Parenting Perspective 

Children learn the true spirit of gratitude less from direct instruction and more from the way it is modelled for them by their parents. If the phrase ‘Alhamdulillah’ is only ever spoken in a formal or routine context, such as after meals, a child may come to see it as a habit rather than as an expression of heartfelt joy. To make it truly meaningful for them, you can consciously connect the phrase ‘Alhamdulillah’ with moments of happiness, surprise, and love, helping them to feel that gratitude is something to be celebrated. 

Weave ‘Alhamdulillah’ into Happy, Everyday Moments 

Make a habit of saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ during moments of simple happiness, such as when you are laughing together, playing a game, or seeing something beautiful. For example, you could say, ‘Alhamdulillah, this cake tastes so good!’ This simple practice teaches children that gratitude is meant to be woven into every part of life, especially moments of fun and joy. 

Connect the Phrase with Physical Warmth 

You can make the word feel emotionally rich for your child by pairing it with physical affection. A warm hug, a bright smile, or a high five after saying, ‘Alhamdulillah, I am so happy that Allah gave me you,’ helps to create a powerful association between gratitude and love. 

Encourage Them to Share Their Own Reasons for Gratitude 

You can make the practice personal for them by asking, ‘What is one thing that made you happy today that we can thank Allah for?’ When your child shares their answer, you can guide them to respond with a heartfelt ‘Alhamdulillah.’ This keeps the word from feeling abstract and connects it to their own lived experiences. 

Turn Gratitude into a Playful Ritual 

During car journeys or at mealtimes, you could take turns naming one blessing you are thankful for and then saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ together. Turning the act of giving thanks into a lighthearted game helps to strengthen the connection between joy and faith. 

Celebrate Their Spontaneous Expressions of Gratitude 

When you hear your child say ‘Alhamdulillah’ spontaneously, respond with warmth and encouragement. A simple comment like, ‘It makes Allah so happy to hear you say that,’ helps to reinforce the joy behind the phrase. 

With these simple steps, your children can learn that ‘Alhamdulillah’ is not just a word to be recited, but is in fact a doorway to happiness, connection, and a feeling of closeness to Allah. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quranic Promise of Increase Through Gratitude 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ibraheem (14), Verses 7: 

‘And (remember) when your Sustainer made this declaration; (saying that): “If you show gratitude, I (Allah Almighty) will indeed, amplify them for you (provisions and sustenance)…”.’ 

This verse teaches us the beautiful principle that gratitude is a key that unlocks abundance. Sharing this concept with your children shows them that saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ is not only a beautiful act of faith in itself, but is also a means of inviting even more blessings and joy from Allah. 

Prophetic Wisdom on Finding Goodness in Gratitude 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 27, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘How wonderful is the case of a believer, for there is good for him in everything. If he experiences prosperity, he is grateful, and that is good for him.’ 

This hadith shows that gratitude is not meant to be a heavy duty, but is in fact a source of immense goodness and joy for the believer. By making the act of saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ feel playful, affectionate, and connected to happy moments, parents can plant a lifelong habit in their children of seeing gratitude as a lightness of the heart, not a mere formality. Over time, your children will learn that saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ is in itself a reason to smile.