Raising children in Islam is not only about fulfilling their worldly needs but shaping their hearts to recognize Allah, love His Messenger ﷺ, and live by the Qur’an. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you will be asked about his flock.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 893 | Sahih Muslim, 1829]
How to Raise Children With Strong Islamic Faith?
1. Begin With Du‘ā’
Even before birth, parents are taught to seek Allah’s guidance. Du‘ā’ is a parent’s strongest tool. The Qur’an records the prayer of righteous parents:
رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً
“My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring.” [Qur’an 3:38]
the Prophet ﷺ taught us a specific duʿā’ to say before intimacy so that if Allah blesses the couple with a child, the child will be protected from Shayṭān.
The ḥadīth says:
Arabic
Translation
“If one of you, when having relations with his spouse, says: Bismillāh, Allāhumma jannibnā al-shayṭān wa jannib al-shayṭān mā razaqtanā (In the Name of Allah, O Allah, keep us away from Shayṭān and keep Shayṭān away from what You provide for us), and if it is destined that they should have a child, then Shayṭān will never be able to harm that child.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 141 | Sahih Muslim, 1434]
2. Teach Tawḥīd From the Start
Instill the oneness of Allah as the foundation. Simple reminders like “Allah gave you this food” or “Allah loves those who share” plant seeds of īmān in their hearts.
3. Model Islam in Daily Life
Children learn more from what parents do than what they say. Pray on time, recite Qur’an, give charity, and let them witness your devotion. A living example is the best teacher.
4. Establish Daily Dhikr and Salah Habits
The Prophet ﷺ instructed: “Command your children to pray when they become seven years old, and beat them for it (prayer) when they become ten years old; and arrange their beds (to sleep) separately.” [Sunan Abī Dāwūd, 495]
Start early with gentle encouragement, turning prayer and remembrance into something beloved, not burdensome.
5. Tell Stories of the Prophets and Companions
Children are inspired by heroes. Share stories of Prophet Yusuf’s honesty, Ibrahim’s courage, Aishah’s knowledge, and the youth of the Cave who stood firm in faith. Stories shape identity.
6. Surround Them With Good Company
The Prophet ﷺ said: “A person is upon the religion of his close friend.” [Sunan Abī Dāwūd, 4833]
Choose schools, friends, and environments that nurture their faith rather than weaken it.
7. Encourage Questions With Wisdom
Children are naturally curious about Allah, the unseen, and life’s purpose. Answer patiently, using Qur’an and Sunnah. Never shut down their curiosity—it’s a sign of seeking faith.
8. Balance Love and Discipline
The Prophet ﷺ balanced gentleness with teaching responsibility. Raise children with warmth, but also instill discipline in worship, manners, and responsibilities without harshness.
9. Connect Them to the Qur’an
Make Qur’an recitation a daily part of family life. Celebrate their progress, listen to reciters together, and explain meanings in simple terms so they see Qur’an as guidance, not just ritual.
10. Teach Gratitude and Service
Faith grows stronger when children learn that life is about giving, not just taking. Involve them in acts of sadaqah, helping neighbors, or serving guests to build humility and compassion.
11. Build a Loving Connection With the Masjid
Take them to the masjid early so it becomes a place of comfort, not fear. The Prophet ﷺ allowed children to attend prayer, even carrying his grandsons during salah.
12. Make Faith Joyful, Not Heavy
Celebrate Islamic occasions like Ramadan, Eid, and completing a surah. Use decorations, family traditions, and positive reinforcement so Islam feels beautiful and exciting.
13. Encourage Independent Worship Gradually
When they grow older, let them lead a small du‘ā’, call the adhān at home, or recite Qur’an in family gatherings. Giving responsibility builds confidence in their faith.
14. Protect Their Hearts From Harmful Influences
Monitor what they watch, listen to, and who they follow. Replace harmful entertainment with halal alternatives—Islamic nasheeds, educational shows, and role models.
15. Be Gentle With Mistakes
If a child forgets to pray, lies, or acts wrongly, guide them with mercy. The Prophet ﷺ corrected mistakes without shaming, showing that compassion invites hearts closer to faith.
