Islam has given Special Merits to Bringing Up Girls

According to Hadhrat Abdulla ibn Mas'ood (ra) the Beloved Prophet (saws) is reported to have said, "If a daughter is born to a person and he brings her up , gives her a good education and trains her in the arts of life, I shall myself stand between him and hell-fire."

[Kanz al-Ummal]

Explanation : The encouragement to seek children covers both sons and daughters, and along with this general encouragement, Islam has given special merits to bringing up girls - contrary to the thinking of the people of ignorance (age of 'Jaahiliyyah') of the past and present, since the people of ignorance - wherever and whenver found - hated (some of them 'still do') daughters and were grieved and angered by their births !

But the Messenger of Islam, Muhammad (saws) came elevating the status of this gift given by Allah (Swt) , welcoming the daughters , and raising high the importance of their upbringing with words to delight the hearts of the believing fathers and bring joy to their souls. Therefore, it is upon parents who have intellect to accept whatever Allah's (Swt) gift is with full joy and happiness, whether the gift is male or a female. Since its being male or female is only due to Allah's (Swt) order alone- He, the One free from all imperfections, and Most High says " To Allah belongs the Kingdom of the Heavens and the Earth. He bestows female (offspring) upon whom he wills, and bestwos male (offspring) upon whom He wills. Or He bestows both males and females, and He renders barren who He wills. Verily He is the All-Knower and is Able to do all things." [Surah Ash-Shura 42:49-50]

And , finally a stern warning of the 'Day of Judgement' is given to all those people who went (still go)to the extremes of killing their (nfant) daughters (or these days knowinngly go for an abortion after finding out the gender of the fetus) out of fear of poverty or shying away from the responsibility , superstitions or ignorant customs etc.

Along with the Messenger's (saws) honoring the daughters with his words, we find that he also gave us a living example in his own actions and behaviour - for example , "One day he (saw) led his Companions in prayer whilst carrying Umaamah bint Zaynab (ra) when he made rukoo' he would put her down , then when he stood , he would pick her up." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]