How can I help my child turn to Allah Almighty when they feel scared? 

Parenting Perspective 

Normalise Talking About Fear 

Feeling scared is a part of every child’s life, whether it is fear of a dark room, a loud noise, or a worry about something going wrong. Helping your child learn to turn to Allah Almighty in these moments can build immense comfort and trust in their heart. Start by making it normal to talk about fears. When your child says, ‘I feel scared,’ listen calmly and praise their honesty. Avoid dismissing their feelings with, ‘There is nothing to be scared of.’ Instead, say, ‘It is okay to feel scared. Let us talk about what helps you feel safe.’ 

Practice Calming, Faith-Based Habits 

Practise small, calming habits that link back to their faith. You could teach them to take deep breaths and say, ‘Ya Allah, protect me,’ when fear arises. Share stories from your own life about times when you felt frightened but asked Allah Almighty for courage. You can also introduce a bedtime Dua or a short Ayah, like Ayat al-Kursi, as part of your routine. Some families find comfort in having a special ‘comfort phrase’, for example, ‘Allah Almighty is with me.’ Remind your child that turning to Allah Almighty does not mean the fear will disappear instantly, but it gives their heart hope and the strength to handle it. Over time, they will feel safe knowing they are never alone with their worries. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that every fear, no matter how small, is seen by Allah Almighty, who is the Most Merciful and the best Protector. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verse 173: 

‘And they said: Allah Almighty (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is excellent as the Ultimate Trustee (of all our affairs). ‘

Teaching your child this Ayah shows them that when they feel scared, they can place their trust in the One who has power over everything. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 7505, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Allah Almighty says: I am as My servant thinks I am.‘

This Hadith reminds us that our hope in Allah Almighty brings comfort. Encourage your child to whisper this trust as a simple Dua when they feel fear: ‘Ya Allah, help me feel brave because I know You are with me.’ By guiding them to turn to their Lord in small moments of fear, you plant seeds of Tawakkul that will strengthen their heart for bigger trials in life, trusting that Allah Almighty’s care never leaves them, no matter what scares them.