What can I do when they laugh at the idea of thanking farmers? 

Parenting Perspective 

When children react dismissively to the idea of thanking farmers, the reaction usually stems from distance and lack of visibility, not genuine disrespect. They simply do not see the immense human effort and uncertainty involved in the journey of their food. Parents can and should utilise this prophetic wisdom to teach children that expressing thanks to the workers of the world acts as a spiritual bridge to expressing sincere gratitude to Allah Almighty Himself. It shows that shukr (thankfulness) is a holistic practice encompassing all creation. 

Making Effort Visible and Tangible 

To effectively bridge this gap, parents should transform abstract gratitude into something tangible. Share short, age-appropriate videos or engaging stories about how crops are carefully sown and grown, or take them on a visit to a local fruit farm or vegetable market. Encourage them to actively realise that every single grain on their plate was once nurtured by someone who woke before dawn, toiled patiently under the sun, and placed their absolute trust in Allah Almighty for the rain and the yield. 

Linking Kindness to Worship 

Parents should ensure they maintain a gentle, non-moralising tone when discussing this matter. Say, for example, ‘We specifically thank farmers because they are an essential part of Allah’s plan to feed us. Without their dedicated hard work, our food simply would not reach us.’ Furthermore, encourage your child to make small, sincere du‘as (supplications) such as, ‘May Allah bless those who grow our food.’ When gratitude is intrinsically linked with kindness and recognition, it transforms from a burdensome formality into a profound and meaningful act of faith. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Islamic perspective views the entire agricultural process as a profound, continuous miracle. This deep spiritual understanding is necessary for children to appreciate that recognising human effort is a fundamental component of appreciating divine provision. Parents can and should utilise this prophetic wisdom to teach children that expressing thanks to the workers of the world acts as a spiritual bridge to expressing sincere gratitude to Allah Almighty Himself. It shows that shukr (thankfulness) is a holistic practice encompassing all creation. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ya Sin (36), Verses 33–35: 

‘And a sign for them is the dead earth. We give it life and bring forth from it grain, and from it they eat. And We placed therein gardens of date-palms and grapes, and caused springs to gush forth… so that they may eat of its fruit. It was not their hands that made it. Will they not then give thanks?…’ 

This ayah invites deep reflection and awe. It simultaneously acknowledges that human effort is vital, yet firmly establishes that the true, absolute source of all provision is Allah Almighty. Teaching children this perfect balance helps them understand that thanking farmers, shopkeepers, and delivery personnel is a beautiful and effective way of thanking Allah Almighty through His blessed creation. 

It is recorded in Mishkaat Al Masaabih, Hadith 3025, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:  

‘He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah…’ 

This powerful hadith confirms that gratitude towards people—whether they are farmers, shopkeepers, or anyone who facilitates ease in our lives—is, in itself, an indispensable act of worship. Parents can and should utilise this prophetic wisdom to teach children that expressing thanks to the workers of the world acts as a spiritual bridge to expressing sincere gratitude to Allah Almighty Himself. It shows that shukr (thankfulness) is a holistic practice encompassing all creation.