Efforts to educate children to follow the “good child” model provided the foundations for a recent seminar organized by the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). 

Morality and Childhood began by acknowledging that Muslim scholars have extensively written about and theorized the “good child” model. Their works have, in turn, traditionally been guided by a range of moral questions and dilemmas. These include whether moral education should focus on reforming and disciplining children as well as the scope for parents to admonish or “punish” their children for certain immoral actions. Other salient issues include the instrumentalization of parental authority to justify mistreatment.

In attempt to cast further light over these and related questions, Morality and Childhood gathered experts from the fields of Islamic ethics, medicine and psychology. HBKU’s contributions came courtesy of Dr. Mohammed Ghaly, professor of Islam and Biomedical Ethics at the Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE). Dr. Ghaly was joined by Dr. Mamoun Mobayed, consultant psychiatrist at the Behavioral Healthcare Center, and Dr. Nadeem Jilani, senior attending physician at Sidra Medicine.

Speaking after the seminar, Dr. Mohammed Ghaly said: “This event demonstrated our ability to bridge the gap between the historical discussions in the Islamic moral tradition and the contemporary issues. Muslim scholars have long been concerned with the exact parameters and criteria for actualizing the “good child” model. Debates and discussions have also evolved in line with changing approaches and attitudes to education. Our guest speakers reflected this development and offered various perspectives on a perennially important issue. We’re confident that they provided our audience with ample food for thought.”

The College of Islamic Studies regularly holds events to highlight its research activities and projects. For more information, please visit cis.hbku.edu.qa