“Islam’s compassion for daughters is extensive, guaranteeing their rights as heirs and their economic independence. It mandates their provision, protection, education, and dignity, relieving them of financial burdens.”
Islam’s teachings on kindness and mercy toward daughters represent one of the most profound moral revolutions introduced by the Qur’an and the Sunnah, yet it is a Sunnah often forgotten in cultural practice. Before Islam, daughters were seen as burdens, and some societies even buried them alive, a horror condemned clearly by Allah, who says: “And when the girl who was buried alive is asked for what sin she was killed” (Qur’an 81:8–9). Islam not only abolished such cruelty but elevated daughters to a position of honour, compassion, and dignity. The Qur’an commands believers to uphold justice, treat all children fairly, and never allow cultural prejudice to dictate their attitudes. Allah says: “For daughters, someone among you may feel annoyed, while when given the glad tidings of a son, his face darkens” (Qur’an 16:58–59), criticizing the emotional injustice that some show toward daughters. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) transformed societal attitudes through his own example. He stood up for his daughters, embraced them with tenderness, and repeatedly expressed his love for Fatimah (RA), saying, “Fatimah is a part of me; whoever harms her harms me.” He would rise to greet her, kiss her forehead, and seat her beside himbehaviour that shattered cultural norms and established a model of parental affection. Prophet (SAW) also taught that raising daughters with love leads to Paradise: “Whoever cares for two daughters until they reach adulthood, he and I will be together on the Day of Resurrection like this,” and he joined his fingers to illustrate closeness. Another narration states: “Whoever raises three daughters, educates them well, treats them with kindness, and marries them off, for him is Paradise.” The mercy of Islam toward daughters is not limited to emotional affection; it extends to their education, dignity, financial security, and freedom from harm. Islam made daughters rightful heirs, gave them economic independence, and made it a religious duty to provide for and protect them without burdening them. The Prophet (SAW) warned against favouritism, commanding fairness among children in matters of gifts and treatment. Kindness is not a recommendationit is an obligation and an act of worship.
“A true Islamic upbringing for daughters involves nurturing them spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually to become strong, confident, and God-conscious individuals. It criticizes current cultural practices that often treat daughters as second-class or deny them opportunities, noting that these actions contradict the essence of Islam. The text calls for Muslims to revive the Sunnah by returning to the Qur’an and prophetic example, emphasizing that daughters are a source of mercy, blessing, and a path to Jannah (Paradise), and that kindness toward them is a reflection of faith”.
True Islamic upbringing includes nurturing daughters spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually, empowering them to become strong, confident, and God-conscious individuals. Yet in many cultures today, daughters are still treated as second-class, denied opportunities, or burdened by unjust customsall of which contradict the essence of Islam. To revive this forgotten Sunnah, Muslims must return to the teachings of the Qur’an and the prophetic example, recognizing that daughters are a source of mercy, blessing, and a path to Jannah. Kindness toward daughters is not only a moral act but a reflection of faith itself, for the Prophet (SAW) said: “The best of you are those who are best to their women.” By restoring compassion, justice, and love in our treatment of daughters, we honour the prophetic legacy and uphold the true spirit of Islam.
