The Relevance of the Prophet Muhammad’s Hadith to the Development of Pubescent Children in Islamic and Elementary Schools

Abstract

Puberty is a critical developmental stage marked by significant cognitive, emotional, social, moral, and spiritual changes, particularly for children in Islamic and elementary schools (MI/SD) as they begin to assume greater religious responsibility. This study examines the relevance of the Prophet Muhammad’s hadiths to the development of pubescent children in contemporary educational contexts. Using a qualitative literature review approach, the study analyzed authentic hadith collections, including Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, and other major compilations, alongside 35 scholarly sources on child development, Islamic education, and developmental psychology published between 2015 and 2025. Relevant hadiths were identified through thematic analysis and interpreted using qualitative content analysis by comparing prophetic teachings with contemporary theories of child development. The findings reveal that the Prophet’s hadiths remain highly relevant in fostering cognitive growth, emotional regulation, social competence, moral character, and spiritual maturity. The hadiths emphasize gradual learning, compassion, self-discipline, responsibility, and positive social interaction, which align with modern educational and developmental psychology perspectives. The study concludes that integrating hadith-based educational values into school practices can contribute significantly to the holistic development of children as they transition into adolescence.