Parenting Perspective 

The beautiful concept of reliance on Allah (tawakkul) should be a source of security for a child, not anxiety. However, parents can sometimes unintentionally frame their teachings about Allah in a way that creates fear in a child, making it seem as though He is waiting to punish them for their mistakes. While a sense of awe and accountability are indeed important aspects of faith, a child’s reliance on Allah will grow best when they first learn to see Him as overwhelmingly loving, merciful, and trustworthy. To build this foundation, it is helpful to focus on language that highlights His care, guidance, and wisdom. 

Emphasise Allah’s Mercy and Love 

Use simple, reassuring phrases that connect the idea of reliance with a feeling of safety and love, rather than dread. 

• ‘We can always trust Allah because He is the One who looks after us.’ 

• ‘Allah gives us strength, especially when we are feeling small.’ 

• ‘Remember that Allah never, ever leaves His servants alone.’ 

Replace Fearful Warnings with Hopeful Encouragement 

It is important to avoid threatening language, such as, ‘If you do not do this, Allah will be angry with you.’ Instead, you can frame the same guidance in a more positive way, for example, ‘Allah is so pleased with us when we do this, and He rewards us with so many blessings.’ Shifting the tone from one of fear to one of encouragement helps to make the practice of faith feel attractive and welcoming. 

Model Reliance in Your Own Daily Struggles 

When you are feeling stressed or are facing a challenge, you can let your child hear you say, ‘This is a little bit difficult, but I am going to trust Allah to help me through it.’ Children learn far more about reliance from observing your example than from being told what to do. 

Share Stories of Divine Protection and Hope 

Tell your child the stories from the Quran and Seerah in which Allah supported His servants through their trials, such as the story of Prophet Musa at the sea or the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the cave. These powerful examples help to anchor the concept of reliance in a feeling of hope and certainty. 

Present Dua as a Tool of Empowerment 

You can teach your child to say, ‘HasbunAllahu wa ni’mal wakeel’ (Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs) during difficult moments. It is important to present this not as a fearful plea, but as a powerful and empowering statement of trust. 

By using positive language, modelling trust in your own life, and sharing hopeful stories, you can help your children to develop a reliance on Allah that is filled with warmth, confidence, and love. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quran on Finding Strength in Reliance 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verses 160: 

‘If you are the recipient of assistance from Allah (Almighty), then no one can prevail over you; and if He (Allah Almighty) forsakes you, then who is it that can assist you after Him; and (the true) believers place their absolute reliance upon Allah (Almighty).’ 

This verse highlights that reliance on Allah is a source of immense strength and reassurance, not something to be feared. Teaching this to your children helps them to see that turning to Allah for support is the ultimate form of protection. 

Prophetic Wisdom on Active, Hopeful Reliance 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4164, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance, He is due, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds: they go out hungry in the morning and return full in the evening.’ 

This beautiful hadith paints a picture of reliance as an active and hopeful trust that is filled with certainty, not with anxiety. Parents who are able to echo this gentle message in their homes can show their children that tawakkul is about finding peace and security under the loving care of Allah. Over time, this approach will help to build hearts that lean on Him with confidence and love.