Parenting Perspective 

When a child hides the fact they are being teased for their faith, it is often because they fear their parent’s reaction. They may worry you will become angry, overprotective, or even dismissive of their pain. Their silence does not mean the teasing is insignificant; it often means it cuts deeply. What they need most is the quiet reassurance that your home is the safest place in the world for them to share their burdens. 

Welcome their truth with gentleness. If they finally reveal, ‘Some classmates laughed at me today for being Muslim,’ pause and take a breath before you respond. Answer with calm and sincerity: ‘I am so sorry you had to go through that. Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.’ Your calm tone will teach them that coming to you brings comfort, not more stress. 

Validate Their Feelings 

A child who is targeted for their faith may feel a confusing mix of shame and anger. It is vital to normalise their emotions: ‘It hurts deeply when people make fun of something so important to us. It is completely normal to feel sad or angry in that situation.’ This validation helps them feel understood, not weak. 

Equip Them, Do Not Just Protect Them 

Rather than rushing to the school to confront the issue immediately, first ask your child what kind of support they feel they need. Work together to equip them with practical responses, such as walking away confidently, using a simple, firm statement, or speaking to a trusted teacher. This approach gives them a sense of agency over the situation, rather than making them feel like a powerless victim. 

Strengthen Their Pride in Their Identity 

Counteract the pain of the teasing by actively reminding them of the honour of being Muslim. Share stories of the companions who endured mockery with noble patience, and highlight the achievements of Muslims today who are admired for their character and contributions. Help them see that the identity others ridicule is, in fact, their greatest source of strength and dignity. You can subtly reinforce this by sharing one positive example of Muslim excellence each week, connecting their faith to honour, not just hardship. 

Spiritual Insight 

The noble Quran acknowledges that believers have always faced mockery from those who do not understand, but it consistently reassures them that their true worth is determined by Allah, far beyond the petty insults of others. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al An’aam (6), Verse 10: 

‘And without any doubt, the (extremists in disbelief) have scorned the Messengers before you (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ); but those people who ridiculed amongst them…’ 

This verse helps to lift your child’s personal experience into a much larger, historical frame. It teaches them that being mocked for one’s faith is not a new or unique pain, and that ultimately, those who ridicule others only harm themselves. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4023, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most severely tested people are the Prophets, then the next best, then the next best.¹ A man will be tested according to the level of his religious commitment…’ 

This profound hadith shows that facing trials like teasing is not a sign of weakness, but can be a sign of being part of a noble tradition of spiritual endurance. Sharing this with your child can help them reframe their experience, seeing it not as a source of shame but as a test that places them in the company of the strong and the patient. 

By combining heartfelt validation, practical tools, and powerful reminders of their spiritual honour, you create a circle of safety where your child can voice their pain without fear. Over time, they will learn that being teased for their faith does not diminish them; rather, it makes them part of a long lineage of believers who stood tall with dignity, knowing that Allah Almighty sees every moment of their patience and will reward it beyond measure.