How to raise a Muslim child

Raising a child is not an easy task as indeed it is a path that can lead to either Jannah (Paradise) or Hellfire, depending on how this responsibility is fulfilled. In Islam, children are considered an amanah (trust) from Allah, and parents are accountable for how they nurture, guide, and influence them. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock…”
(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim).

In this article, we provide practical nine steps to help you raise a good Muslim child with love, wisdom, and adherence to Islamic principles:

1.Centering Allah in Each Aspect of Life

Teach your child to view every action as an opportunity to please Allah and Instill the importance of intention (niyyah) so that all activities become acts of worship. We have to admit that no-one wants to please other except when he knows about him.

same thing when we talk about Allah the almighty, so it is very important to let your children know about Allah the almighty first and love him.

So you can Start with Allah’s Oneness (Tawheed) to teach your child that Allah is the Creator of everything and that He is One and Unique (Al-Ahad). Use simple phrases like: “Allah made the sun, the trees, and you.”

Do not forget to do some activities with your child. Point out things in nature (like the sky or animals) and say, “This is Allah’s creation.”
Moreover, you can Introduce Allah’s beautiful names (Asmaul Husna) gradually, such as Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful):

Teach them that Allah loves them and is always kind to all creatures and he is Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiving), Explain that Allah forgives when we make mistakes and ask sincerely, and do not forget that Allah is Al ‘Aleem ( The all knowing). Let them know that Allah knows everything about us and he is the only one who can help us in every situation.
One of the tips that help your child feel a close and loving relationship with Allah is Emphasizing Allah’s Mercy and Love. You can tell them: “Allah loves it when we talk to Him through dua, and He is always listening.” and Share the hadith: “Allah is more merciful to His servants than a mother to her child.” (Bukhari, Muslim).

2.Start Small and Age-Appropriate

Starting small and age-appropriate in teaching Islam to children aligns with their developmental understanding and capacity to grasp concepts gradually. Here is how to approach it:

Infants and Toddlers (0–3 years)

Introduce Simple Concepts: Use phrases like “Allah made you” or “Say Alhamdulillah” to familiarize them with the name of Allah.
Establish Rituals: Let them observe you praying and reciting Quran to create an environment of faith.

Preschoolers (4–6 years)

• Teach Basics of Faith: Begin with the Shahada (“La ilaha illallah”) and explain its meaning in simple terms: “There is no god but Allah.”
• Engage with Stories: Share short stories about the Prophets, like Prophet Nuh (AS) and the Ark, emphasizing Allah’s mercy and power.
• Interactive Worship: Encourage them to imitate you in Salah or say short duas, even if it’s just “Bismillah” before meals.

Young Children (7–10 years)

• Start Salah Training: Gradually teach them how to pray, emphasizing its importance as a way to connect with Allah. As prophet Muhammad said about salah Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Command your children to perform Salat (prayer) when they are seven years old, and beat them for (not offering) it when they are ten, and do not let (boys and girls) sleep together”.
• Explain the Quran: Introduce them to short surahs like Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Ikhlas, along with their meanings.
• Practical Islamic Ethics: Teach them kindness, honesty, and sharing, linking these actions to Allah’s pleasure.

Preteens and Teens (11–16 years)

• Deepen Understanding: Discuss topics like Allah’s attributes (Asmaul Husna) and how they apply in daily life.
• Answer Questions: Provide thoughtful answers about Islamic practices and beliefs, encouraging critical thinking while grounding them in faith.
• Foster Independence in Worship: Encourage consistency in Salah, fasting, and seeking knowledge about Islam

3.Give Stories from the Quran and Hadith

Share inspiring stories of the Prophets, companions, and righteous people from Islamic history. These stories will help your child understand Islamic values such as honesty, bravery, patience, and love for Allah as children connect deeply with narratives and learn lessons through example.

They can learn Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) from the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when Prophet Ibrahim questioned his people’s idol worship and sought the Creator of the heavens and earth. He turned to Allah, rejecting false gods (Quran 6:74-79).

From this story you the children learn that Allah is the only one worthy of worship. Relate it to their lives by showing Allah’s creations like the stars and trees, just as Ibrahim did.

You can also teach them Honesty by The Example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known as Al-Amin (The Trustworthy).

Even before his prophethood, people trusted him with their belongings, so the children can learn being truthful and trustworthy by narrating examples of the Prophet’s honesty and asking children to practice it in their daily interactions.

One of the values which can teach your child is patience and Perseverance and it could be from The Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) as Prophet Yusuf faced betrayal by his brothers, slavery, and imprisonment.

Despite these trials, he remained patient and trusted Allah, eventually becoming a ruler in Egypt (Quran, Surah Yusuf).

Use this story to teach resilience and trust in Allah during difficult times. Encourage them to pray to Allah when facing challenges.

One more story could be helpful for your children is the Story of Prophet Ismail (AS) When Prophet Ibrahim was commanded to sacrifice his son, Ismail willingly submitted to Allah’s will out of obedience (Quran 37:102).

Highlight Ismail’s respect and obedience to both Allah and his father. Teach children to honor and listen to their parents as part of pleasing Allah.
Even when you discuss the topics of money and Allah’s blessings with your children, mention the Story of Qarun’s Wealth and the value of gratitude.

Tell them that despite the immense wealth of Qarun, he was ungrateful and arrogant, claiming his riches were due to his own efforts. Allah punished him by swallowing him and his treasures into the earth (Quran 28:76-81) and teach them to always thank Allah for their blessings and avoid arrogance. Encourage them to say Alhamdulillah for small and big things.

4.Make Worship Routine

Create a daily schedule that includes prayer, Quran recitation, and dhikr, and ensure consistency by making worship a non-negotiable part of their day, just like eating or studying. By time you will believe that it is an effective way to nurture their spiritual connection with Allah from an early age. The routine should be age-appropriate, consistent, and encouraging. Here’s how to create one:

• Morning Routine: Start the Day with Allah
• Teach them to say morning duas: For example, “Alhamdulillahil-ladhi ahyana ba’da ma amatana wa ilayhin-nushur” (Praise be to Allah who gave us life after death, and to Him, we will return).
• Encourage Fajr Salah: Wake them gently for Fajr, even if they are only watching or praying a shorter version.
• Recite a short surah together: Focus on familiar ones like Surah Al-Fatihah or Surah Ikhlas.
• During the Day: Keep Allah in Mind
• Integrate Duas into Daily Activities:
• Before eating: “Bismillah wa ‘ala barakatillah”.
• After eating: “Alhamdulillah”.
• Before leaving the house: “Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘ala Allah”.
• Encourage Kindness as Worship: Teach them that helping parents, sharing with siblings, or saying kind words is a way to earn Allah’s reward.
• Evening Routine: Reflect and Unwind with Worship
• Bedtime Duas: Teach them to recite Ayat-ul-Kursi or the three Quls (Surah Ikhlas, Falaq, and Nas).
• Gratitude Practice: Ask them to list three things they are thankful for and say Alhamdulillah.
• Weekly Special Activities
• Friday Prayer Preparation: Explain the significance of Jumu’ah and include them in the family’s Friday routine.
• Charity Box: Encourage giving by keeping a small charity box where they can contribute weekly, linking this to rewards from Allah.

5.Celebrate Their Worship Efforts

Recognize and celebrate when your child makes an effort in worship, whether they’ve learned a new surah, prayed on time, or performed an act of kindness. Positive reinforcement encourages them to continue growing spiritually. You can use do that through:

• verbal Praise: (kind words) like, “MashAllah, Allah loves those who pray and make dua!” Let them feel seen and appreciated for their acts of worship.
• Small Prizes: Reward them with small gifts when they complete the memorization of a surah from the Quran.
• Example: I still remember the party my parents held for me when I memorized Juz’ Amma (the 30th chapter of the Quran).

6.Build a Community of worship

Involve your child in a supportive Islamic community. Take them to the Masjid for prayers and especially during Jumu’ah or family-friendly events and encourage them to participate in Quran classes, halaqas, or youth programs to learn and make friends with like-minded peers
, where they can connect with other like-minded children and adults, strengthening their sense of belonging to the ummah.

Another thing I believe it could help and encourage your children to keep up is to Participate in Islamic Camps and Competitions, so you can enroll your child in programs that focus on Quran recitation, Islamic arts, or community service to build their confidence and connections.

7.Make Reliance Upon Allah and Dua a Habit

Teach your child to turn to Allah in times of need and gratitude. Encourage them to make dua regularly, whether for something specific or general, helping them understand that Allah is always there to listen and respond.

Like the statement of Aisha ( may Allah be pleased with her): “ Ask Allah for everything, even the strap of a sandal, for if he doesn’t make it easy, it will not be make easy”

8.Encourage Education and Confidence

Encouraging education and confidence in raising a Muslim child is a foundational part of their development, shaping their character, intellect, and spiritual connection. These values equip them with tools to thrive in their faith and navigate the challenges of life with strength and purpose.

When you prioritize seeking knowledge with your children, you teach them the Value of Education. You can motivate them by Sharing the hadith, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (Sunan Ibn Majah), to emphasize that learning is a form of worship.

Balance their learning with Quranic teachings and academic studies to foster a holistic understanding of life.

You (Parents) have to focus also on building their children’s confidence through Faith, teaching Identity with Pride which help them embrace their Muslim identity by instilling a strong sense of belonging to their faith and don’t forget to praise their efforts,

Not Just Results: Reinforce their confidence by appreciating their hard work, regardless of outcomes. Also when you raise your child, you have to foster curiosity and critical thinking.

For example, Answer Questions with Openness, encourage them to ask about Allah, the Quran, and life’s challenges and offer answers grounded in Islamic teachings.

Teach them the problem-solving skills as it help them use Islamic values to navigate difficult situations, boosting both confidence and independence.

9.Encourage and Practise Gratitude

• Instil gratitude in your child by teaching them to be thankful for everything they have, whether big or small. Encourage them to make dua of gratitude and recognize Allah’s blessings in their lives. Gratitude nurtures a positive mindset and strengthens their relationship with Allah. Here’s how parents can Instil gratitude as a way of life:
• Acknowledge Allah’s Blessings: Regularly remind your child of the countless blessings from Allah, such as their health, family, and environment. Share verses like “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:7).
• Incorporate Duas of Thanks: Teach them simple phrases like “Alhamdulillah” to express gratitude in everyday situations, such as after meals or when something good happens.
• Show Gratitude in Action as a Parent: Let your child see you thanking Allah through prayer and dua, as well as expressing gratitude to others.
• Praise Them for Gratitude: When your child says thank you or acknowledges a blessing, reinforce this with positive feedback to encourage the habit.
• Create a Gratitude Ritual: At the end of each day, ask your child to share three things they are thankful for. This can become a bedtime routine.
• Thank Others Regularly: Teach them to say “JazakAllahu Khairan” (May Allah reward you with goodness) to express gratitude towards people.

Conclusion

By following these 9 steps, you’re not just raising a child who excels in worship but one who is balanced, confident, compassionate, and rooted in their faith. You are setting the foundation for their success in this life and the Hereafter, earning rewards for both you and your child.