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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Principles of Upbringing Children Chapter 53: Justice and Equality A family consisting of a few members is like a small society and the parents manage the affairs of this small habitation. As running a country is not possible without justice and equality, so is the management of a household not possible without these concomitant factors; namely Justice and equality for all.

Selflessness, love, affection and unity is possible only in an environment of justice and equality. The children will get proper upbringing in this atmosphere. The inherent traits of the children will find expression and they will learn to be just and fair from the example set to them by their parents. If the parents are ignorant of the need for justice and fair play, so will be their children.

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq says: “As pure and cool water is craved for by a thirsty person, so do people desire to have justice and equality and their taste is sweeter and better for them. There is nothing better than justice."[^1] “Three types of persons will be closer to Allah on the Day of Reckoning: First: Those who are not cruel to their subordinates in times of anger. Second: Those who go to mediate between two litigants, but don’t do anything against the requirement of justice.

Third: Those who always uphold the truth, even if they come to personal harm by doing so."[^2] Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “Allah orders for Justice and Fairness." (Qur’an, 16:90) Just and equitable parents treat all their children equally. They don’t show particular preference for any particular child. Be it a son or a daughter, pretty or not so pretty, capable or mediocre; the parents have the same feelings of love and affection for all of them.

They give equitable treatment to all their children The Prophet of Islam has said: “Keep justice for all your children in your mind even when some of them are away. If you desire treatment of love, kindness and justice from your children, then give them similar treatment."[^3] The Prophet noticed that a person was more attached to one son than to the other.

He told him: “Who don’t you keep the need for justice and equality of treatment in mind?"[^4] One person was sitting in the company of the Prophet when his son arrived. The person kissed the boy and made him sit on his lap. After a while the person’s daughter came there and the person made her sit in front of him.