Parents' Obligations Toward Children's Education Based on the Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad SAW for Migrant Workers in Thailand

Abstract

Parents' obligations in educating their children are a significant trust rooted in strong theological principles within Islamic teachings, as outlined in the Qur'an and the Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Children's education is not only aimed at developing intellectual capacity but also at instilling moral values, spirituality, and social responsibility. The Prophet Muhammad SAW emphasized the importance of parental roles in shaping children's character through relevant guidance that remains applicable today. However, fulfilling these obligations presents significant challenges for Muslim migrant workers in Thailand, who face time constraints due to demanding work schedules, geographical distance separating families, and the influence of a social environment differing from Islamic values. This article aims to explore parents' obligations regarding children's education from the perspective of the Prophet Muhammad SAW’s Hadiths, identify various challenges faced by Muslim migrant workers, and offer strategic solutions rooted in Islamic values. The research employs a qualitative approach using a literature review to understand the concept of children's education in Islam and in-depth interviews with several Muslim migrant workers in Thailand. The findings reveal that Islamic value-based strategies, such as utilizing communication technology to strengthen parent-child relationships, collaborating with local Muslim communities, and enhancing collective awareness about the importance of religion-based education, can assist migrant workers in fulfilling their responsibilities while abroad. By offering practical solutions, this article highlights not only the challenges faced by Muslim migrant workers in educating their children but also provides actionable recommendations to ensure children receive education aligned with Islamic teachings, even in constrained circumstances.