The Obligations of Parents Regarding the Rearing of Children

Question:
May Allah reward you. This sister, the questioner, says: Regarding the rearing of children, what is the successful method for doing so? And if the father is lax in leaving his adolescent children to pray the Fajr prayer and the other prayers, saying, "They will grow up and, if Allah wills, find the right path," what is our obligation toward them? And what is the father's obligation toward his children?

Answer:
It is obligatory for the parents, the father and the mother, to cooperate in rearing their children with righteousness and piety, and to command them to pray when they reach seven years of age. When they approach puberty, this command becomes more emphasized and does not stop at merely commanding; rather, the one among them who is lazy about prayer, about the Fajr prayer and the prayers in general, is to be struck. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Strike them for it, meaning for abandoning it, being lax in it, as a form of discipline for them.
It is obligatory for parents to raise their children with righteousness, piety, and obedience. . They are a trust in the necks of their parents, especially the daughters. The upbringing of daughters is the mother’s responsibility, for the mother knows the characteristics of daughters and their clothing better; she is more responsible for them. The father is likewise responsible for the sons and the daughters. So the two cooperate in raising them with righteousness, piety, and religion. For this reason, the Exalted and Majestic says regarding the child: He advises the child to be good to them when they grow old, and says: This indicates that they are raising him and not neglecting him. And this father’s statement that when they grow up they will know things through upbringing, and that goodness has causes, is a neglect of his responsibility toward them. He is responsible for them before Allah the Mighty and Majestic. Yes.