Don’t Raise Your Child with Imported Terms

written by Mariam Salah

As Muslims, we already have the best guidance. Instead of using modern expressions, teach your child the beautiful words of Islam.

Try saying:

❌ “These are your body boundaries.”
✅ “Your body is a trust from Allah. No one is allowed to see or touch your ’awrah without a valid Islamic reason.”

❌ “Cover your private parts.”
✅ “Cover your ’awrah.”

❌ “This is a private body part.”
✅ “This is your ’awrah.”

❌ “Don’t let anyone touch you.”
✅ “No one is allowed to touch your ’awrah, except when truly necessary, such as your parents caring for you or a doctor when needed with a parent present.”

❌ “If you feel uncomfortable, say no.”
✅ “If anyone asks you to uncover your ’awrah or do something that displeases Allah, say ‘No!’ Leave immediately and tell your mother or father.”

Why use Islamic words?

• They come from the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
• They teach children to obey Allah, not only their feelings.
• They build a strong Islamic identity.
• They help children understand modesty, purity, and worship as they grow.
• They protect children while strengthening their faith.

Our religion taught modesty, haya’ (shyness), and protecting the ’awrah long before modern parenting terms appeared. The words we choose matter—they shape our children’s faith, values, and identity from a young age.