In Islamic teachings, physically abusing children or anyone else is not condoned or permitted. Islam promotes kindness, compassion, and respect towards children and emphasizes their rights to be treated with care and affection. Physical abuse is considered a violation of these principles.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set an example of treating children with gentleness and love. He was known for his patience and kindness towards children and emphasized their rights to be treated well. Several hadiths (sayings of the Prophet) highlight the importance of treating children with respect and avoiding any form of harm or abuse.
For example, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever does not show mercy to our young ones nor acknowledge the right of our elders is not one of us." (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)
Physical abuse or any form of violence is not an acceptable method of disciplining children in Islam. Instead, Islamic teachings encourage parents to use positive and constructive methods of discipline that do not cause harm to the child's physical or emotional well-being.
Parents are encouraged to guide, educate, and discipline their children with love, patience, and understanding. Effective discipline in Islam involves nurturing a child's good behavior, using verbal correction, setting a positive example, and, when necessary, using mild and appropriate physical restraint without causing harm.
If a parent is struggling with disciplining their child, Islam encourages seeking knowledge, advice, and support from religious scholars, counselors, and parenting resources. Physical abuse is a harmful behavior that goes against Islamic principles and legal norms in most societies. It is essential to protect the rights and well-being of children and treat them with kindness and compassion, as exemplified in the teachings of Islam.