What are the rights of children in Islam?

In Islam, children have the right to life, a good name, love and mercy, financial support, education, fair treatment and a safe upbringing. Parents are trustees, not owners, and Allah will ask them how they cared for that trust.

Parents are shepherds

The Prophet ﷺ said that every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock, and that a man is a shepherd over his family and a woman over her husband's house and children (Sahih al-Bukhari 893). The Quran puts it even more strongly:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا "O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire..." Quran 66:6

That responsibility covers both this life and the next: their body, mind, heart and faith.

The main rights, one by one

Life and protection: the Quran condemns killing children out of fear of poverty (Quran 17:31). Every child, boy or girl, is a gift.
A good name and known lineage: a child has the right to a name with a good meaning and to be linked to their real father. See How do I choose a Muslim baby name?
Nursing and care: mothers may nurse for up to two years, and fathers must support them (Quran 2:233).
Financial support: food, clothing, housing and healthcare until they can stand on their own. See Who has to provide for children in Islam?
Education: both religious knowledge (prayer, Quran, good character) and useful worldly learning.
Fair treatment: no favouring one child over another in gifts.

Love and mercy are rights too

When the Prophet ﷺ kissed his grandson al-Hasan, a man said he had ten children and had never kissed any of them. The Prophet ﷺ replied that whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy (Sahih al-Bukhari 5997). Hugs, play, time and kind words aren't extras in Islam. They are part of what a child is owed.

Fairness between siblings

When a Companion gave one son a gift and asked the Prophet ﷺ to witness it, he asked whether he had given the same to all his children. When the man said no, the Prophet ﷺ said, "Fear Allah and be just between your children" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2587). Daughters deserve the same love and investment as sons. See Is it haram to favor one child over another?

What children owe in return

Rights flow both ways. Children are taught to honour their parents, speak kindly to them and care for them in old age. But a parent's rights never excuse neglect or abuse. Islamic law and Western law agree here: a child's safety comes first, and harming a child is a serious sin.

Key points

Parents are responsible shepherds, not owners.
Children have rights to life, a name, support and education.
Mercy and affection are part of their rights.
Be fair between children, sons and daughters alike.

Tip: Once a month, ask yourself one question for each child: "Did I give them time, kindness, learning and fairness this month?" It's a simple way to check you're honouring their rights.