"This is the duty of parents as the first madrasa for their children in mental and character building. Instill a sense of piety for God and love for fellow human beings from an early age," secretary of the directorate general of Islamic guidance at the Religious Affairs Ministry, Fuad Nasar, said on Thursday.
He made the statement in response to a case at State Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) of Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi, where one student was bullied by his schoolmates. The victim eventually died, even though he received medical care at a hospital.
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According to Islam, every child is born in a clean, holy state (fitrah), Nasar pointed out. Therefore, parents and the environment can contribute to children's development till they reach adulthood.
"Guiding the human spirit and (preventing) children from violent behavior is the biggest investment in the future of humanity," he said.
Religion should serve as more than just knowledge or a ritual pattern, but as a guide for the soul to become a good person with noble traits.
"Religious messages are expected to soothe the souls of people who are sick, (tired), and restless due to various factors, and change the condition of humans and society for the better," he added.
Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister, Bintang Puspayoga, said she expects the handling of the bullying-related death of the madrasa student in North Sulawesi to offer justice to the victim.
Her administration reminded that an educational unit is meant to provide an environment that is friendly to children, protective of them, inclusive, and suitable for children's physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development.
The managers of educational units must ensure that schools remain free from violence and discrimination in any shape or form.
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Translator: Asep F, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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