Many parents find it difficult to really connect with their children in the fast-paced world of today when screens replace storytelling and time seems limited. However, more than 1,400 years ago, a man strolled Medina’s streets, stopping to personally welcome children by name, hoist them on his shoulders, and beam simply to make them feel cherished. That man was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His relationship with children was revolutionary rather than merely affectionate. He taught with compassion, acknowledged their emotions, and appreciated their presence. His example continues to be a lighthouse for every parent, particularly in an era when compassion is sometimes disregarded.

A Prophet Who Played with Children

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) not only tolerated children with ultimate joy but also embraced their energy. He would let his grandsons, Hassan and Husayn, climb on his back even during prayer and never rush them. Once he was praying, he prostrated to help them complete their game on him.

He let kids play wild around him, running alongside them in the streets. He would kneel to welcome them, talk to them personally, and give them significance. This was not a man tormented by the weight of prophecy. This was someone who understood that play is the language of love for a youngster.

Lesson: More important than perfection is presence. Children neither require you to be perfect. Instead, they need your warmth, time, and attention.

Respecting the Emotions of Children

Emotional intelligence and sensitivity were the Prophet’s most remarkable traits. The Prophet calmed a young boy called Abu ‘Umayr with lighthearted words after he lost his favorite pigeon. The Prophet observed that the young boy was heartbroken. He even named his bird during the soothing talk to make the young boy happy.

He was aware of children’s feelings. He didn’t discount their cries as “drama” or belittle their concerns. He let them communicate fear, delight, enthusiasm, and grief. He saw children as human beings worthy of respect.

Lesson: Building confidence and trust by listening to a child’s feelings—no matter how little they seem—help them. They feel safe when they are seen.

Never Too Busy for a Child

Despite being the spiritual, military, and political leader of the Muslim community, the Prophet always made time for children. He would stop what he was doing to greet them, wait for them to finish speaking, pick them up, make them laugh, and hold their little hands.

Moreover, his love was not only reserved for his own children or grandchildren; all children mattered to him. Smiling at a child was one of his most important personality traits.

Lesson: Children remember how you made them feel, not what you said to them. A glimpse of genuine attention can become a lifelong memory.

Gentleness Was the Default

The Prophet never used harsh discipline or physical punishment on children. He corrected with care, not with cruelty. When children made mistakes, he guided them patiently. Even when teaching manners or behavior, he used affection and understanding.

He emphasized that gentleness is a strength rather than a weakness. A parent who disciplines compassionately produces an emotionally safe child.

Lesson: Discipline grounded on kindness strengthens hearts. While harshness can compel compliance, kindness wins affection and respect.

Teaching Through Love, Not Pressure

The Prophet raised the next generation of believers using love rather than force. Some of his companions, like Ibn Abbas and Anas ibn Malik, grew up around him. They were given responsibilities considering their age, and their efforts were praised. Even mistakes were corrected gently.

He did not load them with regulations. He let them learn by seeing him act morally. His character motivated youngsters to develop into moral, faith-oriented adults.

Lesson: Living the values you wish for your children will help them learn them best. Let your actions be their first book.

Exploding the Misconception: Islam Encourages Harsh Parenting

Some mistakenly think Islam supports austere, frigid parenting. However, the Prophet’s life shows the reverse. His sensitivity, humor, and focus on children broke the social mores of his day, which often viewed children as lesser.

Islam strongly encourages structure and responsibility, yes — but always balanced with mercy. The Prophet’s parenting wasn’t about control but about a real connection.

Lesson: The Islamic parenting model is rooted in balance. There is a perfect balance between love with guidance, mercy with limits, and respect with responsibility.

Conclusion

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) wasn’t just a teacher or a leader. He was a father, a grandfather, a mentor, and a friend to children. He showed us that parenting is more than just providing food and shelter to children. True parenting consists of building hearts, shaping character, and growing love.

In a time when many parents feel lost or pressured by modern demands, the Prophet’s example offers a gentle reminder: Play more. Listen closely. Be kind. In doing so, we follow not just a sunnah but a path of love that leads to stronger families and softer hearts.

Even today, the Prophet’s kindness toward children lights the way for every parent who wants to raise their child with faith, love, and humanity.