Justice in the family and the rights of the child

The family is the basic unit of society. If justice is established in a family, then children grow up to be moral, educated and responsible people. Islam clearly states that it is a great sin to discriminate between children. Allah Almighty says in the Quran, ‘Set aside for children a portion equal to that of two daughters.’ (Surah: An-Nisa, verse: 11)

This indicates that the rights of every child must be ensured. The Hadith states: ‘You should maintain equality in giving and receiving gifts among your children.’ (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)

Discrimination between children, neglecting them or cheating them is a serious crime in Islamic view. When a father deprives the children of one family while he is alive and takes the side of another family, it is not only a family loss, but also a violation of the moral command of Allah.

The distribution of property in the family is not just a matter of money, it is a question of the psychological security and trust of the children. When a child is deprived of the right to receive what he deserves, he grows up in uncertainty, despair and distrust due to the lack of justice. This gives rise to jealousy, revenge and an immoral mentality in society. Islam reminds us that unjust delay is equal to injustice.

The Hadith states: ‘Whoever neglects his children, he is deprived of the mercy of Allah.’

Injustice towards children harms not only the individual but also the entire society. Discrimination and fraud lead to physical and mental abuse in the family, lack of trust and disruption of the mental development of children. A child who is subjected to neglect, discrimination or oppression from an early age may grow up to repeat injustice in society or develop into a person full of fear and distrust.

In Bangladesh, the law for the rights of the child and family justice is clearly regulated.

According to the Penal Code, 1860, physical or mental exploitation of a child, fraud and embezzlement of money are serious crimes. According to Section 325, physical harm or cruel treatment is punishable by seven years imprisonment and fine. According to Sections 372 and 374, mental or financial exploitation is punishable by 10 years imprisonment and fine. According to Section 364(A), fraud or embezzlement of property is punishable by life imprisonment or fine. In addition, according to the Maintenance Act, 2013, parents are obliged to provide for the life, education and medical treatment of the child.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of the state and society to protect the rights of children and establish family justice. The rights of children can be ensured through family arbitration, moral education and awareness-raising by the society and local community. Awareness must be created in the society through education of family justice and Islamic sense of responsibility in mosques, madrasas and schools.

Protecting the rights of children, preventing discrimination and establishing justice are not only a matter of religious morality, but also a serious responsibility of society and the state. If the father does not do justice while he is alive, it threatens the child's mental safety, educational development and moral growth. Both society and the state must actively play a role in establishing justice and protecting children's rights.

Therefore, ensuring justice and children's rights in the family is a combination of the moral guidance of Islam, social peace and the legal responsibility of the state. The moral responsibility of every parent is to ensure equal treatment of children and their due rights. The responsibility of the state is to legally and socially ensure that no child is harmed by discrimination, fraud or neglect.

Establishing justice in the family is not just a family value, it is a reflection of the moral foundation of society, the safe future of children and the responsibility of the state. If families, society and the state come together, we can ensure that our children grow up in the light of justice, faith and humanity.