Raising children is more than providing money
“There are other responsibilities that we have besides just making money.”
Parents, especially fathers, must treat raising children as a holistic religious responsibility involving faith, well-being, relationships, and daily connection, not merely financial provision.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- A wealthy man's estranged sons illustrate the emptiness of leaving money without relationship or religious formation.
- Parents must redefine provision beyond income and recognize fathers' role in children's spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.
- Research cited from Muslim and non-Muslim contexts links fathers' involvement with children's religious continuity and practice.
- The Prophet's example of serving his family and the shepherd hadith establish parental accountability.
- The khutbah presents five areas of provision: spiritual, physical, mental, financial, and social.
- Parents should teach prayer and wudu, attend masjid and youth programs, cultivate good friendships, limit devices, and engage directly with children's interests.
In the khateeb's words
“And we forget, we forget that there is, there are other responsibilities that we have besides just making money.”
“So you, if you want them to play video games, sit down and play video games with them. Sit down and play video games with them.”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that caring for a family means much more than earning money. The khateeb told a troubling story about a wealthy father whose sons accepted their inheritance but declined to give charity on his behalf, asking us to reflect on the relationships we are building. He especially urged fathers to be present in their children’s lives and pointed to the Prophet’s example of serving his family at home. He described five areas children need help with: faith, physical health, mental well-being, finances, and friendships. By learning together, helping at home, sharing activities, and participating in the masjid community, we can strengthen both our family bonds and our children’s connection to Islam.
- What could we each do at home to make someone else’s day easier?
- What would help you feel more welcome and connected at the masjid?
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