Children’s rights to participate in decision-making: insights from Islamic teachings

Lee, Siew Pien and Alias, Kamila and Abdul Hamid, Siti Hazariah and Mohd Arifin, Siti Roshaidai and Atan, Ashikin and Shamsuddin, Nur Ainsyafinaz and Solikhah, Umi (2025) Children’s rights to participate in decision-making: insights from Islamic teachings. Muslim World Journal of Human Right. pp. 1-31.

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Abstract

This systematic review explores how Islamic principles interpret and support children’s participation in decision-making processes across various contexts. Although Islamic teachings particularly through values such as shūrā (mutual consultation),ʿadl (justice), tarbiyah (nurturing),ʿaql (intellect), and maṣlaḥah (public interest) strongly advocate for children’s involvement, practical application remains limited. A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across major databases, resulting in the inclusion of 19 relevant studies. Findings highlight a growing recognition of children’s evolving autonomy in Islamic scholarship but also reveal signicant barriers, including cultural misconceptions, adult-centered authority, lack of awareness, and limited resources. Facilitators such as trust-building, age-appropriate information, and supportive environments were identied as critical to empowering children’s participation. Interventions grounded in Islamic values are recommended to bridge the gap between principle and practice. This review underscores the need for policies, training, and research that center children’s voices while aligning with Islamic ethical frameworks, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and just approach to child decision-making in Muslim communities.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Islamic perspectives; child rights; child autonomy; children’s participation; decision-making
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT85 Nursing Ethics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Special Care Nursing
Depositing User:	Dr Siew Pien Lee
Date Deposited:	01 Nov 2025 22:17
Last Modified:	01 Nov 2025 22:17
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/124032

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