How muslim parents nurture the faith of their children in Australia : perspectives and strategies on enhancing sense of responsibility

Abstract

The aim of religion in Islam is to produce a good person with sound character. Childhood is a time for preparing for adulthood and parents are responsible for training, educating and equipping their children with sound skills and moral values. The primary purpose of such training is to enhance a sense of responsibility in children towards their religious values and rituals. However, there is very little known of the experiences and expectations of Muslim parents and the difficulties parents and children face in Australia, where Muslims are a minority. Therefore, the key objective of this study is to explore and identify parents’ perceptions on their sense of responsibility to their children in relation to religious practices and values. In addition, it examines the experiences of parents and their children while nurturing their faith. A qualitative research approach involving the use of semi-structured interviews was the primary method adopted; however, the Inventory of Child-Parent Questionnaire was also used to gain insight on the quality of child-parent relationships and not for statistical purposes. Purposive sampling was employed to select eight participants, specifically four mothers and four children. The most significant findings were that mothers’ expectations were linked to their perceptions of children’s sense of responsibility towards religious commitments. Additionally, children’s perceptions of “what it means to be a Muslim” was associated to their parents’ expectations of them. Parents who had high expectations and a strict, demanding approach resembling the Authoritarian style of parenting scored lower results in the Inventory of Child-Parent Attachment Questionnaire. However, parents who adopted inductive reasoning or the Authoritative style of parenting scored sound results and had more pleasant experiences. The most significant challenges the children faced were fear of isolation and discrimination. Prevention and intervention programmes that support parenting skills and more facilities for Muslim children by community leaders and Islamic institutes were suggested. Lastly, recommendations for policy makers and relevant authorities in the Board of Education of Australia to develop programmes and community based events at schools that promote tolerance of minority faiths were suggested.