The 7 7 7 rule in Islam is a framework for raising children that is highly regarded in Islam.
The 7 7 7 rule in Islam for raising children is often attributed to the teachings of the fourth Caliph, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA).
In Islam the 7 7 7 rule breaks the upbringing of a child into 3 distinct 7 year stages, which focuses on love in the early years, discipline in the formative years and then friendship in the teenage years.
Between the ages of 0 through 7, is the play stage or The "Master").
During the play stage of 0 through 7, with the 7 7 7 rule in Islam, the focus is on love, emotional safety as well as learning through play.
The parental role is to treat the child with gentle care and allow the child to explore and be carefree.
And children at the ages of 0 through 7 are learning primarily through observation and imitation.
Islam also discourages strict discipline during this phase and emphasizes connection and mercy instead.
During the ages of 7 through 14, which is the discipline stage or the "Student".
The focus is on education, moral values and character building.
The parental role in these ages of 7 through 14, is to establish clear boundaries and teach essential religious practices such as prayer or salah.
And this is also the time for training and instilling responsibility.
The Prophet Muhammad or (PBUH) also instructed parents to begin encouraging their children to pray at age 7 and to correct them gently if they neglect the prayer by age 10.
During the ages of 14 through 21, which is the friendship stage or the "Advisor" stage, the focus is friendship, trust and open communication.
The parental role during the ages of 14 through the ages of 21 are to transition from an authoritative figure to a trusted friend and mentor.
Adolescents and young adults often also struggle with their identity as well as peer influence and by building a friendship, parents also maintain influence and can also guide their children through life choices, instead of controlling them.