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What does Islam say about disciplining children?

Q: What does Islam say about disciplining children?

Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah (AskImam): “It is permissible for a father to discipline his mature daughter in all occasions in which he would normally discipline his small child. However, it must be noted, once a child reaches the age of puberty, they should not be punished the same way a small child is punished.” Mufti Online — Madrasah Ta'leemuddeen: “To teach the child discipline and respect is the best gift a parent can give to the child. Respect and discipline requires firmness with kindness. A simple procedure in disciplining children is don't hit them but avoid giving them some luxury item that you normally give them for a week or two weeks.” Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

33 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 2 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, AskImam). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“It is permissible for a father to discipline his mature daughter in all occasions in which he would normally discipline his small child. However, it must be noted, once a child reaches the age of puberty, they should not be punished the same way a small child is punished.”

AskImam — Is it allowed for a father to hit his daughter who has reached puberty? · 10 Aug 2020

“To teach the child discipline and respect is the best gift a parent can give to the child. Respect and discipline requires firmness with kindness. A simple procedure in disciplining children is don't hit them but avoid giving them some luxury item that you normally give them for a week or two weeks.”

Mufti Online — Disciplining children · 7 Nov 2015

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

Disciplining one's child with love and compassion Mufti Online · 29 Apr 2026
Is it allowed for a father to hit his daughter who has reached puberty? AskImam · 10 Aug 2020
Disciplining children for disrespecting food Mufti Online · 21 Dec 2024
Does the heartbeat of a person say Allah per beat? AskImam · 19 Oct 2019
Punishment for a person who is involved in illicit activities with a married woman Mufti Online · 2 Jan 2021
What punishment will a man get if he divorced his wife without any reason? AskImam · 5 Nov 2010
Disciplining children Mufti Online · 7 Nov 2015
1. tell me a zikr or dua so I can become a more gentle mother to my children and not hit . AskImam · 20 Jan 2004
Teaching children discipline and respect Mufti Online · 7 Nov 2015
What is the punishment for a person who causes a husband and wife to argue and fight? AskImam · 28 Jan 2003
Disciplining someone else's child in the masjid Mufti Online · 2 May 2026
What to do? Mufti belittles & hits my son, (6) Now he hates madressa AskImam · 20 Jan 2003
Father disciplining his daughter Mufti Online · 28 Dec 2024
Is it ok to let the baby cry for discipline reason? what is the right of the baybe on her mother? jazakallah khair AskImam · 29 Jan 2001
Allah Ta'ala will not punish one person for the sins committed by another Mufti Online · 5 Sep 2020

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