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Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan said:
Then, as for you O Father! Observe your children[’s activities] – [even] outside the home.
Where did they go?
Who do they mix with?
Ask the teachers, and those responsible for [running] the school about the behaviour of your child, and [likewise] his tendencies, and about his company [of friends]. Ask them!
Observe his [activities] – [even] outside the home, for indeed he remains your responsibility – at home and outside the home [too].
And this is a great and heavy responsibility – without a doubt. However, Allaah will aid you with this, if your intention is sincere.
Then, when the child is aware and sees your determination [in fulfilling your responsibility] and knows that you observe him, then certainly he will be cautious, and will proceed upon what he has been guided to.
If, however, he sees that you do not ask about him, and are unaware about him (his activities), then he will become lost [to his activities] – between home and school.
And there are those who abduct (groom) children, and expose them to smoking, drugs and [other] intoxicants, and instil corruptive thoughts in them. [All] this can be at school or outside of school, so you are responsible for them.
You are their father, and you are responsible for them; so observe them.
And choose a school with good morals for them with its Principal, and its teachers, and its students [all upon good morals]. Choose an appropriate place [of study] for your child, because you are responsible for him. And may Allaah grant you success [in fulfilling this responsibility], and aid you [in doing so].
And do not say ‘I am busy at work’ and ‘he is busy in his work’, then you go to your business, [in the pursuit of] your wealth; [you] invest it, and develop it, and protect it [from any loss], and yet you do not protect your children.
Your profitable ‘trade’ [with Allaah] is undoubtedly your children.
If you nurture them [well], and [with] good guidance for them, then they are your real ‘trade’ with Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala).
And they are the ones who [will] pray for you after your death, and they are the ones who [will] succeed you in your family and your wealth.
So if you nurture them properly and guide them, they [will] become the best successors to the best predecessors (you).
But if you neglect them, they [will] become a source of anguish and regret for you, both in life and in death.
So fear Allaah – [O] servants of Allaah – regarding your children.
Fulfil the duty that Allaah has entrusted you with, otherwise Allaah will ask you about it on the Day of Resurrection.
[The Prophet ﷺ said]:
«Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you is responsible for his flock» – Saheeh al-Bukhaaree no.7138 and Saheeh Muslim no.1829
Translation originally published on 14 February, 2025.
