Rights of a Child

by Ayatollah Misbah al-Tabasi

Ayatollah Misbah al-Tabasi’s Rights of a Child offers a concise yet deeply insightful exploration of the Islamic framework regarding the treatment, upbringing, and moral responsibilities owed to children. Drawing from the Qur’an, traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (s) and the Ahlulbayt (a), as well as jurisprudential sources, the book addresses the rights of children as a sacred trust placed upon parents and society.

From the very outset, the author emphasises that the child is not a possession but a soul entrusted by Allah—a being whose dignity and potential must be nurtured with care and divine consciousness. One of the strengths of the book is its balanced approach: it avoids both overly sentimental depictions of childhood and purely legalistic abstractions, offering a holistic vision that encompasses emotional, spiritual, educational, and physical dimensions of a child’s well-being.

Ayatollah Tabasi categorises the rights into phases, beginning with pre-birth rights—such as choosing a righteous spouse—and extending through birth, infancy, education, moral training, and social development. He deftly highlights the often-neglected spiritual obligations of parents, including the importance of early attachment to tawḥīd, the love of the Prophet and Ahlulbayt, and the cultivation of good character. The emphasis on tarbiyah (moral development) as a long-term, active responsibility rather than a passive outcome is one of the book’s defining themes.

While rooted in classical Islamic thought, the book remains relevant to modern readers. It subtly critiques contemporary neglect of children’s spiritual and moral needs in favour of material or academic goals, and invites Muslims to reorient their parenting around divine responsibility rather than cultural norms or societal pressures.

Perhaps most importantly, the work serves as a gentle reminder that children are not mere extensions of their parents’ ambitions, but independent souls whose rights must be upheld with justice and mercy. The accessible language and structure make it ideal for both scholars and lay readers.

In summary, Rights of a Child is a valuable resource for anyone involved in raising, teaching, or caring for children, especially within the context of an Islamic lifestyle. It calls believers to reflect, reform, and renew their commitment to the next generation with sincerity and purpose.