How do I protect their sense of awe from getting buried in comparison? 

Children are born with a natural sense of awe. They marvel at butterflies, raindrops, stars, and even their own small accomplishments. However, as they grow, comparison begins to intrude seeing a peer run faster, score higher, or look a certain way can quietly bury their sense of wonder under feelings of “not enough.” Parents can safeguard this awe by redirecting focus away from comparison and back toward appreciation of Allah Almighty’s unique gifts. 

Parenting Perspective 

Acknowledge Comparisons but Redirect Gently 

It is natural for children to notice differences. If your child says, ‘He reads better than me,’ validate their observation without reinforcing competition. You might respond, ‘Yes, he is learning quickly, and you are also learning beautifully in your own way.’ This keeps their lens balanced between recognition and self-worth. 

Highlight Individual Miracles 

Help them see the marvels within themselves. Draw their attention to small abilities: ‘Look at how your hands can draw,’ or ‘Notice how your mind remembers stories.’ Pointing out unique strengths allows them to reclaim awe in what Allah Almighty gave them personally, instead of only noticing what others have. 

Broaden Awe Beyond Ability 

Anchor their wonder in creation itself. Go for a walk and remind them: ‘See how each leaf is different, yet each is perfect.’ Connect this to people: ‘Allah Almighty made us like His creation each person different, each person beautiful.’ This helps them realise comparison is unnecessary when variety itself is the design. 

Shift from “Better Than” to “Gift From” 

Teach them that every ability whether theirs or another’s is a gift, not a scoreboard. A parent script could be: ‘When someone is good at something, it is a gift from Allah Almighty to them, just as you have gifts too. We do not compare gifts, we thank Allah for them.’ This turns comparison into collective gratitude. 

Model Awe Openly 

Show your own sense of wonder. Say SubhanAllah when you see something remarkable, whether in nature, people, or your child’s small achievements. Children learn to preserve awe when they see it practised by you. 

Protect Their Environment 

Limit exposure to settings that fuel constant comparison, such as negative conversations or unhealthy use of social media. Instead, create family rituals of reflection like sharing one thing each day that amazed them. Such habits keep awe alive as a natural rhythm of life. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam nurtures awe as a way to strengthen faith. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Imran (3), Verses 190: 

‘Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding…’ 

This verse teaches children that awe is not a distraction but a pathway to recognising Allah Almighty’s greatness. Comparison distracts from that path, but reflection restores it. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2963, 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 it is more suitable that you do not belittle the favors of Allah upon you.’ 

Teaching this Hadith helps children realise that comparison often hides blessings, while gratitude reveals them. You might tell your child: ‘Instead of looking at who has more, look at what Allah Almighty has already given you. That is where awe lives.’ 

When children connect awe to Allah Almighty rather than human approval, they carry wonder as a shield against insecurity. They stop asking, “Am I better?” and begin asking, “What blessing is this?” Parents who protect awe in this way gift their children not only confidence but also a faith that sees miracles in every detail of life.