Parenting Perspective 

Emphasise Equal Worth 

Teaching your child to respect boys and girls equally at school involves fostering a mindset of fairness, empathy, and mutual respect. You can start by explaining that in Islam, both boys and girls are equal in the eyes of Allah, and that they should be treated with the same level of respect. You might say, ‘In Islam, Allah created us all equal. It does not matter whether we are boys or girls; everyone deserves kindness, respect, and fairness.’ 

Appreciate Strengths in Everyone 

Encourage your child to see the strengths and qualities in both boys and girls. You can teach them that each person is unique and has something valuable to offer. For example, ‘Boys might be good at sports, while girls might be great at solving problems. Both are important and deserve equal respect.’ This reinforces the idea that gender should not determine how people are treated. ‘Just because someone is a boy or a girl, it does not mean they are better or worse. Everyone should be treated kindly, no matter what.’ 

Encourage and Model Respectful Behaviour 

Involve your child in discussions about the importance of mutual respect and how they can show kindness and fairness in their interactions with their classmates. Praise them when they exhibit these behaviours. ‘I am proud of how you included both boys and girls in your group project. That is the spirit of teamwork and respect.’ You should also model respectful behaviour towards both genders in your own life, as children often learn by observing the actions of their parents. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, gender equality and respect are core principles. Allah Almighty teaches us in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 13: 

‘O mankind, indeed, We (Allah Almighty) have created you all from one man and one woman; and placed you amongst various nations and tribes for your introduction to each other; indeed, the best of you in the judgement of Allah (Almighty) is the one who is most virtuous; indeed, Allah (Almighty) is the Omniscient, the all Cognisant.’ 

This verse highlights that both men and women are equal in the sight of Allah, and their worth is determined by their righteousness, not their gender. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also exemplified respect for both genders. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3587, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best of you are those who are the best to their families.’ 

This Hadith underscores that respect and kindness are universal virtues, not limited by gender. By teaching your child to respect both boys and girls equally, you are helping them to embody these Islamic values in their interactions and relationships at school.