evil companions, and the home in which he is raised must itself be a wholesome environment, for the house is the child’s first school, with the parents and other family members as its teachers. All instruments of vice and corruption must therefore be kept away from the household—especially in our time, when the avenues of evil have proliferated and now pervade most homes, save those whom Allah has protected. One must be constantly on guard against this.

The child must also be nurtured upon worship and obedience, respect for the faith, and a deep care for—and love of—the Quran, for these are among the greatest sources of happiness in this world and the next.

In sum, the child’s father, and anyone charged with his upbringing, must themselves be upright role-models in character, behaviour, and everyday habits. May Allah grant us all success in that which He loves and is pleased with.