01. Raising Little Muslims: A Guide for Parents on Teaching Toddlers About Islam
Raising Little Muslims:
A Guide for Parents on Teaching Toddlers About Islam
✯ As a Graduate Alimah and the Founder & Director of imsjeddah.com, I, Umme Abdul Rahman, have dedicated my journey to nurturing young hearts with Islamic values. This article is a humble effort to guide parents in raising their children with love for Islam.
➤ Introducing Toddlers to Islamic Teachings
Introducing toddlers to Islamic teachings is an essential step in building their faith and identity. At this impressionable age, children absorb what they see, hear, and experience, making it the perfect time to instill Islamic values and habits. Here are practical ways to guide your little ones toward loving Islam.
➤ Children Are an Amanah from Allah
It is essential to remember that our children are an Amanah (trust) from Allah (SWT). As parents, we are entrusted with their upbringing, education, and moral development. Allah has given us the responsibility to guide them on the right path, teaching them not only worldly knowledge but also the values of Islam.
In the Quran, Allah (SWT) says:
ٱلْمَالُ وَٱلْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَٱلْبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًۭا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًۭا ٤٦
“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [your] hope.”
(Surah Al-Kahf, 18:46)
This reminder helps us prioritize our role in shaping our children’s character and faith. Nurture them with love, kindness, and responsibility, ensuring they grow up with a strong connection to Allah and His teachings.
➤ Make Dua for Your Child’s Guidance and Success
As parents, making Dua for your child is one of the most important acts of love. Pray for their faith, well-being, and success in both this world and the Hereafter. Start with the beautiful Dua from the Quran:
رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍۢ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا ٧٤
(Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes, and make us an example for the righteous.)
(Surah Al-Furqan, 25:74)
رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْنِى مُقِيمَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ ٤٠
My Lord! Make me and those ˹believers˺ of my descendants keep up prayer. Our Lord! Accept my prayers.
[Surah Ibrahim: 14: 40]
➤ Be a Role Model
Children learn by observing their parents. Let them see you:
- Praying regularly.
- Reciting Quran daily.
- Displaying good manners and kindness.
By being a positive example, you show them how Islam is a natural part of daily life.
➤ Teach About Allah
It is important to teach your toddlers about Allah (SWT) in simple and relatable ways:
- Who is Allah?
Allah is our Creator. He made everything—the sun, moon, stars, trees, animals, and us. He is the One who gives us life and takes care of us.
- Why We Worship Allah Alone
Allah is One. He has no partner or equal. We worship Him because He created us and provides for us.
- Allah’s Beautiful Names and Attributes
Teach them Allah’s names like Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Al-Malik (The King). Explain how these names show Allah’s kindness and power.
By speaking about Allah regularly and teaching them to answer simple questions like,
“Where is Allah?” (Answer: Above the heavens, on His Throne), children will develop a deep love and connection to Him.
➤ Start with Simple Islamic Words
Introduce basic phrases like:
- “Bismillah” (Before eating or starting anything).
- “Alhamdulillah” (After eating or expressing gratitude).
- “Assalamu Alaikum” (Greeting others).
Use these phrases in daily routines and explain their meanings.
➤ Teach Kindness, Patience, and Conflict Resolution
Islam emphasizes good character. Teach children to:
- Share toys and say “JazakAllah Khair” to show gratitude.
- Say “A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim” when they feel angry, as taught by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
- Resolve fights peacefully by reminding them of the Hadith:
“Do not hit your Muslim brother.”
These lessons instill respect, kindness, and emotional control.
➤ Introduce the Quran
Make Quran recitation a daily habit, especially from the Mushaf (physical Quran). Seeing you recite from the Mushaf helps your child recognize its importance. Avoid relying only on phones or devices, as they may not grasp the sanctity of the Quran.
Recite short Surahs like Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Ikhlas with them. Play Quran recitations in the background, and encourage them to repeat after you playfully.
➤ Teach Cleanliness and Purity
Teach the basics of:
- Wudu (Ablution): Explain its significance with the Hadith:
“Cleanliness is half of faith.” (Sahih Muslim).
- Ghusl (Ritual Bath): Teach how it purifies us spiritually and physically.
These habits reinforce the importance of hygiene and spirituality from a young age.
➤ Build an Islamic Library for Your Child
Create a special space for Islamic books and resources:
- Include colorful storybooks, flashcards, and Arabic alphabets.
- Let them explore even if they cannot read yet, associating this space with Islamic learning.
Just as you invest in schoolbooks, prioritize Islamic resources to emphasize their importance.
➤ Teach Through Play
Incorporate Islamic teachings into games using:
- Islamic puzzles, toys, and flashcards.
- A pretend prayer area for them to mimic your Salah.
➤ Celebrate Islamic Occasions
Make Ramadan and Eid exciting by:
- Decorating your home.
- Sharing gifts.
- Explaining their significance in simple terms.
This builds joyful memories tied to their Islamic identity.
➤ Make Salah Special
Encourage your child to join you in prayer with their own prayer mat. Celebrate their efforts, even if they just mimic you, fostering a love for Salah early on.
Children are a trust from Allah (SWT), and it is our duty to nurture their Islamic identity with love, care, and consistency. Teaching toddlers about Islam is not about formal lessons—it’s about creating an environment where faith is naturally instilled.
The seeds you plant today will grow into a lifelong connection with Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the teachings of Islam.
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