The Al-Mudeer Daaru Taojeeh Wal Idraak, Isheri-olofin, Lagos, Nigeria, Sheikh Ahmad Solahudeen Olaoti-Olore has identified poor parenting as a critical factor responsible for moral decadence as manifested in schools and other aspects of society.
The cleric stated this during a special lecture organized by the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) in the United Kingdom.
Olaoti-olofin at the event hosted by the Nasfat Swansea Group as part of the activities to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of NASFAT with the theme: “The Role of Parents and the Challenges They Face in the Modern World,” noted that many of the challenges facing the modern world particularly those related to morality and negative social influences begin with parenting.
He emphasized that parents are the mirrors of society and play a critical role in shaping the future.
Sheikh Olaoti-olofin outlined three foundational stages in a child’s upbringing to include, ‘’Nurturing Stage (Age 0–6): At this stage, parental responsibilities include hygiene, eating habits, and communication development; Guidance Stage (Age 6–18): Here, parents must monitor their children’s activities, including feedback from school and Arabic classes, the type of content they consume, their friendships, and the values parents themselves exhibit.
“Independence Stage (Age 18–24): This phase involves granting appropriate independence while emphasizing values such as modesty in dressing, financial responsibility, accountability, public conduct, growth mindset, contentment, sacrifice, teamwork, humility, and consciousness of Allah and societal security.’’
He explained that these characteristics reflect the roles of parents and children, ultimately manifest in society. He noted that failure in these foundational stages is evident in the behavioural problems often showcased on social media and in communities.
Olaoti-Olore further stressed that the growing lack of public decorum stems not from governments or educators but from parental failure, challenging the notion that the current world is significantly different from that of the 1920s.
The Coordinator of NASFAT Swansea Group, Alhaji Abdulfatai Omotunde, thanked the guest lecturer for the powerful reminder of the essential responsibilities of parents in building a better society, irrespective of race or tribe.
Omotunde congratulated all NASFAT members globally on the successful 30th Anniversary, praying for continued progress and that the society will one day celebrate 100 years and beyond in the cause of Almighty Allah and the advancement of Islam.
