Trauma of Inconsistent Parental Behavior: Refusing to Pray in Islam

Abstract

Inconsistent parental behavior, especially in a religious context, can have a significant impact on a child's psychological development, leading to long-term trauma, as seen in Islamic practice, where prayer serves as a cornerstone of faith and good deeds. However, parental refusal or inconsistency in enforcing it can undermine this foundation, fostering feelings of abandonment, confusion, and spiritual dissonance among children. This study addresses the importance of understanding child behavioral trauma, which contributes to broader issues such as mental health disorders and weakened family ties in Muslim communities, where religious adherence is often intertwined with cultural identity. The aim is to explore the impact of misaligned parental attitudes on child rearing, identifying trauma patterns and potential interventions through a synthesis of existing literature. This study employed a qualitative methodology with a literature review as the primary method for data collection and building a theoretical foundation from existing research. Key findings from the literature revealed that parental inconsistency in upholding prayer is consistently associated with increased anxiety, low self-esteem, and rebellious behavior in children, with many studies reporting prolonged emotional wounds and identity crises. Conversely, consistent parental religious attitudes are associated with resilience and positive spiritual development. Addressing parental inconsistency is crucial for reducing behavioral trauma in the Islamic context, with recommendations including family counseling programs that emphasize religious education and consistency to foster healthier psychological outcomes, thus creating spiritually harmonious families.