THE CONCEPT OF SECURITY IN ISLAM: Providing True Security Through Deen and Iman
The Concept of Security in Islam: In Islam, security (aman) is not only about safeguarding wealth and property. It encompasses the heart, mind, soul, and body. Allah ﷻ has commanded parents to protect their families from harm: “O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones…” (Qur’an 66:6). This verse makes it clear: providing spiritual security is a divine responsibility. Parents may succeed in providing the best education, financial stability, or worldly protection, but if they fail to protect their children from spiritual destruction, they have neglected the most important duty.
When we think of security, we often picture locked doors, CCTV cameras, strong passwords, or financial savings. While these measures protect us in the material world, true security extends far beyond. For parents, the greatest responsibility is to secure their children’s future not only in terms of career, comfort, or wealth but most importantly in matters of faith and life choices.
If worldly security is neglected, chaos and destruction follow. Similarly, if children are not provided with spiritual security through Deen and strong Iman, they remain exposed to the countless traps of modern life. This blog explores the concept of security from an Islamic perspective, highlighting why instilling Deen, Iman, and marriage at the right time are among the greatest safeguards for children.
Why Worldly Security Alone is Not Enough: Today, parents work hard to secure:
- Education: Best schools, colleges, and coaching.
- Finance: Savings, property, and insurance.
- Lifestyle: A safe home, technology, and comfort.
Yet, these cannot guarantee that children will live righteous, fulfilling lives. Beyond the walls of the home lie hundreds of traps:
- Peer pressure
- Social media addiction
- Haram relationships
- Drugs, alcohol, and gambling
- Wrong influences leading to depression or crime
One wrong step is enough to destroy a life. Cameras, passwords, and money cannot shield children from these dangers. Only Deen and Iman can provide a security system that travels with them wherever they go.
Deen and Iman: The True Shield for Children: Just as antivirus software protects a device from hidden threats, Deen and Iman protect the heart and soul from misguidance. A child raised with strong Islamic values will know:
- The difference between halal and haram
- The importance of salah and remembrance of Allah
- The dignity of modesty and chastity
- The accountability of the Hereafter
This internal compass guides them even when parents are not around. In contrast, children who grow up with worldly security but without Islamic grounding often feel spiritually empty, making them more vulnerable to destructive lifestyles.
The Importance of Early Marriage in Islam: One of the strongest safeguards parents can provide is marrying their children at the right age, especially daughters. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“O young people! Whoever among you can afford it, let him get married, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding chastity.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Delaying marriage for career, wealth, or social status often exposes youth to temptation. For many, this results in haram relationships, broken hearts, and guilt that could have been avoided with a halal, dignified marriage.
By prioritizing early marriage, parents not only secure their children’s chastity but also give them a healthy start in building families of their own.
Common Mistakes Parents Make: Unfortunately, many parents spend immense effort on worldly security but neglect the security of Deen. Some common mistakes include:
- Prioritizing career over character – focusing only on grades and jobs, not Islamic values.
- Delaying marriage unnecessarily – waiting for wealth or status before marrying children.
- Exposing children to harmful influences – unrestricted internet, un-Islamic friendships, and toxic entertainment.
- Ignoring Islamic education – not teaching Qur’an, salah, or basic fiqh.
- Chasing materialism – equating success with luxury, not with taqwa.
The result is clear: children may become materially successful but spiritually lost, leaving them vulnerable to harm in both worlds.
Practical Steps for Parents to Provide True Security: To fulfill their responsibility, parents should focus on:
- Teaching Deen Early: Introduce children to Qur’an, salah, and Islamic morals from a young age. Make Deen a natural part of daily life, not just an occasional lesson.
- Strengthening Iman: Encourage reflection on Allah’s creation, discuss stories of the Prophets, and remind them of the purpose of life. A strong heart connected to Allah is the greatest shield.
- Guided Exposure to the World: Instead of isolating children, prepare them to face temptations with wisdom. Teach them how to say “no” to haram and how to hold on to Islamic principles in challenging environments.
- Facilitating Early Marriage: Do not delay marriage for unnecessary reasons. Remove cultural obstacles like extravagant weddings and dowry demands. Make nikah simple and accessible.
- Being Role Models: Children learn more from actions than words. Parents who live according to Deen naturally raise children who value Iman.
The Balance Between Worldly and Spiritual Security: Islam does not deny the need for worldly security — education, health, financial stability, and safety are important. But these must not overshadow the priority of spiritual security. A life secured by Deen ensures that even when worldly securities fail, the individual remains steadfast.
Conclusion
True parental responsibility goes beyond providing a good education, a safe home, or financial comfort. The greatest form of security parents can provide is raising children with Deen and strong Iman, along with facilitating marriage at the right time. This spiritual shield protects them wherever they go, ensuring not only worldly success but eternal success in the Hereafter.
Sadly, many parents secure every aspect of their children’s worldly lives but neglect securing their souls. Let us remember:
wealth secures a living, but Deen secures a life.
