How to Raise Kids in Islam – (Method of 7-7-7)

-- Islam Newsroom

Parents everywhere ask the big question:

“How do we raise our kids in a world full of confusion?”
Islam a very simple plan, the7-7-7 Method.

It divides childhood into three easy stages — each one seven years long.

This method comes from the wisdom of our early Muslim scholars. It follows the guidance of Prophet Muhammad, ﷺ who taught us when to play, when to teach, and when to guide our children.

THIS WAY . . .

FIRST 7 YEARS (Age 0–7)

Love • Mercy • Play

During this stage, children need love, not pressure.

• Give Hugs

• Smile Often

• Let Them Play

• Use Soft Voices

• Introduce Allah with simple words: “Allah is Kind. Allah loves you.”

No Harshness

No Heavy Rules

Their Hearts Open To Love

Our scholars say:

“Let the child play for seven years.”

"Let them PLAY WITH THEM - TO BUILD TRUST

TRUST THEM - IT OPENS DOORS TO TRUST

SECOND 7 YEARS (Age 7–14)

Teach • Train • Build Good Habits

At this age, the mind wakes up.
This is the time for teaching.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ told us to teach salah at age seven.
This is the start of training and discipline — always with kindness.

Show them, by example how - TO:

• Pray to ONLY ONE GOD (Allah)

• Follow the Prophet ﷺ

• Respect Both Parents

• Keep Your Promises

• Halal and Haram

• Good Manners

• Tell the Truth

• Read Quran

__________________________

Give Them Jobs Around The House

Give Them Responsibilities

Correct Mistakes Calmly

This Gets Them Ready For -

Their Own Muslim Identity!

THIRD 7 YEARS (Age 14–21)

Guide • Advise • Be a Friend

Now the child enters young adulthood.

If you LOVE in the first stage,

If you TEACH in the second stage,

They TRUST you in this final stage!

Your job is:

• Be companion to THEM

• Listen more to THEM

• Gently guide THEM

• Give Choices to THEM

• Help THEM make good choices

• Prepare THEM in -- Work, Marriage, and Life

Do Not Fight Them.

Do Not Treat Them Like Little Kids!

Be the “safe place” they come to when their world becomes challenging.

THE HEART OF THE 7-7-7 METHOD

Love early. Teach strong. Guide gently.

• First 7: Give love → you gain their heart

• Second 7: Teach well → you shape their character

• Third 7: Guide wisely → you earn their trust

BY parents following this plan, inshallah their kids will grow up recalling who raised them with love, and taught them Islam, and guided them with wisdom.

They will make dua for you long after you leave this world.

This is true success.

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The Prophet ﷺ said, (in Arabic):

إِذَا مَاتَ الإِنْسَانُ انْقَطَعَ  عَمَلُهُ  إِلَّا مِنْ  ثَلَاثٍ:
صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ، أَوْ عِلْمٍ  يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ، أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ  يَدْعُو  لَهُ

"When a son of Adam dies, his deeds end except for three,
(1) ongoing charity, (2) knowledge that benefits, (3) a righteous child who prays for him."
This goes for women too!

 Sahih Muslim

HERE'S A SHORT VERSION
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Raise Your Children - to be righteous and pray for you . .

AGE: 0–7:      Love & Play
Age: 7–14:    Teach & Train
Age: 14–21:  Guide & Be A Friend