Honouring and Bringing Joy to Daughters within the Family: A Path to Honour, Compassion, and Reward

Introduction & Occasion of Reflecting on This Hadith

The 1st of Dhu al-Qa‘dah marks the blessed birth anniversary of Lady Fatimah al-Ma‘sūmah (peace be upon her), a day also celebrated as “Girls’ Day” in many Muslim communities. On this occasion, we reflect on a profound teaching of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) that highlights the immense value of bringing joy to daughters – a message that challenges cultural biases and elevates the dignity of girls in society.

«فَاِنَّهُ مَن فَرَّحَ اِبنَتَهُ فَكَاَنَّما اَعَتَقَ رَقَبَةً مِن وُلدِ اِسماعيلَ»

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Whoever brings joy to his daughter, it is as if he has freed a slave from the descendants of Ishmael.” (Makarim al-Akhlaq, p. 54)

Educational Messages From This Hadith for Teens and Youth

1. Know Your True Value

As a girl, your happiness is so important that it is compared to freeing a human being – this shows your exceptional worth.

Practical Challenge: Write down three qualities that make you proud of yourself this week.

2. Create a Cycle of Joy at Home

Happiness in the family should be shared, not one-sided.

Practical Challenge: Do one kind or cheerful act at home each day without being asked.

3. Respect Your Parents’ Efforts

Recognise that your parents’ efforts to make you happy are acts of love and reward.

Practical Challenge: Thank your parents this week for one specific thing they have done for you.

4. Ask for Happiness in the Right Way

It is your right to feel happy and safe at home, but express your needs respectfully.

Practical Challenge: If something is bothering you, calmly explain your feelings to your parents instead of staying silent.

5. Deserving Joy and Respect

Try to engage in actions and behaviours that make you worthy of attention and respect. It is not possible to behave poorly and at the same time expect respect and happiness from your parents.

Practical Challenge: This week, do two things that your parents like you to do – but that you have previously ignored.

6. A Proper Understanding of Joy

Joy does not mean chasing temporary pleasures and attractions of life. In fact, inner and spiritual happiness can be far more meaningful and lasting than pleasure-based, worldly enjoyment.

Practical Challenge: This week, perform two good and meaningful acts, and reflect on the inner joy and satisfaction they bring.

Educational Messages From This Hadith for Parents

1. Express Love Openly

Bringing joy to your daughter is a highly rewarded act in Islam.

Practical Challenge: Tell your daughter something positive about her every day this week.

2. Support Her Emotional Needs

Happiness comes from feeling understood and valued.

Practical Challenge: Spend 10 minutes daily listening to your daughter without interruption.

3. Treat Daughters with Honour and Equality

Islam emphasises dignity and fairness for daughters.

Practical Challenge: Review your behaviour and ensure equal kindness and opportunities among your children.

4. Celebrate Small Moments

To make your daughters happy and show them respect, it is not necessary to do grand or expensive things. Simple acts of kindness can bring great joy.

Practical Challenge: Plan one small surprise or meaningful activity for your daughter this week.

5. Invest in Her Self-Esteem

A girl who feels valued at home will not seek unhealthy validation outside.

Practical Challenge: Praise one of your daughter’s inner qualities (e.g., kindness, effort) every day this week.

6. Redefine Success

Success is not only grades or achievements – it includes happiness, balance, and confidence.

Practical Challenge: This week, celebrate one non-academic success of your daughter.

7. See Her Needs as a Blessing, Not a Burden

Supporting your daughter emotionally is not a cost – it is a source of spiritual reward.

Practical Challenge: When responding to her needs, pause and remind yourself: “This is an opportunity, not a burden.”

Educational Messages From This Hadith for Imams and Teachers

1. Promote the Value of Daughters

Teach that caring for daughters in the family is a source of great spiritual reward.

Practical Challenge: Deliver one talk or lesson on the honour and rights of girls in Islam.

2. Create Positive Environments for Girls

Ensure that educational and religious spaces are welcoming and supportive for girls.

Practical Challenge: Ask female students or community members for feedback on how to improve their experience in your mosque or school.

3. Inspire Through Role Models

Share stories of great women in Islam, such as Lady Ma‘sūmah (peace be upon her).

Practical Challenge: Present one inspiring story of a female role model in your next session.

4. Be an Active Source of Positivity

Creating joy requires intentional effort, not just avoiding negativity.

Practical Challenge: Make at least one student smile in every class through humour, respect, or encouragement.

5. Make the Mosque a Joyful Space

If mosques feel too strict or negative, young girls may feel disconnected.

Practical Challenge: Organise one youth-friendly activity (e.g., a gathering or workshop) for girls this month.

6. Advise Families with Love-Centred Guidance

When counselling families, emphasise emotional connection and joy, not only rules.

Practical Challenge: Suggest one simple way parents can bring happiness to their daughters.

7. Build Identity and Belonging

Help girls feel that the mosque is a place where they are valued and respected.

Practical Challenge: Give young girls a small role or responsibility in a community activity.

8. Explain the Role of Islam in Honouring Girls and Women

Drawing on the noble verses of the Holy Qur’an and the teachings and example of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), highlight the significant role of Islam in supporting and giving identity to girls and women, and address and challenge common misconceptions in this area.

Practical Challenge: This week, explain to your audience one Islamic ruling that is intended to support and protect girls and women.