🧒 Raising children (tarbiyah) · #102

My child has started asking hard questions about the world, death and injustice. How do I answer?

Hard questions are a sign that a child is thinking, so welcome them gladly, not anxiously. Answer honestly and simply according to his age, and it is fine to say ‘Daddy doesn't know everything either, let's find out together.’ Link your answers to Allah's love and wisdom, without painting a frightening picture of Him. On death, explain calmly that it is Allah's decree and that there is life after it. Avoid killing his curiosity with ‘don't ask so many questions’. Validate his feelings if something makes him sad or afraid. A child whose questions are welcomed learns to bring his doubts to his parents rather than hide them. See educating the family.

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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