Helping children learn their daily adhkaar (remembrances of Allah) can be both a spiritual and a bonding journey. Adhkaar are simple, yet profound, phrases that children can incorporate into their daily routines, cultivating mindfulness and a sense of connection to Allah. Here’s a practical guide to help parents teach their kids the beauty of these supplications with creativity, consistency, and love.
1. Start with Simple and Regular Adhkaar
Begin with short, easy-to-pronounce adhkaar that kids can relate to. Morning and evening adhkaar, for example, are great because they bookend the day. Simple phrases like “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” and “Allahu Akbar” can be introduced during times they’re already familiar with, like bedtime, mealtime, and waking up.
Example: Encourage them to say “Bismillah” before eating, “Alhamdulillah” after meals, and “SubhanAllah” when they see something beautiful. These phrases are quick and rhythmic, making them easier to learn and recall.
Adhkaar that are light on the tongue (even for kids), but heavy on the scale:
1) 33 times each after every (compulsory) prayer and/or before sleeping each night:
سبحان الله
الحمد لله
الله أكبر
2) Tawheed
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ
3) 100 times a day:
4) Oneness of Allah
لاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللهِ
5) Salawaat
صلى الله عليه وسلم
6) Istighfar
أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّٰهَ
2. Make it a Daily Habit with a Routine
Children thrive with routines, and tying adhkaar to specific times in the day can make learning them natural. Try pairing different adhkaar with particular actions:
- Morning Adhkaar upon waking up, like “Alhamdulillah al-ladhi ahyana ba’da ma amatana wa ilayhin-nushoor.”
- After School or Evening Adhkaar to reflect and unwind after a busy day.
- Bedtime Adhkaar to end the day on a peaceful note.
Pro Tip: Use visual aids like a colorful chart or a reminder board in their room with the adhkaar listed by time of day.
3. Make Them Easily Accessible
Songs and rhymes are among the best ways for kids to remember new information. The rhythm helps children remember the words without feeling like they’re “studying.” Create a catchy tune or use existing children’s nasheeds that include adhkaar. This way, children can sing along and learn easily.
Example: Set “Astaghfirullah” to a simple melody, so they can sing it when asking for forgiveness or after making a mistake.
4. Use Fun and Engaging Visuals/ Use Technology
Visual aids can be powerful memory tools for children. Try using flashcards with Arabic words and English translations, or create posters with adhkaar that your child can decorate and keep in their room. You can also play the audio of dua for traveling when you sit in the car or use the audio recitation of morning evening duas.
You could also try animated videos or interactive apps that teach adhkaar with illustrations and sounds, making the learning process feel more like playtime.
5. Practice Through Storytelling/ Know their Learning Style
Children love stories, and narrating the context or stories behind certain adhkaar can make them more meaningful and memorable. Explain how the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions used these supplications in their daily lives.
Example: Tell them the story of Sayyidul Istighfar, a powerful du’a for seeking forgiveness, and how the Prophet ﷺ mentioned its importance. This makes it more likely that they’ll value and remember it.
If your child is an aural learner, the above points are great to get them learn their adhkaar. If they are visual learners, then books etc. Work great. And if they are kinesthetic learners, then building an activity around the dua to help them learn is a great start.
6. Start Them Young
You can promote your baby’s interest by looking at books with him and talking about the pictures. Invite your 8 or 9-month-old baby to turn the pages. A reward system can motivate kids to engage consistently. For example, a sticker chart where they add a sticker each time they remember an adhkaar, or even a small treat after consistent effort over a week. Just be sure the rewards are positive reinforcement rather than bribes.
Example: Set a weekly goal for learning new adhkaar or using them in the right context. At the end of the week, celebrate with a fun activity or a favorite snack!
7. Model the Behavior (Read Aloud Your Own Adhkaar)
Whenever you recite the duas and adhkaar, recite them in a slow audible manner so your kids can see the practical side of when and how to recite them). Children learn by observing their parents, so make it a point to say your own adhkaar aloud, especially around them. When they see you saying “Bismillah” before eating or “Alhamdulillah” upon completing a task, they’ll naturally start mirroring those behaviors. The more they listen and see the lip syncing, the more they get familiar to them.
Example: Before bedtime, say your adhkaar together, like Ayat-ul-Kursi and the three Quls, and explain that this is for protection and peace throughout the night.
8. Encourage Group Practice
If your child has siblings, cousins, or friends, practicing adhkaar together can be encouraging and fun. Siblings can help one another, and the group dynamic adds a sense of excitement. You could even make a game out of it where they take turns reciting, helping each other learn and reinforcing the habit.
9. Praise Their Progress
Learning adhkaar may take time, so celebrate even the smallest progress. Positive reinforcement like saying “MashaAllah” or giving a high-five reinforces the idea that their effort is valued and that learning adhkaar is a special accomplishment.
Example: If they remember to say “Bismillah” on their own, acknowledge it warmly with, “MashaAllah! You remembered!” Small praise encourages them to continue with confidence.
10. Make Adhkaar a Time for Bonding
Beyond the routine, let adhkaar be a cherished moment of connection between you and your child. Recite together and share moments of gratitude to Allah, encouraging a deep, heartfelt bond that turns these daily practices into cherished memories.
Teaching kids their adhkaar doesn’t have to be a strict or stressful process. By integrating adhkaar into their daily routine, using fun and engaging methods, and modeling the habit yourself, you’re helping instill mindfulness and gratitude in them. With a little creativity and patience, these beautiful words can become a natural part of your child’s life, grounding them in faith and love for Allah from an early age.
AT WHAT AGE DID YOUR CHILD START LEARNING ADHKAAR?