Parenting Perspective 

Children are highly responsive to their environment. In the same way that bright lights and noise might signal a time for play, calm lighting and gentle scents can signal a shift towards a time of worship. These sensory cues can help your children to transition naturally into a quieter and more reflective state of mind, without the need for long explanations or strict instructions. By creating these gentle associations, you are showing them that prayer and remembrance are not just rituals to be performed, but are living experiences of peace. 

Use Soft Lighting as a Visual Cue 

Before a time of family prayer or Quran recitation, you can dim any harsh overhead lights and switch on a smaller, softer lamp instead. As you do so, you can say aloud, ‘We are softening the lights now because it is our special time to remember Allah in peace.’ Over time, your children will form a strong and positive connection between dim lighting and calm focus. 

Introduce a Special, Pleasant Scent 

You can further signal that this time is special by introducing a pleasant fragrance. This could be from burning a small amount of bakhoor, lighting a stick of incense, or spraying a light, clean room fragrance in your prayer area. The sense of smell has a powerful ability to create special associations. You can pair this with gentle words, such as, ‘This beautiful scent reminds us that our worship is a beautiful act.’ 

Make the Routine Simple and Consistent 

It is not necessary to overcomplicate this routine. Even just five minutes of softened lighting and a gentle scent before the Maghrib or Isha prayer is enough to create a rhythm that your children will come to recognise and anticipate. It is this consistency that turns these simple sensory cues into powerful emotional anchors. 

Encourage Children to Participate 

Invite your child to be a part of creating this peaceful atmosphere by asking them to switch on the special lamp or to help you choose the scent for that day. This sense of participation helps to build a feeling of ownership, and they will likely feel proud to be helping to create a worshipful and calm environment. 

These simple habits make your family’s time of worship feel distinct and inviting. Instead of feeling pressured into prayer, your children will experience an environment that whispers calmness to them, helping them to see their faith as a beautiful source of peace. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quran on Creating Sacred Spaces at Home 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Noor (24), Verses 36: 

‘(This Light manifest itself) in those houses (Masjids) which Allah (Almighty) has permitted that they be elevated (by His association), and His glorious Name be chanted therein; Glory be to Him, (chanted by His beloved people in the Masjid) from the morning till in the evening.’ 

This verse beautifully shows that our homes can become sacred when they are made into places of remembrance. Using sensory cues like lighting and scents are simply tools that help us to ‘raise’ the atmosphere of a part of our house, making it a space that feels honoured and special for the remembrance of Allah. 

Prophetic Wisdom on the Importance of Fragrance 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 564, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever eats garlic or onion should not approach our mosque, for the angels are offended by that which offends the children of Adam.’ 

This hadith teaches us that the scent of our environment matters in worship. While an unpleasant smell can be a disturbance, a clean and pleasant fragrance reflects a sense of respect and preparation for prayer. By softly lighting your prayer space and using a gentle, clean fragrance, you are modelling the idea that worship should be approached with care and beauty. Your children will grow to associate Salah and dhikr not with duty, but with serenity, reverence, and joy.