In pre-Islamic Arabia, daughters were often undervalued, to the extent that some societies would bury them alive. Against this harsh cultural backdrop, the Prophet’s treatment (ﷺ) of his daughter Fātima (radiy Allahu ‘anha) was revolutionary!
His actions went beyond personal expressions of love and respect. Importantly, they were also a public lesson to society: a lesson that daughters are treasures, not burdens.
This following narration offers timeless guidance for parents on raising daughters with dignity, emotional security, and faith.
ʿĀ’ishah (radiy Allahu ‘anha) reported,
I have not seen anyone more closely resemble the disposition, mannerism, and characteristics of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ than his daughter Fātima (radiy Allahu ‘anha).
When she entered upon the Prophet ﷺ, he would stand up for her, take her by the hand, kiss her, and seat her in his place.
And when the Prophet ﷺ entered upon her, she would stand up for him, take him by the hand, kiss him, and seat him in her place.” [1]
This wonderful narration illustrates the intimate bond between the Prophet ﷺ and one of his four daughters, while also — as briefly touched upon in the opening to this article — conveying a powerful social and parenting lesson: daughters are worthy of love, honour, and dignity.
Honouring daughters publicly and privately
As noted in the narration, when Fātima (radiy Allahu ‘anha) entered, the Prophet ﷺ would stand up for her, take her by the hand, kiss her, and seat her in his place.
By honouring his daughter openly, the Prophet ﷺ taught the wider community that daughters deserve respect and recognition. Such public gestures challenged societal norms and redefined the value of girls.
At the same time, honour shown privately strengthens the bond within the home, while honour shown publicly affirms a daughter’s worth in the eyes of society.
Affection and emotional security
The Prophet ﷺ expressed natural, heartfelt affection towards his daughter by holding her hand, kissing her, and showing care openly.
Affection from a father is protection and strength, it’s not indulgence. A daughter who experiences love and affirmation at home feels emotionally secure, confident, and valued. When love is absent, a daughter may seek it from the first person who offers attention, regardless of whether that person is safe or sincere.
Likewise, intentional love and emotional presence at home safeguard daughters from vulnerability and fulfil a parent’s responsibility of mercy and care.
Children learn by observation
When the Prophet ﷺ entered Fātima’s home, she reflected the same respect and affection he had shown her.
Children absorb lessons from what they see before they hear them. Observing consistent love, honour, and gentleness teaches daughters values far more deeply than words alone. This mutual exchange of respect reflects an upbringing rooted in dignity, emotional balance, and compassion.
In addition, we can observe that the Prophet ﷺ never demanded respect from his daughter; he gave it first. Respect flows naturally when it is modelled.
Children who feel valued, protected, and honoured at home respond with respect rooted in love rather than fear. Such an environment nurtures healthy family relationships built on trust and mutual dignity.
Fathers shape their daughters’ self-worth
By seating Fātima (radiy Allahu ‘anha) in his own place, the Prophet ﷺ conveyed belonging, importance, and trust.
A daughter’s understanding of her value begins at home. Respect, attention, and emotional safety from her father strengthen her confidence and ability to establish healthy boundaries in society. Fathers, therefore, play a pivotal role in shaping how daughters view themselves and how they expect to be treated by others.
The Prophet ﷺ is the ultimate example
Allah says,
Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.” [2]
The Prophet ﷺ raised his daughter through presence, mercy, and consistent action, creating a lasting model for parents and a powerful social message that daughters are sacred, honourable, and worthy of care.
A lesson for homes and society
This one narration demonstrates that raising daughters requires deliberate love, attention, protection, and honour. In a society where girls were historically undervalued, even at risk of death, the Prophet’s actions were revolutionary (ﷺ).
Daughters who are loved, respected, and emotionally nurtured at home grow into confident and dignified women. Islam does not merely forbid the mistreatment of daughters; it elevates their care to an act of faith and a source of immense reward.
Mālik (radiy Allahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger ﷺ said,
Whoever raises two daughters until they reach maturity, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection like this,” and he interlaced his fingers (for explaining the point of nearness between him and that person). [3]
By following the example of the Messenger ﷺ, parents ensure that daughters are not only valued within their homes, but that caring for them becomes a means of closeness to the Prophet ﷺ in the Hereafter.
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] Sunan Abī Dāwūd, 5,217; https://sunnah.com/abudawud:5217
[2] al-Qur’ān, 33:21
[3] Sahīh Muslim, 2,631; https://sunnah.com/muslim:2631
