How to Introduce Islam to your Child
Questions every parent has
If you are reading this, then probably you are looking for ideas to introduce Islam to your little ones. You are aware of what things about Islam and Allah you need your child to know. But you might be wondering how to do it?
What parents need to do?
Children are like an empty book, and they learn from what they see. Parents are especially their role models they look up to. For understanding the ways to talk about Allah as our creator, teaching them simple Duas and Our prophets, it is important that you understand your child and his/her developmental needs.
As a parent, you need to realize that loving Allah looks like plants that reap its benefits as you grow older.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “No child is born except on Al-Fitra (Islam) and then his parents make him Jewish, Christian or Magian, as an animal produces a perfect young animal: do you see any part of its body amputated?” [Sahih al-Bukhari 4775]
Children are Pure
The above hadith confirms the purity of children. They’ll imitate what they see their elders doing. If you want your children to learn the basic aspects of Islam, begin with saying Bismillah loud enough so they understand that you need to start every chore or work by saying those words.
If you pray your salah in front of them, they will be curious and do what they see. This is a good opportunity for you to talk to them about Allah and tell them that “He is our creator”. The best way to go by is helping them observe Allah’s creation around them. Guide them about the nature and the things surrounding them and then engage them in discussions.
Children are Born with the inclination of Fitrah
It might be an intimidating fact for you when it comes to explain an abstract idea to children. But in reality, it is the blessing of Allah (swt) that half of the job is already done for us. Allah has created us in the purest of form and made us naturally inclined to our reality.
As our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said, “Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) and his parents convert him to Judaism or Christianity or Magianism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?” [Sahih Bukhari 1385]
The job of the parents is to cultivate this inclination of accepting this truth. You can do that by teaching them what is right and wrong. How they must behave when they meet someone and the simple teachings of the Quran that are taught to us by our Prophet (PBUH).
Introduce Allah to them through Asma ul Husna
Allah (swt) loves purity and innocence. Even our prophet (PBUH) taught us to be kind to children. Loving Allah is already a part of our innate nature. All you need to do is nurture it and it is not that difficult.
You can narrate to them stories of Islam and how universe was created. You can take this further by introducing to them the names of Allah and His attributes. Start with the most common names Ar-Rahman, Ar Raheem, Al-wadood and others.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
I heard Prophet (PBUH) saying, Allah divided Mercy into one hundred parts. He kept ninety-nine parts with Him and sent down one part to the earth, and because of that, it’s one single part, His Creations are merciful to each other, so that even the mare lifts up its hoofs away from its baby animal, lest it should trample on it.” [Bukhari]
Allah’s love and mercy is infinite. In their daily routine, you must find ways to make your children realize that Allah loves them, and they should love Him more than their parents.
Talk about Jannah
Like elders need to be encouraged to do good deeds by telling them about rewards they will get in Jannah. Children must know what Jannah is. You can talk about heaven like it’s a dream play land where they can get any toy they want. This will make them more interested in learning about it.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in describing Jannah:
“I have prepared for My pious worshipers such things as no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard of, and nobody has ever thought of. All that is reserved, besides which, all that you have seen, is nothing” [Sahih al-Bukhari 4780]
Show them, rather than telling what Islam means to you. They’ll take your lead and will follow your actions and attitudes.
