Parenting Perspective 

It can be difficult for children to understand how the feeling of gratitude can exist alongside sadness. If this concept is left unexplained, they may come to believe that saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ is only for happy times. Storytelling is a powerful way to teach them that gratitude can help to soften feelings of grief and transform difficult emotions into a sense of calm. By sharing narratives from the Quran, the Seerah, and your own life, you can show your child that saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ during a sad time does not deny the pain, but rather helps to redirect the heart towards the mercy of Allah, which is the ultimate source of peace. 

The Story of Prophet Ayyub’s Gratitude in a Time of Loss 

You can tell your child the story of Prophet Ayyub, who faced the loss of his health, his wealth, and even his family. Despite these immense trials, he continued to remember Allah and express his gratitude. As a reward for his beautiful patience, Allah returned to him even more than what he had lost. This powerful story shows that a grateful heart is protected from the feeling of despair. 

The Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Dua After the Hardship of Ta’if 

Explain to your child what happened when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ went to the city of Ta’if. After being rejected and physically hurt by the people there, he still turned to Allah, not with a complaint, but with a beautiful dua praising Him and seeking His mercy. His ability to show gratitude even in a moment of pain was what brought him strength and inner peace. 

Use Relatable, Everyday Examples 

When your child is facing a small disappointment, such as a broken toy or a cancelled plan, you can share a simple, relatable story. You could say, ‘Do you remember when it rained and we could not go to the park, but then we stayed at home and had so much fun playing together instead? Alhamdulillah, Allah gave us a different kind of joy that day.’ This helps your child to see that gratitude is a key to finding peace in disappointment. 

Explain How Gratitude Can Heal the Heart 

You can use simple metaphors to help your child understand this concept. For example, you could tell them, ‘When our heart is feeling sad, saying Alhamdulillah is like putting a gentle, healing balm on it. The sadness does not always disappear straight away, but it can start to feel lighter.’ 

Through stories, the concept of gratitude becomes more than just a word; it becomes a light that can turn even the saddest moments into opportunities for calmness, hope, and connection. 

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); however, if you become ungrateful, then indeed, My punishment is Meticulous (in execution)”.’ 

This verse teaches us that gratitude brings increase. This increase is not only in our worldly blessings, but also in our inner strength and peace. Children can learn from this that even in their moments of sadness, saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ can open the doors to more of Allah’s care and comfort. 

Prophetic Guidance on Finding Contentment 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2513, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Look at those who are lower than you and do not look at those who are above you, for that is more likely to prevent you from belittling the favour of Allah.’ 

This hadith teaches a practical way to cultivate a grateful heart. It shows us that gratitude helps us to focus on what we still have, rather than on what we may have lost. By linking these beautiful stories and sacred teachings, parents can show their children that the simple act of saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ can turn sadness into perspective, and that perspective can lead to a state of profound and lasting peace.