The family derives its significance from being a fundamental pillar of one of the most vital social systems on which society greatly relies to nurture its members, guide them towards a righteous upbringing, and prepare them for a promising future. When the family’s structure is sound, cohesive, and free from illnesses, psychological complexes, or corrupt individual whims, it generates positive outcomes that reflect upon society as a whole. In turn, society becomes stronger and more resilient as the family provides it with upright and well-balanced individuals, thus reinforcing security and stability and steering it toward healthy progress.
For this reason, the family is regarded as the nucleus and the very first cell of society—it suffers when it suffers, and it prospers when it prospers. God Almighty surrounded it with affection, compassion, kindness, and harmonious companionship when He said: “And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.” Preserving the righteous structure of the family is both a duty and a trust placed upon parents. It is undoubtedly a tremendous responsibility for the roots of the family—the father and mother—to instill values, morals, and proper conduct in the branches of the family—the children. Parents sacrifice their wealth and energy to raise, nurture, and educate their children, and thus they reap the fruits of this upbringing—whether good or bad. When the upbringing is righteous, society prospers; when it is corrupt, the very foundations of society are undermined. The deviation of the family is among the most dangerous causes of the deviation of children, for a child adopts the values of his parents unquestioningly in his early years. These values define his identity and plant within him the elements of his personality through the behaviors and ethics he absorbs from them.
It must be emphasized that the responsibility of the head of the family does not stop at providing food, clothing, and shelter. It extends to instilling noble values in his children, treating them with fairness in both material and emotional support, without discrimination between boys and girls, without harshness or neglect, and without excessive indulgence. Wisdom must be combined with compassion, and guidance must be given with patience, gentleness, and perseverance, in order to create a healthy atmosphere where psychological disorders cannot take root.
Thus, the mission of the family must be fulfilled in all its aspects, including:
- Education and upbringing
- Protection and security
- Instilling love and affection in children
- Providing proper guidance and direction
Affirming the family’s role in raising children is the key to sustaining sound human life, a source of happiness for society, and a foundation for its progress and prosperity. This emphasis remains necessary in every era, particularly in the face of suspicious calls and misguided ideologies that seek to dismantle the family bond and weaken its unity.
Imad Al-Din Joudat Dalati
2010-05-16
