Todays Challenge for Girls
In society, women are being objectified on daily basis. The idea of beauty, in this day and age, has been sexualized. Young girls look at them and they feel marginalised by this idea and feel they have to act, look and talk a certain way to be noticed. So how are we, as Muslim parents, supposed to equip Muslim girls with the means to fight such dominating influences? Here are six tips for raising Muslim girls
1. Let them know they’re loved
Our children’s appreciation of Allah is limited at a young age. Therefore,
We should encourage them to please Allah out of love, and make sure they know that Allah loves them.
Tell them stories about the Prophet ﷺ and how he loved them and made du’a for them without seeing them.
2. Be a good listener
Speak to your daughter according to her level of understanding, and make sure you’re aware of her “age-specific” needs.
Encourage your daughter to learn and thrive.
Verbal motivation is essential for girls, they need to know that you believe in them.
3. Build their love for modesty
Clothes at the shops are not a good representation of modesty.
We should start teaching our daughters to have hayaa’ (modesty) from a young age.
This will gradually make them inclined towards the idea of hijab.
Make sure that your daughter is celebrated once she wears the hijab. She should know her parents are proud of her. Modesty should be something that Muslim girls love not forced upon.
4. Role Models
Our daughters should learn the stories of the great women in Islamic history, such as:
- Maryam the daughter of Imran
- Khadijah the daughter of Khuwaylid
- Fatima the daughter of Muhammad
- Asiyah the wife of Fir’aun and,
- ‘Aisha the daughter of Abu Bakr
5. Love and Affection
Develop a close bond with your daughter by showing love and affection. Let her know she is valued.
Remember how the Prophet ﷺ treated Fatima (RA). If she would enter the room and he is seated, he would get up and kiss her between her eyes, all the time.
6. Understand the blessing of a daughter
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whosoever maintains two girls until they attain maturity, he and I will come on the Day of Judgment like this.” (And he joined his two fingers held together)