Parenting Perspective 

The phrase ‘Alhamdulillah’ (All praise is due to Allah) is a beautiful expression of gratitude. When teaching children how to connect saying Alhamdulillah with the concept of gratitude for second chances, it is important to emphasise that Allah Almighty’s mercy allows us to continually return to Him. Acknowledging this, children can be taught that Alhamdulillah not only expresses thankfulness for what we have but also for the opportunities to begin again. 

By incorporating Alhamdulillah in daily phrases, you teach your children that each new opportunity to improve or be forgiven is a gift from Allah. It helps them understand that gratitude is not just about appreciating the good things, but also being thankful for the chance to try again. 

Reflecting on Allah’s Mercy with Alhamdulillah 

You can teach your children to say Alhamdulillah in moments when they recognise that they have been given another opportunity to do better. 

‘Alhamdulillah, we have another chance to make things right.’ 

‘Alhamdulillah, Allah is giving us the chance to try again.’ 

‘Alhamdulillah for Allah’s mercy that allows us to improve and grow.’ 

These phrases help children connect the act of repentance (Tawbah) with the acknowledgment that Allah’s mercy is a second chance. 

Gratitude for the Opportunity to Change 

A second chance often involves a conscious effort to change our behaviour. Teach your children to express Alhamdulillah when they feel they have been given the opportunity to improve. 

‘Alhamdulillah for the chance to be better today than we were yesterday.’ 

‘Alhamdulillah for the chance to learn from our mistakes and try again.’ 

‘Alhamdulillah for Allah’s guidance that leads us back to the right path.’ 

These phrases help children see that every new day is a chance for growth, granted by Allah’s mercy. 

Emphasising Gratitude in Difficult Moments 

Even when things are not going as planned, you can teach your children to say Alhamdulillah as a way of acknowledging the chances that Allah gives to learn and grow. 

‘Alhamdulillah, even in difficult times, we have the chance to grow stronger in our faith.’ 

‘Alhamdulillah, Allah gives us opportunities to be patient and trust in Him.’ 

‘Alhamdulillah for the wisdom gained from our struggles.’ 

These phrases help children understand that Alhamdulillah is an expression of gratitude not just in times of ease, but also in times of trial. 

Acknowledging Allah’s Constant Mercy 

Teaching children that Allah’s mercy is limitless helps them understand the connection between Alhamdulillah and second chances. 

‘Alhamdulillah for Allah’s mercy that always gives us a chance to return to Him.’ 

‘Alhamdulillah for the forgiveness Allah offers, even when we make mistakes.’ 

‘Alhamdulillah that Allah allows us to fix our wrongs and grow.’ 

These expressions help children internalise the concept that Allah’s mercy is never far away. 

Make Alhamdulillah Part of Family Practice 

Incorporate these phrases into your family’s daily routine. You can make it a family habit to reflect on moments where Allah’s mercy has granted new opportunities for growth. 

• Why it works: This reinforces the idea that Alhamdulillah is connected to constant opportunities for improvement. 

By regularly practising these phrases, children will learn to associate Alhamdulillah with the understanding that each moment is a new chance for them to be better. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Transformative Power of Repentance 

The noble Quran teaches us that Allah’s mercy allows us to transform our mistakes into opportunities for good, as long as we repent sincerely. Saying Alhamdulillah in these moments reflects our gratitude for the second chances Allah provides. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 70: 

‘ Except for the one who sought repentance, and believed (in the truth), and enacted virtuous deeds; so, for those people, Allah (Almighty) shall substitute (and extinguish) their evil deeds with good deeds; and Allah (Almighty) is All Forgiving and All Merciful.‘ 

This enables us to correct our past and grow in righteousness. 

The Gift of a Second Chance 

The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasize Allah’s loving mercy, offering the opportunity for improvement and change. By saying Alhamdulillah in moments of repentance, we acknowledge and express gratitude for the second chances Allah grants us. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2491, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When Allah loves a servant, He grants him a second chance to correct his wrongs.’ 

Through these practices, your children will learn that Alhamdulillah is not just a phrase of gratitude for blessings but also a reminder of the endless opportunities Allah gives to correct mistakes and grow spiritually.