Today's Friday sermon called on the relevant institutions and all responsible parties to impose the harshest punishments prescribed under Islamic Sharia and Maldivian law on those who neglect and abuse children.
Today's Friday sermon, delivered on the theme of "Children's rights", said children are a precious trust placed in their parents' care by Almighty Allah, and that parents and society as a whole have a duty to safeguard that sacred trust at all times and in all circumstances.
Prayers were also offered to Almighty Allah to bestow blessings upon the two children who died in two tragic incidents this week and to grant their families patience.
The sermon said Almighty Allah had provided the fullest protection for children's rights in His Sharia long before conventions and laws protecting those rights came into existence.
The meaning of a verse revealed by Almighty Allah is as follows.
"And do not kill your children for fear of poverty! We provide sustenance for them and for you. Surely, killing them is a grave sin." This verse therefore obliges every Muslim to enable the children of the Muslim community to grow up in a safe and secure environment.
Noting that children receive the fullest protection and safety within a strong family and a society built on such families, the sermon said the Prophet's guidance must be followed when establishing a family. It said children's rights include being given a good name commonly used by Muslims and having their Islamic identity nurtured.
The sermon also said children's rights include protection from abuse, discrimination and bullying, and that spirituality is greatly needed in their upbringing, just as knowledge and good character are important.
The sermon said children are a precious gift from Almighty Allah and pure souls under His care. However, it said it was tragic that people who neglect children and subject them to inhumane abuse without any mercy or compassion live among us. It said it was equally tragic and distressing that such people include the children's own parents, who have the greatest obligation to show them care and compassion.
The meaning of a saying of the Prophet is as follows.
"Anyone among us who shows no compassion to children is not one of us Muslims."
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