Ahlussunnah: Journal of Islamic Education
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): August

Recontextualizing Birr Al-Walidayn: Parents’ Ethical Responsibility in the Face of Children’s Character Crises in the Digital Age

Sania Arisa Sinaga (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
Alwi Fazri Tanjung (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
Mardian Idris Harahap (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
Rahayu Fuji Astuti (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Aug 2026

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technology has had a significant impact on children’s behavior and character development. This phenomenon is marked by a decline in social awareness, increased dependence on digital devices, and a reduction in the quality of social interactions in daily life. These conditions present new challenges for parents in fulfilling their responsibilities regarding their children’s education and character development. This study aims to reexamine the concept of birr al-walidayn as an ethical foundation for understanding parental responsibilities in addressing the crisis of children’s character in the digital age. This study employs a qualitative approach using content analysis, based on a review of primary sources namely the Quran and hadith and supported by relevant scholarly literature on parenting and character education. The results indicate that birr al-walidayn is not only understood as a child’s obligation toward parents but also encompasses parents’ ethical responsibility to educate, guide, and shape their children’s character. This study offers a conceptual contribution by providing a broader interpretation of birr al-walidayn, emphasizing the importance of integrating Islamic values and digital literacy into contemporary parenting practices. Therefore, parents play a crucial role in raising children who are responsible, possess moral integrity, and are able to navigate technological advancements wisely. A reinterpretation of birr al-walidayn can serve as a relevant ethical framework for strengthening children’s character education in the digital age.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JIE

Publisher

Subject

Religion Education Environmental Science Other

Description

The Ahlussunnah: Journal of Islamic Education is dedicated to scholars, teachers, and anyone interested in the evolution of knowledge in Islamic Education. Articles published in the Ahlussunnah: Journal of Islamic Education need to fit with the expectation of scientific rigor concerning the ...