Rebuilding Moral Foundations: A Call to Muslim Parents and Educators

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 27 December 2024 The Decline of Morality in Muslim Societies In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the moral and ethical upbringing of children is a growing challenge for Muslim parents and educators. With mobile devices often dominating the lives of young people, traditional values rooted in Islamic teachings risk being overshadowed. This article explores the critical role of morality in Islam and its decline in modern Muslim societies. Highlighting the Prophet Mustafa’s (peace be upon him) mission to perfect morals, it underscores the urgent need for parents and educators to reclaim their role in nurturing the spiritual and ethical development of children. Through self-reflection, collective reform, and adherence to Quranic principles, Muslim communities can address these challenges and rebuild a peaceful, morally grounded society. ---- In the modern era, Muslims face an unprecedented challenge: raising children in a world saturated with distractions that threaten their moral, ethical, and spiritual development. The frequent and often unchecked use of mobile devices has become a prominent concern. While technology has brought many benefits, its misuse has led to behavioural changes, distancing our youth from the moral and spiritual values that form the bedrock of Islamic teachings. As stewards of the next generation, parents and educators must take decisive steps to nurture these values, ensuring that our children grow into upright individuals who contribute to societal peace. The Importance of Morality and Societal Peace in Islam Morality and societal peace are foundational to Islam, emphasized throughout the Qur’ān and the teachings of the Prophet Mustafa (peace be upon him). The Qur’ān repeatedly highlights the importance of righteous conduct, not only as a personal virtue but as a societal necessity. It states: "Indeed, Allāh commands justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression." (Surah An-Nahl, 16:90) This verse underscores the role of morality in fostering a just and harmonious society. Ibn Khaldun, the eminent historian, eloquently noted the connection between a nation’s moral fabric and its prosperity: "A nation with excellent morals rises and develops in the world, whereas a nation with bad morals collapses." (Muqaddama, Ibn Khaldun) Morality is not merely a social ideal but the very essence of humanity, distinguishing humans from other creatures. Without it, humanity loses its higher purpose, devolving into chaos and moral decay. The Prophetic Mission of Morality The mission of the prophets, culminating in the arrival of the Prophet Mustafa (peace be upon him), was to guide humanity toward moral excellence. The Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) succinctly articulated his purpose, saying: "I was sent to perfect morals." (Bukhārī) Allāh Almighty attests to the unparalleled character of His Messenger (peace be upon him) in the Qur’ān: "And indeed, you are of a great moral character." (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4) Through his actions and teachings, the Prophet Mustafa (peace be upon him) demonstrated the highest standard of moral behaviour, providing humanity with a timeless blueprint for personal and societal ethics. This divine legacy serves as a reminder of the transformative power of morality and its critical role in building a peaceful community. The Decline of Morality in Muslim Society Despite this rich moral heritage, Muslim societies today are grappling with a profound moral crisis. The distractions of modern life, especially the misuse of technology, have diverted many from the path of righteousness. Parents and educators often find themselves struggling to instil Islamic values in a generation more influenced by social media trends than by the Qur’ān and Sunnah. This decline is evident in the erosion of family bonds, the neglect of religious obligations, and the prevalence of unethical behaviour. Many young Muslims prefer leisure activities over prayer and religious study. Modesty, a cornerstone of Islamic conduct, is increasingly disregarded, as is the sanctity of relationships and community life. The Consequences of Moral Decay The moral decline in Muslim societies has far-reaching consequences, affecting both individuals and the community. Family relationships are weakening, with members often engrossed in their devices rather than engaging with one another. The youth are losing their connection to the mosque and madrassa, spaces traditionally central to their moral and spiritual development. Worse still, societal issues such as greed, jealousy, dishonesty, and violence are becoming normalized. In schools and universities, the pursuit of material success often overshadows the cultivation of character and faith. This detachment from Islamic values has led to widespread depression, anxiety, and a lack of inner peace. The Qur’ān offers a solution to these challenges: "Verily, in the remembrance of Allāh do hearts find rest." (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28) True peace and contentment can only be found in reconnecting with Allāh Almighty and adhering to His guidance. The Role of Parents and Educators Reversing this moral decline requires a collective effort, with parents and educators playing a pivotal role. It is their responsibility to provide children with a strong foundation in Islamic morals and ethics. This involves more than teaching religious rituals; it requires modelling and nurturing virtues such as honesty, humility, and compassion. Practical steps include: Monitoring Technology Use: Limit screen time and encourage activities that promote learning, creativity, and social interaction. Teach children to use technology responsibly and in alignment with Islamic values. Strengthening Family Bonds: Create opportunities for meaningful family interactions, such as shared meals, collective prayer, and discussions about the teachings of the Qur’ān and Hadith. Fostering Religious Education: Ensure that children have access to religious instruction that emphasizes the practical application of Islamic principles in daily life. Encouraging Community Engagement: Involve children in community service and other activities that reinforce the importance of empathy and social responsibility. Promoting Reflection and Self-Discipline: Teach children the value of introspection and the importance of controlling their desires and impulses, as exemplified in the Sunnah. A Call for Collective Reform The moral and spiritual challenges facing Muslim societies cannot be addressed by individuals alone. Communities must unite to prioritize ethical education and the revival of Islamic values. As the Qur’ān reminds us: "Verily, Allāh does not change the condition of a people until they themselves change it." (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:11) This collective reform requires a return to the teachings of the Qur’ān and the example of the Prophet Muṣṭafā (peace be upon him). Parents, educators, religious leaders, and community members must work together to create an environment conducive to moral and spiritual growth. Conclusion Morality is the bedrock of societal peace and the hallmark of Islamic civilization. The current moral decline in Muslim societies underscores the urgent need for self-reflection and reform. By prioritizing the ethical and spiritual development of our children, we can rebuild the dignity of our community and ensure a peaceful and righteous future. Let us commit to reviving the principles of morality, humility, and justice in our lives and the lives of our children. May Allāh Almighty guide us and our future generations on the path of righteousness, granting us the strength to overcome the challenges of our time. Āmīn. ---- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/moral-foundations-muslim-educators/d/134158 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism