Parenting Perspective 

Use Simple Analogies 

To a child, patience can feel like just waiting. To give it a deeper meaning, you can connect it to the idea of trusting in Allah’s plan. Use a simple analogy from nature: ‘When we plant a seed, we do not see the flower straight away, but we trust that it will grow.’ Explain that, in the same way, we do not always get what we want immediately because Allah knows what is best for us, and when it is best for us to have it. 

Build Trust Through Reassurance 

When your child is disappointed, offer gentle reassurance: ‘Allah always gives us what is best for us, even if it is different from what we expected.’ Sharing stories from your own life where waiting led to a better outcome can also be powerful. When you see your child responding to a delay with calmness, praise that behaviour and frame it as a beautiful act of trust in Allah. This teaches them that patience is not passive, but is an active expression of faith. 

Patience as Active Faith 

By consistently linking patience to trust, you help your child develop resilience that is rooted in the belief that Allah’s plan is always for their good. This transforms waiting from a frustrating experience into an act of worship. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah is Sufficient for Those Who Rely on Him 

Islam beautifully intertwines the concepts of patience (sabr) and trust in Allah (tawakkul). The Quran teaches that if a believer truly relies on Allah, He will be sufficient for them, giving them peace and reassurance even when the outcome of a situation is unknown. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Talaaq (65), Verse 3: 

‘And He (Allah Almighty) will provide (nourishment) for him from sources that he cannot ever imagine; and whoever is reliant on Allah (Almighty), then He is Sufficient for him (in every way); indeed, Allah (Almighty) shall accomplish His command (in all matters)…’ 

True Reliance Brings Provision 

The prophetic tradition uses a powerful image to teach the effects of true reliance. Like the birds who go out hungry but trust in Allah’s provision, the believer who is patient and trusting will always be cared for. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, 2344, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: they go out hungry in the morning and return with full stomachs in the evening.’ 

Calmness in Hardship, Confidence in the Unseen 

When your child learns that patience is not just about waiting, but is an expression of trust in Allah’s wisdom, they gain a powerful tool for life. It gives them both calmness in hardship and confidence in the unseen, nurturing a heart that is steady, hopeful, and deeply rooted in faith.