Fathers must be present for children
“There are so many people who are unfulfilled because their fathers never praised them.”
Fathers must be spiritually and emotionally present in their children's lives through provision, protection, presence, and praise, and parents must stay committed to their marriages because their children are counting on them.
The khutbah in 8 steps
- Reading the Quran should lead to understanding its message and letting it positively influence us
- Quranic examples of conversations between fathers and children: Luqman, Ibrahim and Yaqub, Yusuf and Yaqub, Nuh and his son, and Shu'ayb's daughters
- A father's emotional presence is essential, not merely being a distant breadwinner
- America's fatherlessness crisis and its consequences for incarceration, education, poverty, and wellbeing
- Fathers provide: working hard to support one's family is itself a path of Allah
- Fathers protect: children naturally turn to their fathers in moments of fear and difficulty
- Fathers are present and offer praise: emotional engagement and affirmation shape a child's fulfillment
- Once children are in the picture, marriage is no longer about the parents alone; commitment to family comes first
In the khateeb's words
“Fathers provide. Fathers protect. Fathers praise. And fathers are present.”
“there are so many people who are unfulfilled because their fathers never praised them. Their fathers never said anything positive to them.”
“if you get married and you have children, it is no longer about you. You have children. You have people who are counting on you.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminded us that the Qur’an is meant not only to be recited, but also understood and allowed to shape our lives. Through Qur’anic conversations between parents and children, the khateeb showed how important loving guidance and open communication are within a family. He emphasized that fathers should provide and protect while also being emotionally present and generous with praise. Simple words such as “I’m proud of you” and faithfully showing up can leave a lasting mark on a child. The khutbah also encouraged spouses to treat family commitment seriously, seek wise counsel during difficulties, and remember that children are counting on them.
- What is one way someone in our family made you feel supported this week?
- When do you feel that an adult is really listening to you?
- What is one sincere word of praise we can give each person at this table?
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