Teachers hitting children?
The topic of discipline in the context of children is discussed in several hadiths attributed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These narrations emphasize the importance of teaching children to pray and the appropriate methods of discipline. For instance, it is reported that the Prophet ﷺ instructed: Teach the child prayer at seven years old, and strike him gently for it at ten years.
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2:260. This indicates that physical discipline was considered a part of teaching children responsibility in their worship.
Additionally, another narration states: Command your children to pray when they are seven years old, and discipline them when they reach ten, and place them in separate beds.
Sunan Abu Dawud 2:106. This further emphasizes the importance of instilling the practice of prayer and the role of discipline in the upbringing of children.
From a broader perspective, Ibn Kathir explains that the command to protect one's family from the Fire includes educating and instructing family members toward obedience to Allah (Tafsir Ibn Kathir). This underscores the notion that discipline should be part of a loving and educational process rather than merely punitive.
In Shia tradition, the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) stated: Discipline the orphan with the same methods you use to discipline your own child, and strike him as you would strike your own child.
Al-Kafi 1:196. This reflects a similar approach in emphasizing the importance of proper upbringing and care in disciplining children.
Overall, these sources suggest that while physical discipline is acknowledged, it should be carried out with care and in conjunction with love, guidance, and instruction. The goal is to educate and foster a sense of responsibility in children rather than to inflict harm.
Sources
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Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2:260
Sunan al-Tirmidhi · Book 2, Hadith 260 · Narrated by Abd al-Malik ibn al-Rabi' ibn Subra's father
The Messenger of Allah said, 'Teach the child prayer at seven years old, and strike him gently for it at ten years.'
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Sunan Abu Dawud 2:106
Sunan Abu Dawud · Book 2, Hadith 106 · Narrated by his grandfather
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Command your children to pray when they are seven years old, and discipline them when they reach ten, and place them in separate beds.'
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Al-Kafi 1:196
Al-Kafi · Book 1, Hadith 196
The best worship is to guard one’s stomach and private parts from sin and excess. — OR — I asked about bathing on Friday. He said: It is obligatory upon every male and female, slave or free. — OR — Among the causes of Allah's forgiveness, Blessed and Exalted, is feeding food to others. — OR — The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) said: 'Discipline the orphan with the same methods you use to discipline your own child, and strike him as you would strike your own child.' — OR — Muhammad bin Isma'il narrated from al-Fadl bin Shadhan from Safwan bin Yahya from Mu'awiyah bin 'Ammar who said: I asked Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him): What follows a man after his death? He said: A Sunnah he established that is acted upon after his death and so he has the reward just like those who act upon it, without diminishing their reward in the slightest; continuous charity that flows after him; a righteous child who prays for his parents after their death, performs pilgrimage on their behalf, gives charity for them, frees slaves, fasts, and prays for them. I said: Shall I include them in my pilgrimage? He said: Yes. — OR — Mix with people to get to know them, and when you know them, admonish them.
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