Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Quran al-Karim wa al-Sunna al-Sharifa

Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Quran al-Karim wa al-Sunna al-Sharifa (Childhood Etiquette between the Holy Qur'an and the Noble Sunnah) is a pedagogical and literary study by the Egyptian scholar and professor of literature and criticism at Al-Azhar University, Ali Ali Subh Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu…+1. The book examines the principles, literary expressions, and developmental stages of child upbringing within the foundational texts of Islam Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu…+1.

Scope and Core Themes

The work frames the Islamic approach to child-rearing not as speculative human theory, but as divinely ordained guidance rooted in human nature ( فِطْرَةَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا "the natural disposition of Allah upon which He has created mankind" [al-Rum: 30]) Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu…+1. It presents the discipline and moral cultivation of the child as both an innate disposition (fitra) and an act of worship ('ibada) encompassing the micro-society of the family and the wider Muslim community Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu…+1.

Subh explores several educational and rhetorical dimensions of childhood pedagogy, including:

• The Etiquette of Compassion: Presenting mercy and gentle affection toward children as essential pedagogical conduct and worship Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu…+1.
• Quranic Recitation and Listening: Highlighting the role of hearing and memorizing the Quran in refining children's Arabic eloquence, emotional balance, and moral reasoning Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu….
• Quranic and Prophetic Admonitions: Analyzing archetypal educational discourses, such as the counsel of Luqman to his son in Surah Luqman—focusing on pure monotheism, filial respect, and personal humility—and the Prophet's guidance to young companions like Abdullah ibn Abbas Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu…+1.
• Rules of Seeking Permission: Examining the etiquette of asking permission (isti'dhan) prescribed for children entering private quarters at designated times (before the dawn prayer, at midday rest, and after the night prayer) in Surah al-Nur Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu…+1.
• Storytelling as an Educational Medium: Addressing the psychological appeal and structural dynamics of Quranic and Prophetic narratives for children, utilizing vivid pacing, suspense, and moral resolution Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu….

Stages of Upbringing

The author traces the stages of child development recognized in Islamic literature, beginning even before conception during the betrothal (khitba) and marriage partner selection phase, where emphasis is placed on religious character and lineage to secure upright progeny Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu…. It continues through infancy and subsequent childhood milestones, integrating classical Arabic pedagogical insights such as Abu Hamid al-Ghazali's discussions on child training and deportment Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu….

Sources and Methodology

The work relies primarily on the text of the Qur'an and canonical Hadith collections—including Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and the four Sunan compilations—alongside classical ethical treatises such as al-Ghazali's Ihya' 'Ulum al-Din and Ibn Miskawayh's Tahdhib al-Akhlaq Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu…. It also incorporates modern literature on Islamic education and child psychology by authors such as Muhammad Qutb, Najib al-Kilani, and 'Abd al-Rahman al-Nahlawi Adab al-Tufula bayn al-Qu…+1.