By Kafayat Oyewo-Oyelere
We are raising children in a time unlike any other. In today’s Nigeria, a child may wake up with Qur’an recitation from the mosque and sleep with YouTube autoplay still running. While technology and modern education are opening up doors for success, they are also silently chipping away at the moral and spiritual foundations of many homes.
The question that haunts many Muslim parents today is: How do we raise God-conscious (muttaqun) children in a world full of distractions?
1. Start Early With the Heart
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Every child is born upon the fitrah (pure nature).” (Sahih Muslim).
As parents, our job is to nurture that fitrah before the world reshapes it. Begin with daily reminders of Allah’s presence, not just through prayer, but in conversations. Explain that Allah sees them even when mummy or daddy is not around. Teach them who Allah is, not just what they should do.
2. Balance Tarbiyah and Technology
Let’s be honest: screens are everywhere. Banning phones or TV completely is not practical in most homes. Instead, introduce Islamic content early and often like children’s Qur’an apps, cartoon versions of prophetic stories, or nasheed playlists. Set up screen time boundaries and more importantly, explain why those boundaries exist.
YouTube can never replace you. Spend time with them, even if it’s 20 focused minutes a day. Your voice and values must be louder than the internet’s.
3. Be a Living Example of the Deen
Children learn more from what they see than what they hear. You cannot be shouting “Pray Asr!” while binge watching Nollywood movies with them. They’ll imitate you, not your instructions.
Make dhikr aloud. Pray with them. Say “Alhamdulillah” often. Apologize when you’re wrong. Let them see that Islam is not just what you preach, it’s what you live.
4. Keep Conversations Open, Not Judgemental
Nigerian parents sometimes mistake silence for respect. But this generation asks questions. Be ready to talk. If your child is asking, “Why do we wear hijab?” or “Why can’t I go to that party?”, don’t shut them down guide them through it.
Use stories, analogies, and verses they can relate to. If you don’t answer them, Google and peer pressure will.
5. Make Du’a Your Daily Weapon
Even Prophet Ibrahim (AS) made du’a for his children.
“My Lord! Make me and my children establishers of prayer…” (Qur’an 14:40)
Never underestimate the power of constant prayer for your children’s guidance and protection. In a world full of fitnah, you cannot watch them 24/7 but Allah can.
Conclusion
Raising a God-conscious child in Nigeria today is not about removing them from the world. It’s about equipping them with the tools of Iman, love for Allah, and clarity about right and wrong so they can stand firm within the world.
Parenting is jihad. But with du’a, discipline, and deep love, we can raise children who will not only remember our efforts, but make us proud before Allah on the Day of Judgment.
May Allah guide our children, protect them from misguidance, and make them coolness for our eyes.