The parenting seminar “The Art of Educating Children Within the Family” was held on Sunday, June 25, 2023, featuring national parenting expert Irwan Rinaldi, widely known as Ayah Irwan, as the keynote speaker. Also present was national da’i Ustadz Dr. Attabik Luthfi, MA as a guest speaker.
The seminar, attended by more than 130 participants, was warmly received, with attendees engaging enthusiastically from beginning to end. As part of its service to parents, Al Siddiq International School also provided a dedicated kids zone where children could play and engage in creative activities while their parents attended the sessions.
Parenting Approaches to Nurture Righteous Children
In his presentation, Ayah Irwan emphasized the importance of instilling noble character in children from an early age, as character education cannot be postponed. Parents, teachers, and adults around children must serve as good role models, prioritize character education, and inspire them through action.
He further stressed the necessity for parents to strengthen their spiritual connection with Allah SWT, establish a clear vision, mission, and strategy in marriage, and align their principles and parenting approaches as husband and wife. According to him, raising righteous children must be in line with the divine design of Allah SWT. Parents should take advantage of their children’s golden moments to instill Islamic values—by teaching, experiencing, and preserving them consistently.
Educating Children Through the Lens of the Qur’an
The second speaker, Ustadz Dr. Attabik Luthfi, MA, discussed how the Qur’an underscores the importance of child-rearing and provides comprehensive guidance on parenting. He explained that akhlaq (morals) is the ultimate measure of human goodness, and that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), with his noble character, remains the best role model for Muslims.
“The piety of a child is the highest form of gratitude for parents. Therefore, we as parents must sincerely fulfill our duty to educate our children,” said Ustadz Attabik. He further elaborated that the righteousness of parents positively impacts their children, as Allah will grant His protection over them.
The Qur’an outlines various parenting approaches across several surahs. By following its guidance, parents can help cultivate strong moral character in their children. Ustadz Attabik highlighted several key traits:
- honesty and speaking kindly (character of the tongue),
- humility (character of the heart),
- patience in social interactions,
- mental and physical resilience,
- forgiveness,
- emotional control,
- zuhud (detachment from worldly excess),
- qana’ah (contentment), and
- wara’ (avoiding doubtful matters).
Closing
This parenting seminar was designed to broaden parents’ understanding of child-rearing, reinforcing the awareness that Islam and the Qur’an already provide complete guidance on cultivating akhlaqul karimah (noble character).
[Al Siddiq]