Allah bless our elders who used to say, “Every child is born with their own sustenance.” However, today’s couples often approach this lived wisdom of previous generations with worry and doubt. These concerns often stem from a weakening of faith and a lifestyle influenced by Western liberal culture.
From the perspective of young couples, having children in today’s difficult economic conditions seems like a risky decision. Of course, based on material reasoning, such a conclusion may seem reasonable. But when viewed through a divine lens, having children is not only not a threat, but an opportunity for growth and spiritual elevation.
Many people who have experienced parenthood acknowledge that after the arrival of their child, new doors of sustenance and blessings opened in their lives. This is not just a religious belief but a lived and tangible experience for many families. A subtle point that commentators have derived from the precedence of mentioning children before parents in verse 31 of Surah Al-Isra is that the parents’ sustenance is also provided through their children. The reality, then, is that we, the elders, are sitting at the table set by our children, not that our table has been emptied because of them.
From a divine perspective, every being has its own allotted sustenance, and one person’s sustenance will never be reduced from another’s share. Therefore, the increase in population does not close off the doors of Allah’s provision. On this topic, Allah has specifically promised in two places in the Quran that the sustenance of children will arrive in due time. In verse 151 of Surah Al-An’am, He says: “Do not kill your children out of fear of poverty; We provide sustenance for you and for them.”
Similarly, in verse 31 of Surah Al-Isra, He states: “Do not kill your children out of fear of poverty; We provide sustenance for you and for them.”
In these two verses, Allah strongly condemns the pre-Islamic Arab practice of infanticide due to fear of poverty. In the ignorant worldview, more children meant more mouths to feed, and thus, an emptier table. But in the divine worldview, more children mean more sustenance. According to these verses, sustenance is guaranteed, and an increase or decrease in population does not affect the quantity or quality of Allah’s provision. Therefore, children are not a cause of poverty.
The subtle point commentators have derived from the precedence of mentioning children before parents in verse 31 of Surah Al-Isra is that the parents’ sustenance is also provided through their children. In truth, we, the elders, are sitting at the table provided by our children, not that our table has been emptied because of them.
So why, despite this divine promise and positive experiences, do some people still fear having children? The answer to this question might be found in the public culture and the way society views children and family. In today’s societies, values and standards of life have shifted to the point where “success” and “comfort” are defined solely by material possessions and outward ease. Having children, seen as a decision that could affect this comfort, is sometimes viewed as a barrier to personal progress and achieving individual goals. But this mindset is far removed from the divine perspective and a deeper view of life, in which a child is considered a blessing from Allah and a means of increasing sustenance and blessings.
The materialistic culture, promoted through media and the Western lifestyle, subtly conveys the message that having children means fewer opportunities to enjoy life. But this is a mistaken belief. True joy and happiness are found in deep human connections, including the bond with one’s children. A child is not an obstacle to life; rather, they add depth and meaning beyond material things. Many parents attest that the experience of becoming a parent has made them stronger, more patient, and more mature individuals.
It must be remembered that having children is one of the most beautiful and important human responsibilities. Every child carries the potential to change the world and serve humanity. Investing in the upbringing of the next generation means investing in a better future for all. Therefore, instead of fearing this responsibility, we should embrace it with faith and hope, trusting that Allah will provide the necessary sustenance and resources for every individual who enters this world.