Parenting and Prosocial Moral Behavior in Predominantly Muslim Countries

Abstract

This chapter aims to examine how parenting relates to prosocial moral behavior in predominantly Muslim countries. First, we briefly define two theoretical approaches to explain prosocial behavior across cultures. Next, we present a discussion of Islam, its sects (Sunni, Shi‘a, and Khawarij), basic teachings, rites, rules, and beliefs, and how all these factors are associated with prosocial and moral behavior in Islamic families. After reviewing the literature on different aspects of parenting and prosocial behavior in these majority Muslim countries, it is concluded that examining of prosocial behaviors in different ethnic and cultural groups in Muslim populations reveals both cultural specificity and universality. Future studies should focus on the analysis of contextual factors as well as parenting to help us to better understand which settings are most appropriate for interventions to promote different types of prosocial moral behaviors in different Muslim societies.