Psychological Principles of Child Upbringing in the Prophetic Sunnah: An Islamic Perspective

Abstract

This paper examines the profound insights into child psychology embedded within the Sunnah of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ, highlighting twelve key principles that underpin emotionally healthy and balanced upbringing. Drawing upon classical ḥadīth literature and contemporary psychological theory, it demonstrates how early Islamic guidance—such as warm reception, empathetic companionship, joy-eliciting behaviors, tactile affection, equitable treatment of sons and daughters, and participatory play—fosters cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being in children. Special emphasis is given to the exceptionally high reward promised for raising daughters, illustrating the Qur’anic and Prophetic ethos of justice and compassion. In the modern era, where pediatric mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent, revisiting these time-honored practices offers a holistic framework for nurturing resilient, morally upright, and psychologically robust future generations.