Al-Azhar emphasizes the necessity of respecting children’s rights and ensuring their proper upbringing in accordance with the rights guaranteed by Islamic law from the moment they are embryos in their mothers’ wombs. This approach helps cultivate promising and conscious generations capable of advancing their homeland. In this context, al-Azhar Pavilion at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair organized a seminar titled Reading in the Book “Childhood Issues in the Balance of Shariah”, authored by Prof. Abbas Shouman, President of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates and Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars. Notably, the discussion was moderated by Prof. Hossam Shaker, a faculty member at the Faculty of Media at al-Azhar University.
Additionally, Prof. Shouman stated that true Islam places great emphasis on the well-being of children. He highlighted that Islam nurtures the Muslim personality in all its aspects and throughout every stage of development. He also stressed the importance of not neglecting our children, so they do not grow up without the teachings and morals that shape and refine their character.
Furthermore, Prof. Shouman addressed multiple issues related to children, from the moment they are embryos in their mothers’ wombs until they reach adulthood. He discussed the issue of wages for breastfeeding and emphasized that demanding compensation for the mother diminishes her esteemed status, reducing her to the rank of a wage earner. He also affirmed that, in Islam, a wife holds an honorable position and is not to be regarded as a hired servant.
His Eminence emphasized that the proper upbringing of children requires careful observation, consideration of circumstances, and discerning the right moments for guidance—whether through words or actions. The human soul naturally resists excessive control and direction, making it essential for a wise person to adapt situations to sound guidance and select appropriate moments for instruction. Moreover, he highlighted that Islamic law grants children both material and moral rights that precede their birth and continue throughout their upbringing. These rights aim to preserve their physical health, develop their intellect, nurture their conscience, and refine their character until they reach puberty. At that stage, they assume responsibility for faith and righteous deeds, contribute to the development of the world, and bring goodness to themselves and their nation.
His Eminence addressed several messages to parents. The first is that we are all responsible for our sons and daughters, and none of us is exempt from this responsibility. Therefore, fulfilling this duty with sincerity requires caring for those under our guardianship and preparing them for a righteous future and the development of the earth. He also urged parents to guide their children away from distractions that hinder their growth—especially modern tools and technologies that were intended to assist them and simplify their lives but have instead become sources of disruption, harming both their minds and bodies. Our children should be a source of pride in this world and a means of earning divine reward in the Hereafter. Thus, we must fear Allah in how we raise our children and strive to nurture them well, so that we may reap the rewards of their upbringing, efforts, and love—benefiting both ourselves and our homelands.
Notably, al-Azhar is participating in the Cairo International Book Fair for the ninth consecutive year. Al-Azhar Pavilion is located in Heritage Hall No. 4 and will be present throughout the 2025 exhibition at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.
