Religious education in childhood period: An analysis on parents and child education in the Qur'an

Religious education plays a fundamental role in shaping a child's personality development, moral understanding, and social skills. The most effective period for delivering this education is childhood, during which the foundations of individual character are formed. The religious knowledge and attitudes acquired during this stage significantly influence the value system that will guide the individual throughout life. The family, as the primary and most influential environment in a child's upbringing, serves as the main conduit for religious education. In particular, the words, behaviors, and attitudes of parents have a profound impact on the religious and moral development of their children. The parent figures and their approaches to their children presented in the Qur'an provide significant pedagogical insights in this regard. This study focuses on selected parental figures mentioned in the Qur'an—such as Prophet Abraham, Prophet Jacob, Luqman, the mother of Prophet Moses, and Prophet Shuayb— and examines their educational attitudes toward their children from a pedagogical perspective. These figures are evaluated not merely as part of historical narratives but as patterns representing a value-based educational approach. Relevant verses are analyzed in relation to contemporary educational concepts, with emphasis on core educational principles such as being a role model, providing guidance, offering emotional support, and being sensitive to individual differences. This qualitative study reveals that parental attitudes in the Qur'an support the emotional, cognitive, and social development of the child. It highlights that, in the Qur'an, religious education is not limited to verbal advice; instead, it emphasizes leading by example and establishing a healthy emotional bond with the child. This approach aligns closely with contemporary religious education models and suggests a multi-dimensional educational process in the transmission of religious values. The parent-child relationship in the Qur'an encompasses both religious and pedagogical dimensions and presents guiding principles that remain relevant for today's families.