Voice of British Muslim Women

Amna Shakoor, New Malden

The moral upbringing of children is a cornerstone of societal health, echoing through generations and influencing broader social dynamics. The concept of the “domino effect” encapsulates how individual actions and values can set off a chain reaction, impacting not only their immediate environment but also the wider community at large. When children are raised with strong moral foundations, it cultivates a society that values empathy, respect, and responsibility. 

Like sponges, young children absorb life lessons about what is right and wrong from their parents so, it is the home where this moral education begins, where foundational principles such as honesty, kindness, and fairness are instilled. Parents who model ethical behaviour and engage in open discussions about moral dilemmas help their children develop critical thinking skills. These early experiences influence a child’s viewpoint on life and guide their future relationships with others. 

Similarly, as formal education plays a significant role in children’s lives, it also reinforces moral values. Students are encouraged to understand and regulate their emotions, develop understanding, and build healthy relationships, promoting the development of key skills such as teamwork, conflict resolution, and respect.  

His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), the fifth and current worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, addressed women at this year’s annual gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association UK by reminding us to: “Always remember that our mission is to create a pure and righteous society that will be a means of peace and security for the world and filled with love and compassion. As I said earlier, it all starts from one’s home. So, you must ensure that your home lives are pure and filled with love. Thereafter, strive to ensure that your towns, cities, nations and the wider world are filled with peace, love and harmony.” [1]  

This notion is also supported by many notable sociologists such as Emile Durkheim who explored the effects of home life shaping the dynamics within our society. His work highlighted the importance of different family forms such as the nuclear (2 adult, 2 children) and extended families (including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and so on) and how these structures impact social integration. He believed that strong familial ties foster a sense of belonging and mutual support, which is crucial for social cohesion. [2] 

This creates what is known as a domino effect. Like a spider web, society’s foundations are formed at home, and like the centre is integral in supporting the wider web; this symbolises society’s moral framework, from school to work to even larger entities like government. If the family breaks down and does not support the moral training of our youth, the centre of the web is ripped out and thus, the wider web will become fragile and eventually fracture and break down. It is integral for the first domino to be triggered in the form of children being raised in an environment that develops a strong moral compass so that the effect may ripple outwards, not only in contributing to a positively functioning society but to also prevent its breakdown which may lead to increased crime rates, social unrest, and a general decline in trust among its members. Inevitably, the upbringing of children has a profound impact on societal stability.  

Moral decisions of an individual influence the people around them, creating a web of interactions that shape societal norms. For example, a child who learns the importance of standing up against a bully is more likely to advocate for others, influencing her friends to do the same. This collective shift in behaviour can foster an environment where compassion and supporting others becomes an integral part of society which can lead to broader cultural change. Movements for social justice, environmental sustainability, and community welfare often begin with these types of individuals who carry strong moral beliefs. Their actions can inspire others to join the cause, creating a powerful wave of change that transforms social structures. 

In a time of widespread unrest, this domino effect illustrates how the seemingly small act of raising our children with strong moral values can significantly impact the world. As a society, we must learn from this and prioritise moral upbringing in our homes to foster meaningful change. By instilling these values, we can cultivate a world filled with more empathetic, responsible, and just individuals, ultimately shaping a brighter future for all. 

References 

[1] 28^th September 2024, His Holiness Khalifatul Masih V, Concluding Session National Lajna Ijtema UK.https://www.alhakam.org/lajna-imaillah-uk-ijtema-2024/ 

[2] Emile Durkheim, The Division of Labor in Society (1893).