Hadith #11238

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A righteous child is the more beautiful of the two recollections.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance and beauty of having a righteous child. To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (salih) "صالح" refers to someone who is righteous, pious, and upright in their actions and beliefs. It signifies a person who consistently follows the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strives to please Him in all aspects of life. A righteous individual is one who adheres to the teachings of Islam and seeks to attain closeness to Allah through acts of worship and good deeds.

The word (walad) "وَلَد" means child or offspring. It refers to the progeny or descendants of a person. In this context, it specifically refers to a child who possesses the qualities of righteousness and piety.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support the significance of having a righteous child. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 18:82)

And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city, and there was beneath it a treasure for them, and their father had been righteous. So your Lord intended that they reach maturity and extract their treasure, as a mercy from your Lord.

This verse highlights the importance of having righteous parents, as the treasure was preserved for the orphan boys due to the righteousness of their father. It demonstrates that the righteousness of the parents can have a profound impact on the lives of their children, both in this world and the hereafter.

Another verse that emphasizes the significance of righteous offspring is found in Surah Al-Saffat, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 37:113)

And We gave him Isaac and Jacob in addition, and all [of them] We made righteous.

This verse highlights the blessing of Allah upon Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by granting him righteous children, namely Prophet Isaac and Prophet Jacob. It shows that having righteous children is a gift from Allah and a means of increasing the righteousness within a family lineage.

Reflecting upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we can understand the profound impact of raising a righteous child. A righteous child is a source of joy and beauty for their parents, as their actions and character reflect the values and teachings instilled in them. They bring happiness to their parents in this world and serve as a means of continuous reward in the hereafter.

Moreover, a righteous child is a means of preserving and spreading goodness in society. Their righteous actions and adherence to Islamic principles serve as an inspiration for others, leading to a positive influence on the community. They become a source of guidance and a means of propagating the message of Islam.

Conversely, neglecting the upbringing of a child in righteousness can have detrimental consequences. It can lead to the perpetuation of ignorance, disobedience, and moral decay within society. Therefore, it is incumbent upon parents to prioritize the spiritual and moral development of their children, ensuring that they are raised upon the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the beauty and importance of having a righteous child. It highlights the significance of raising children who are pious, obedient to Allah, and follow the teachings of Islam. The Quranic verses further support this notion, emphasizing the blessings and rewards associated with having righteous offspring. As Muslims, it is our duty to strive towards raising righteous children who will contribute positively to society and bring joy to their parents. May Allah bless us all with righteous offspring and guide us in fulfilling our responsibilities as parents.