How to Teach Trust in Allah and the Value of Effort 

Parenting Perspective 

Allah’s Plan Includes Your Effort 

It is understandable that children, when hearing about Allah’s plan, may assume that their actions have little meaning. What they are really asking for is clarity about how divine will and human effort work together. A parent can guide this conversation by showing that Allah’s plan includes their effort, not separate from it. 

Acknowledge Their Question 

You can begin by acknowledging their question as important rather than dismissing it. Say, ‘That is a thoughtful question. Allah’s plan is perfect, but part of His plan is giving us choices and responsibility.’ This helps them see that trying is not competing with Allah’s will but fulfilling it. 

Use Relatable Examples 

A useful example is daily routines. You can remind them that although Allah already knows what they will eat, they still need to sit at the table, use their spoon, and take a bite. In the same way, success at school, kindness at home, or honesty with friends requires their effort. Allah’s plan is not to remove responsibility, but to guide and support it. 

Teach the Balance Practically 

Encouraging children to make Dua before trying something, then taking action, teaches this balance practically. If they pray for help in an exam, follow it with studying. If they ask Allah to help them with friendships, follow it with kind behaviour. Step by step, they will learn that Tawakkul (trust in Allah) is not passive, but active reliance joined with effort. 

Spiritual Insight 

Trust Combines Reliance With Responsibility 

Islam teaches us that true trust in Allah combines reliance with responsibility. Children need to see that effort is an act of worship and a form of obedience, not a contradiction to faith. 

There Is Not for Man Except That for Which He Strives 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Najam (53), Verses 39–40: 

‘And they shall be nothing (to account) for mankind except what he has undertaken. And indeed, whatever he has undertaken, you shall very soon observe it.’ 

These Verses show that human striving is part of the divine plan, and every action counts before Allah. Effort itself is valued, even if results unfold differently. 

Tie Your Camel, Then Trust in Allah 

It is recorded in Sahih at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2517, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Tie your camel and then trust in Allah.’  

This hadith demonstrates that trust in Allah does not mean leaving matters unattended. Action comes first, then reliance on Allah for the outcome. 

By explaining to your children that trying is part of living out Allah’s plan, and that their choices are seen and rewarded, you help them connect faith with responsibility. Over time, they will learn that trusting Allah does not cancel effort but makes it meaningful and supported by His mercy.