MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Busyro Muqoddas, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah, emphasized the importance of child welfare. He outlined three key pillars of well-being that children should receive from their parents and the state:
This encompasses nurturing a child’s conscience and moral compass, fostering their spiritual development, and protecting them from harmful influences.
This includes providing access to quality education that nourishes the child’s mind and intellect, as well as fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
This involves providing nutritious food, adequate healthcare, and a safe environment for the child to grow and develop.
Drawing on Quran verse 4:9, Busyro stressed that parents and the state have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of the next generation. This includes providing them with the necessary education and resources to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Furthermore, Busyro highlighted education as a fundamental right that all children should have access to. This education can be provided within the family through role modeling and values transmission, as well as through formal educational institutions.
He emphasized the importance of holistic education that integrates religious values with broader societal values. This equips children with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate life’s challenges and contribute to society.
Besides, both biological parents and the state have a duty to uphold the three pillars of child welfare. Parents are responsible for nurturing their children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, while the state has a responsibility to create a conducive environment for children to thrive.
Busyro emphasized the importance of protecting children’s mental and physical health. This includes shielding them from falsehoods that can harm their intellect and psyche, and providing them with access to quality healthcare and nutrition.
Educators also play a crucial role in nurturing children’s intellectual and moral development. They must impart knowledge and values with a sound mind and heart, fostering critical thinking and ethical decision-making in their students.
By fulfilling the three pillars of child welfare, parents and the state can ensure that the next generation is well-equipped to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. This will contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
