Father and daughter relations
God the Almighty created people, both men and women, so that they would worship only Him. At the same time, He made men and women with different physiological and psychological aspects. They also differ in their duties and responsibilities. A man, as the head of the family, is responsible before the Creator, not only for himself, but also for the spiritual and material condition of his loved ones. Therefore he must endure all of life’s difficulties.
The birth of a child, regardless of gender, is a gift from the Almighty. However, some fathers show their dissatisfaction with the birth of a daughter. At least at the birth of a daughter, they are not as happy as at the birth of a son. And the most offensive thing is that most relatives, particularly men, show solidarity with them in this matter. This behavior is not appropriate for sincere believers. A true believer should rejoice at any gift from the Lord and be pleased with His predestination. According to religion, raising children is one of the types of worship.
And for raising his daughters, a father can receive a great reward and this can become the reason for his entering Paradise and protection from Hellfire. It is transmitted from Jabir ibn Abdullah, may God be pleased with him, that he once heard the Messenger of God, peace and blessings upon him, said, “Whoever has three daughters and he cares for them, is merciful to them, and clothes them, Paradise is definitely guaranteed for him.” It was said, “O Messenger of God, what if he has only two?” The Prophet said, “Even two.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Ahmad).
Such joy awaits fathers who have raised their daughters. There are a lot of such sayings of the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, which tell of the innumerable benefits for those who raised their daughters.
Girls come to this world with a reward from the Almighty to their parents. Paradise is expected for those fathers who give care, love, support and education to their daughters. And those fathers, who are sad at the birth of their daughters and do not bring them up and support them as they should, will feel the same sadness on the Day of Judgment as well.
Before the arrival of Islam the Arabs had a terrible tradition of burying newborn girls. But this tradition was canceled and strictly prohibited with the prophecy of the Messenger of God, peace and blessings upon him. A father must educate, provide and, first of all, protect his daughter from any negativity. He should be a support not only for a son, but for a daughter as well, for she needs more support and understanding.
An example for fathers in maintaining a relationship with their daughters should be the attitude of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings upon him, to his daughters, especially to Fatima, may God be pleased with her, whose life is also an example for all women in the world. The Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, loved and held dear Fatima, may God be pleased with her, very much.
He took her with him when he walked the streets of Mecca and called people to Islam. The Messenger of God used to stand up when he welcomed Fatima and he gave her the pillow on which he was sitting. And when he came to visit her, she received him standing as well, and respectfully kissed his hands and seated him in her place.
In this way the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, showed how fathers should treat their daughters and commanded his followers to love and be patient with their families.
NURMUKHAMMAD IZUDINOV
