Guide children with faith and compassion
“Sometimes they just need a hug and they need a kiss from Baba.”
Parents should ground their children in Islam while guiding them with emotional control, compassion, wisdom, and open communication.
The khutbah in 4 steps
- Explains why cultural identity and parental sacrifice alone may not guide children in American society.
- Contrasts scientific capability with moral responsibility, citing Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Gaza.
- Urges fathers to control anger and combine strength with compassion.
- Calls parents to remain emotionally available and use Ramadan to strengthen family relationships.
In the khateeb's words
“I know that I am above all a what? A Muslim.”
“This responsibility and this ability to be powerful as a man does not mean that I cannot be compassionate with my kids.”
“Sometimes your child doesn't need a discussion or a lecture. Sometimes they just need a hug and they need a kiss from Baba.”
“Once your kids are not comfortable coming to you, once they stop coming to you, once they stop telling you stories about their school, about how they feel, about their emotions, about their friends.”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah used Luqman’s conversation with his son to remind us how much conversations at home matter. The khateeb acknowledged that parents carry many responsibilities and that children may not yet understand all their sacrifices. He encouraged families to make being Muslim central to their identity while recognizing their cultural backgrounds. He urged parents, especially fathers, to control their anger and respond with compassion, kindness, and wisdom. Sometimes a child needs a hug or a listening ear, and Ramadan gives us an opportunity to build the trust that helps children share what is on their minds.
- When you have had a difficult day, what helps you feel comfortable talking about it at home?
- What does being Muslim mean to you at school or with your friends?
- What is one way our family could practice more kindness during Ramadan?
The masjid
More on Family & marriage
Don't let a moment of disagreement turn into conflict where years of good are forgotten like that.14:45IAR Atwater · Southwest Raleigh, NC · Oct 31, 2026Protect relationships when disagreements arise
EPIC · Plano, TX · Oct 30, 2026Honor your mother while you still can“Call sometimes just because you want to hear her voice.”
We cannot have disrespectful parents disrespecting each other in the presence of their kids.22:41UMMA · Southfield, MI · Sep 19, 2026Faith shows in how we treat family