🧒 Raising children (tarbiyah) · #32
Should young children be taught to knock and ask permission before entering their parents' room?
Yes, this etiquette is taught directly by the Quran, not merely by custom.
Allah commands that servants and children who have not reached puberty ask permission at three times: before Fajr, when clothes are taken off at midday and after ʿIsha, because those are times of privacy for the parents (an-Nur 24:58). Once children reach puberty, they ask permission at all times like adults (24:59). Start as soon as the child understands instructions, in a gentle way: knock, give the salam, wait for an answer. Parents should also respect their growing children's privacy by knocking on their doors. This etiquette protects the privacy of husband and wife and lays the foundation for teaching about bodily boundaries. See Modesty & boundaries.
Allah commands that servants and children who have not reached puberty ask permission at three times: before Fajr, when clothes are taken off at midday and after ʿIsha, because those are times of privacy for the parents (an-Nur 24:58). Once children reach puberty, they ask permission at all times like adults (24:59). Start as soon as the child understands instructions, in a gentle way: knock, give the salam, wait for an answer. Parents should also respect their growing children's privacy by knocking on their doors. This etiquette protects the privacy of husband and wife and lays the foundation for teaching about bodily boundaries. See Modesty & boundaries.
Sources
Surah an-Nur 24:58Surah an-Nur 24:59Surah an-Nur 24:27