Raising children in today’s world is both rewarding and challenging. Parents want to nurture faith, build character, and prepare their children for life’s realities. At the same time, teenagers are figuring out who they are while dealing with school, friendships, and the endless comparisons that come with social media. Both parents and teens are searching for guidance they can trust.

In the Qur’an, Allah highlights the heartfelt words of Luqman the Wise to his son (Surah Luqman, 31:12–19). These verses are more than a father’s private advice; they are timeless principles for building faith, dignity, and resilience. What is striking is how Luqman’s guidance speaks to both generations reminding teens of their responsibilities while also nudging parents to lead with wisdom and compassion.

Here are seven lessons from Luqman’s words, explored for both parents and teens

1. Be Grateful

“Be grateful to Allah. Whoever is grateful, it is for his own good.” (31:12)

For Teens: Gratitude changes how you see the world. It helps you stop comparing yourself to others and notice the blessings you already have. This protects you from jealousy and builds inner strength.

For Parents: Gratitude is taught by example. When parents openly thank Allah, express appreciation, and avoid constant complaining, children absorb that attitude and carry it into their own lives.

2. Keep Allah at the Center

“Do not associate partners with Allah; indeed, shirk is a great injustice.” (31:13)

For Teens: Today’s distractions, fame, popularity, money can easily become false “gods.” When you make them your ultimate goal, they end up pulling you away from what really matters. Keeping Allah at the centre protects your heart.

For Parents: Children learn tawheed not only through lessons but also by seeing it lived out. When parents show reliance on Allah in both hardship and ease, they teach their children what trust in Allah really looks like.

3. Show Kindness to Parents

“We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents...” (31:14)

For Teens: Respecting your parents is part of your faith. Even if you disagree, you can still show kindness through your words, tone, and patience. Small gestures of respect go a long way.

For Parents: Respect is not something that can be demanded. It grows when parents are gentle, approachable, and willing to listen. When children feel heard, they are more likely to respond with respect and love.

4. Remember That Allah Sees Everything

“Even if it be the weight of a mustard seed... Allah will bring it forth.” (31:16)

For Teens: True integrity means doing the right thing even when no one else is watching. Every action, big or small matters. Awareness of Allah brings meaning to even the smallest choices.

For Parents: Children don’t need to be monitored constantly. What they need is a sense of Allah’s presence in their hearts. Parents can build this by showing trust, offering gentle reminders, and praising small acts of honesty and goodness.

5. Establish Prayer

“Establish prayer, enjoin good, forbid evil...” (31:17)

For Teens: Prayer is not just a routine, it is an anchor. It helps you deal with stress, uncertainty, and difficult choices. It is a daily way of resetting your heart and remembering your purpose.

For Parents: Making prayer part of family life has a deep impact. When parents pray consistently, and especially when they invite their children to join without harshness, it builds a lifelong connection to salah.

6. Be Patient and Resilient

“Bear with patience whatever befalls you...” (31:17)

For Teens: Life is not always easy. Exams, friendships, and future worries all bring challenges. Patience means holding on with hope, trusting that Allah will bring relief after hardship.

For Parents: Patience is best taught by example. Children watch how you handle frustration. Whether it is a stressful day at work or a family conflict. Responding with calm and trust in Allah teaches them resilience without a word.

7. Live with Humility

“Do not turn your face away from people... Walk with humility... Lower your voice.” (31:18–19)

For Teens: Confidence is healthy, but arrogance pushes people away. Real strength lies in humility, kindness, and good manners. How you carry yourself speaks louder than words.

For Parents: Children notice how you interact with others: the cashier, the neighbour, the waiter. When they see humility and respect in your behaviour, they learn to practice it themselves.

Conclusion

Luqman’s words to his son are a gift for every family. For teens, they provide a roadmap for building faith, resilience, and good character. For parents, they are a reminder that guidance is most powerful when lived, not just spoken.

When parents and teens reflect on these lessons together, they create homes filled with gratitude, respect, and love. In a fast-paced world that pulls us in many directions, Luqman’s wisdom calls us back to what truly matters: remembering Allah, practicing patience, and walking humbly through life.

Through the Believer’s Hub (for parents) and Qur’an and Me (for teens), we are offering dedicated spaces to engage with these reflections in depth. If you would like to learn more or join us, we invite you to explore our programs and take part in this journey of growth.