How can Tasbih breaths turn into a steady calming practice? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children can often feel overwhelmed by stress, anger, or restlessness, and simply telling them to ‘calm down’ rarely works. One practical tool that parents can teach them is how to combine deep breathing with Tasbih (the remembrance of Allah). This simple practice links physical regulation with spiritual comfort, helping them to form a positive habit that they can carry with them into adulthood. 

Pair Deep Breathing with Simple Dhikr 

You can guide your child to inhale slowly while saying in their heart, ‘SubhanAllah’, exhale gently with ‘Alhamdulillah’, and then take another calm breath with ‘Allahu Akbar’. This gentle rhythm creates a steady flow of calm throughout their body, while also reinforcing the beautiful practice of dhikr. 

Start with Small and Consistent Practice 

It is best to practise for just three cycles at a time, perhaps at bedtime, after Salah, or during a moment of mild agitation. Gradual and gentle repetition makes the habit feel achievable rather than forced. Over time, your child’s body will begin to associate the act of Tasbih breathing with a feeling of safety and emotional relief. 

Make It a Shared Family Ritual 

Sit with your child and practise this breathing technique together. Your own calm tone and reassuring presence will amplify the positive effect, showing them that this is not a punishment or a chore, but rather a gift of self-care and a moment of shared faith. 

When they are practised regularly, Tasbih breaths can give your children a powerful tool to regulate their own emotions independently, strengthening both their personal resilience and their spiritual grounding. 

Spiritual Insight 

In the Islamic tradition, the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) is seen as the primary means of finding peace, soothing the soul, and bringing a sense of tranquillity to a troubled heart. 

Dhikr as a Source of Inner Peace 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ra’ad (13), Verse 28: 

‘…Indeed, it is only with the remembrance of Allah (Almighty) that one can (and does) find peace of mind and heart.’ 

This verse reminds us that dhikr is not only an act of worship but is also a form of spiritual medicine for moments of emotional turbulence. 

The Rhythmic Nature of Dhikr 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 1419, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He who recites after every prayer “SubhanAllah” thirty-three times, “Alhamdulillah” thirty-three times, and “Allahu Akbar” thirty-three times, and completes a hundred by saying “La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulk wa lahul-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer”  his sins will be forgiven even if they are as much as the foam of the sea.’ 

This hadith teaches us that dhikr is meant to be repeated, rhythmic, and steady, which are qualities that naturally soothe the heart and help to build a deep connection with Allah Almighty. 

By linking dhikr with the physical act of breathing, parents can help their children to embody both a sense of calm and a state of remembrance. They learn from this that Tasbih is not just words on the tongue, but is a rhythm that can steady the body, clear the mind, and fill the heart with an unwavering trust in Allah Almighty.