially, after the increased number of negative social and technological influences on cultural elements of the generations. The verses of Qur’anic stories display diverse and comprehensive models related to family relationships. This article aims to show the principles in the moral education of children in the stories of Abraham, Joseph, Noah and Lukman Hakim -peace be upon them– by indicating their characteristics and by extracting and analyzing their educational implications. The most important principles, which this article discusses, are: the use of the wise method, based on kindness and logical evidence, in dealing with non-Muslims in the same family; the importance of developing the child’s personality through using the indirect orders method; using graininess language during family dialogue; the balance between encouragement and intimidation in disciplining children; protecting children from offending each other by making them aware of achieving a balance in their interest; getting children to be patient; showing respect for the father and mother; the importance of a harmonious relationship between the father and mother and family members in order to achieve a happy family; ensuring that the child’s religious, psychological, physical and social needs are considered and integrated; and using a gentle and judicious approach to children who seem stubborn and misguided.