Parenting Perspective 

It is often difficult for children to understand why some days feel so hard, whether it is due to a friendship issue, feeling overwhelmed at school, or simply having a low mood. If they are not guided through these moments, they may begin to think that Allah is distant or absent when they are struggling. As a parent, you can help to nurture their perspective by guiding them to recognise the presence of Allah’s care even in the midst of hardship. The goal is to teach them that a difficult day does not signify abandonment, but is in fact a different form of divine love and guidance. 

First, Acknowledge and Validate Their Struggles 

Your first response should always be one of validation. A simple statement like, ‘I know that today felt really hard for you,’ shows your child that they have been heard. Before they can see the deeper lessons in a situation, they need to feel that their emotions are being taken seriously. Ignoring their feelings can make the concept of Allah’s care feel abstract and impersonal. 

Gently Reframe Hardship as a Means of Growth 

You can gently reframe their struggle by explaining, ‘Just as our muscles grow stronger when we exercise them, our hearts grow stronger when Allah helps us through a difficult day.’ This simple analogy can help to make the idea of a trial feel less frightening and more purposeful. 

Highlight the Small Blessings Within the Day 

Encourage your child to notice the small blessings that were still present, even on a tough day. You could ask, ‘Even though today was hard, can you think of any good things that Allah still gave us?’ A warm meal, a kind word from someone, or the safety of being at home can all become reminders that His care never truly stops. 

Encourage Dua as a Form of Emotional Release 

Guide your child to turn their feelings into a direct conversation with Allah by saying, ‘Ya Allah, today was very hard for me. Please give my heart some peace.’ Teaching them to speak to Allah with this level of honesty shows them that His care is always available through a direct and personal connection. 

Share Hope Through Your Own Example 

When you are facing a challenge of your own, let your child hear you say, ‘This is a bit difficult, but I know that Allah is taking care of me.’ Your own lived example of turning to Allah in hardship will teach them more than your words ever could alone. 

These simple habits can slowly help to build a deep sense of resilience in your children, allowing them to trust in the care of Allah even when a day feels heavy. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quranic Promise of Ease with Hardship 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Inshirah (94), Verses 5–6: 

‘Thus with (every) hardship there is facilitation (from Allah Almighty). Indeed, with (every) hardship there is facilitation (from Allah Almighty).’ 

This powerful and twice-repeated verse provides a beautiful assurance that hardship is always paired with ease. Sharing this with your children can be a source of immense comfort, helping them to feel certain that Allah never sends a difficulty without a relief already on its way. 

Prophetic Guidance on the Blessings within Trials 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5641, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.’ 

This hadith shows us that every difficulty we face, no matter how small, carries with it a hidden form of care from Allah, whether it is through the forgiveness of sins, an increase in reward, or the building of our spiritual strength. Teaching this to your children helps them to see that hard days are not a sign of Allah’s absence, but are in fact moments when His care is working in subtle and unseen ways. Over time, this understanding can nurture hearts that trust, endure, and remain ever hopeful in the mercy of Allah.