MUMSA Daawa Show Urges Parents to Prioritize Child-Rearing Amid Digital Age Challenges

Parents are being urged to reclaim their primary role in shaping children’s lives, as highlighted in the recent Makerere University Muslim Students Association (MUMSA) Daawa Show. The discussion addressed the profound impact of social media, cartoons, and other external influences on children’s development, framing parenting as a sacred trust from Allah.

Panellists drew upon Islamic scripture, including verses from Surah At-Tahrim and Hadith from Bukhari and Muslim, to underscore that safeguarding children from negative influences is a divine obligation. They warned that the modern environment exposes children to content beyond their emotional and spiritual maturity, potentially corrupting their innate disposition (fitrah).

The show also delved into the medical and Islamic perspectives on excessive screen time, linking it to developmental concerns like delayed speech and shortened attention spans. The principle of balance (wasatiyyah) was advocated, encouraging moderation in all aspects of a child’s life, including screen use, rest, and real-world interactions.

Addressing the challenges faced by working parents, the discussion clarified that seeking assistance, such as from domestic workers, is permissible. However, it was stressed that hired help should supplement, not substitute, parental involvement, which is crucial for a child’s emotional security and identity development.

The importance of discipline tempered with love was also a key theme, illustrated by historical Islamic examples of parental responsibility and accountability. The show concluded with a powerful call for parents to actively engage with their children, provide guidance, and instill values, reminding them that this trust from Allah is intentional and requires their dedicated attention.