As parents, we spend a lot of time thinking about our children’s safety - making sure they eat well, sleep well and stay away from harm.

But what about the safety of their souls?

In Surah Al-Mursalat, Allah describes the muttaqoon - those who protected themselves spiritually, as the ones who often appeared the least protected to others.

The Sahabah in Makkah (Muhajiroon), had no political power, no worldly safety nets and no guarantees of stability. Yet they safeguarded their souls at all costs.

“Indeed, the muttaqoon will be amidst shade and springs and fruits of whatever they desire.” (Al-Mursalat 77:41–42)

To the world, they seemed vulnerable. But in the eyes of Allah, they were the safest.

For these early Muslims, danger wasn’t about poverty or discomfort, it was about loyalty to Allah.

Following the Prophet ﷺ meant losing family, security, even their homes. Still, they chose faith (iman). Their children grew up witnessing a life lived for something far greater than fleeting comforts.

So what is taqwa, really?

It is often translated as fear of Allah, but in reality, it is so much more.

Taqwa is protection. A shield around the soul. A source of true security that no worldly wealth or status can match.

Our children may not face the same hardships and struggles as the early Muslims. They aren’t being punished for their islam or exiled from their homes. Yet their tests are no less real. They face distractions, the pull of comfort, the pressure to fit in and the temptation to chase approval rather than principles.

As parents, we must ask ourselves and teach our children to ask every day:

What am I really protecting? Am I guarding my own image, convenience and comfort or nurturing my child’s growth, islam and well-being?

Our role is to help them understand that the world’s idea of safety is fleeting. True safety comes from being safe with Allah. And as parents, the greatest gift we can give our children is to show them that a life of taqwa, even if it looks fragile to the world is the life that is truly secure, both in this world and the next.

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