On Helping Children who have Gone Astray

Answered by Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

How do we remedy the conduct of our children if they have gone astray and will not listen to any advice?

Firstly pray for their guidance. Repeat the following verses:

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

Wa aṣliḥ lī fī dhurrīyyatī innī tubtu ilayka wa innī min al-muslimīn

Rectify me in my progeny. Truly I turn to you in repentance to You and truly I am one of those who submit. (46:15)

رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

Rabbanā hab lanā min azwajinā wa dhurriyyatinā qurrata `ayun wa’ja’lnā lilmuttaqīn imamā

“Our Lord, grant us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous.” (25:74)

Look at the permissible things that they enjoy doing and strengthen your relationship with them through these things.