Caning children in Malaysia :an analysis from the sunnah perspective

Abstract

This research seeks to identify the ÍadÊth on caning as an essential guideline for raising children all over the world. Many Muslims use physical punishment on their children based on the Prophetic tradition that children should be beaten at the age of 10 if they are indifferent to prayer. In Malaysia, child caning is a common practice in disciplining children and may lead to child abuse. Pronouncements from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development have raised debate among Malaysians about caning. There is a need to understand the ÍadÊth in which it inspired parents to discipline children through physical punishment. Therefore, this research addresses misunderstandings concerning the caning of children and analyses whether the practice of child caning in Malaysia is in line with the Prophet’s Sunnah. This research will allow contemporary Muslim societies, especially parents, teachers and children, to better understand their rights and responsibilities. Hence, the qualitative method was selected as the research methodology. The methodology consists of the critical analysis method to collect ÍadÊth related to caning. The content analysis method was used to understand the meaning behind them. The study also employed the comparative analysis method to compare the Malaysian practice of child caning with the Prophetic guidance on caning. In conclusion, the study will look into the caning debate among Malaysians and compare contemporary Malaysian practices and Prophetic guidance on caning.