| Answer:
Islam does not deal directly with the cases of
deviation from the norms and principles, regarding which human beings do not
normally err. Say, for example, you may not find any specific direction that one
should eat food and fulfill the physical needs. Obviously normal human beings
would not abandon fulfilling their basic needs. In fact, love for the children
has been so deeply rooted in all the creatures that they find themselves
compelled to provide them with their needs and are naturally inclined to look
after them. In an Islamic society, parents are also supposed to give special
care to the spiritual needs of the children. Our responsibilities include
teaching and guiding them regarding their moral and religious obligations as
well.
Since it seldom happens that parents do not look after their own children and
ignore the basic responsibilities in this regard, Islam has neither given
expressive directives regarding chidren’s upbringing nor explained the
consequences of non-compliance; but it is obvious that fulfilling duties arising
out of tacit agreements is a binding obligation on us. The Qur’ān says:
…who attend to their S*alāh and pay the Zakāh; who, when they enter into an
agreement, fulfill it; especially those who remain steadfast in privation,
affliction and in times of war. (2:177)
The directive of keeping up promises covers all kinds of duties both to
fellow human beings and to the Creator, whether they emanate from written
agreements or tacit ones. Thus it includes all these responsibilities which are
taken to be granted as binding for one. Therefore, the Almighty will of course
take the people to account for their negligence in this regard. |