Who Is Raising the Next Generation?

From what I know, raising children in 2026 isn't easy. Was it easy in 2005? Perhaps it was easier. What about 1995? Now we're pushing it. Nevertheless, through every generation, parent's will always worry about their children.

Until now. When it is most needed.

Let's go back to my childhood. The days when Wikipedia was the equivalent of ChatGPT, and the Blackberry Bold was the equivalent of a iPhone Pro Max.

Basically, playing in the street wouldn't lead to someone getting stabbed, and your biggest enemy was your weekly homework.

Simpler times.

Your grandparents and parents left the world they once knew for a better future in the West. Everyone in the neighbourhood knew exactly who you were. Even if you didn't know them.

Your parents' biggest worry: Making sure you look before you cross the road, and when they would ask you 'what did you do in school today?' The answer was always 'Nothing'.

Let's fast forward to post COVID. Children became teenagers and teenagers became adults with responsibilities. Things changed.

But something else changed too. Quietly and permanently, childhood itself began to disappear.

Not just from me and you, but from those who were yet to experience it's fruits.

فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَأْتِي عَلَيْكُمْ زَمَانٌ إِلَّا الَّذِي بَعْدَهُ شَرٌّ مِنْهُ 

"Be patient, for there doesn't come a time, except the time after it is far worse." (Sahih al-Bukhārī 7068)

Unrestricted iPads became the equivalent of a colouring books. TikTok became the new playing in the street, and random influencers began shaping the future of your household.

But it's okay, you tell yourself. All under the guise of 'they're just kids. At least he's not crying or getting into trouble'.

Completely unaware that these very devices are more dangerous than a gun.

Let’s get them an iPad,” you said. “One won’t hurt.”
“Smart TV? We need an upgrade.”
“PlayStation? Everyone has one.”

You wanted to protect them from the danger that the world presents. So you decided to invite it into your home.

But Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًۭا

O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) (Surah At-Tahrim)

Fast forward to today. Meetings. Deadlines. Work burdens.

Look, I understand. Fathers are working more hours than they can manage, and mothers are quietly holding the weight of the home on their backs.

But you're telling me you really can't make time for your own children, when the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was able to?

يَا أَبَا عُمَيْرٍ مَا فَعَلَ النُّغَيْرُ

“O Abu ‘Umayr, what happened to the little sparrow?”

(a little boy whose nickname was Abu ‘Umayr had a pet sparrow he used to play with and it died. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم entered one day and saw him grieving, so he stopped and asked him about his pet) (Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4969)

I dont know, maybe raising children today isn't easy.
Was it easy in 2005? Perhaps it was easier.
What about 1995? Now we’re pushing it.

What I do know is: It takes a village to raise a boy

And we have a responsibility.

أَلَا كُلُّكُمْ رَاعٍ وَكُلُّكُمْ مَسْئُولٌ عَنْ رَعِيَّتِهِ

“Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. (Sahih al-Bukhārī 7138, Sahih Muslim 1829)

In a world where everyone knows too much about one another, how well do you know your children?

Your Brother, IbnFarooq