they are not to be instructed in anything, nor are they to be struck for anything; rather, they are only prevented from causing mischief, whether inside the home or outside it.

Concerning his words, “Beat them for it when they are ten years old,” what is meant is a beating that brings about discipline without harm. A father, therefore, is not allowed to strike his children with a harsh blow, nor to hit them repeatedly when there is no need. If the child will not rise for the prayer except through a beating, he may strike him with a light, customary blow—nothing severe—for the Prophet ﷺ commanded that they be struck not to inflict pain, but to educate and reform them.

This ḥadith also points to the error of some latter-day theorists who claim to be educators and insist that young pupils must never be struck in school when they fall short. The narration refutes them and proves their idea unsound, for with some children words alone are of little benefit, whereas a light beating helps them more. If they were left without such discipline, they would neglect their duties, slacken in their studies, and become careless. A measured beating is therefore necessary so that they grow accustomed to order and perform what is required of them; otherwise the matter would descend into chaos.

Even so, as we have said, the beating must be for discipline, not for causing pain and agony. He should strike in a manner suited to the child’s condition—a light, non-injurious blow. He must not behave like certain teachers of former times who administered severe and painful beatings, nor should he follow those self-styled educators—who are in truth farthest from proper upbringing—who advocate total neglect on the pretext that “the child does not understand.” The child will not comply on his own, nor does he comprehend; but a measured beating corrects him. Allah is the One who grants success.