The upholder of kinship is not the one who is kind to them if they are kind to him; rather, the upholder of kinship is the one who upholds the kinship with them even if his relatives cut him off. (Bukhari.)

Parental conflict has significant impact on a child’s Islamic development and Muslim identity. Children exposed to high levels of conflict between parents, it causes stress and instability within the home environment, leading to decreased trust in relationships, including their relationship with a Higher Power, and lower self-esteem. This can also cause confusion about healthy relationships and lead to a distorted view of love and spirituality.

Studies have shown that parental conflict can have a range of negative effects on children’s overall well-being, including increased anxiety and depression, impairment of social skills, difficulty regulating emotions, decreased academic performance, and poor physical health. The impact of parental conflict on children can vary depending on several factors, including the severity and frequency of the conflict, the child’s age and developmental stage, and the presence of supportive adults in the child’s life.

To minimize the negative impact of conflict on children, parents can take the following steps:

1. If conflict between parents is frequent or intense, under ideal conditions seek the assistance of an experienced and practicing Muslim therapist or counselor to help improve communication and resolve issues. 
2. Parents should prioritize the needs and well-being of their children and avoid involving them in the conflict. This is aimed to help children feel secure and reduce the emotional toll of the conflict.
3. Parents can demonstrate healthy communication and conflict resolution skills, thus leading by example. Children who see their parents resolve conflicts in a respectful and effective manner are more likely to adopt these skills themselves.
4. Parents can create a supportive and stable home environment by promoting positive relationships, spending quality time together, and offering love and understanding. This can help children feel secure and develop a positive sense of self.
5. Children can benefit from having supportive adults in their lives that are experienced in helping reform children. Such persons should provide a positive influence and serve as a source of comfort and support.
6. Parents can support their children’s spiritual growth by encouraging them to participate in religious activities from a very young age, have open and honest conversations about spirituality, and modeling a positive spiritual life. This can help children develop a strong connection with both – parents and their faith.

Parents can also support their children’s Islamic development by modeling positive spiritual beliefs and practices, encouraging participation in religious activities, having open and honest conversations about spirituality, fostering a sense of community, promoting values such as love, kindness, and compassion, and encouraging personal reflection and introspection.

Last but not least, parental conflict can have a significant impact on a child’s spiritual development. However, parents can take steps to minimize the negative impact and promote their children’s spiritual growth by seeking outside help, putting the children first, modeling healthy conflict resolution, fostering a supportive and stable home environment, encouraging outside support, and promoting spiritual development. It’s important for parents to be respectful and accepting of their children’s spiritual beliefs and to provide a supportive environment for their spiritual growth.

Life may never be perfect for our children or for parents, yet it is part of parental duty to aim in getting to perfection to the best of their ability.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.