How do I make non-material rewards feel rich through dua, time, and blessing? 

Parenting Perspective 

Shifting Focus from Possessions to Connection 

If children have come to expect material items as rewards, the first step is to gently shift their focus towards the value of shared experiences and connection. Instead of offering a toy or a treat, create moments that feel genuinely special. This could be a planned outing together, a bedtime story told with extra enthusiasm, or simply a walk where your child has your undivided attention. 

When you frame these moments of connection as the reward itself, you teach them that true value is not always found in things that can be bought or held. 

Weaving Dua and Presence into Rewards 

Incorporating a heartfelt dua into the reward transforms it from a simple acknowledgement into a spiritually uplifting act. For instance, after your child accomplishes something praiseworthy, take a moment to make a sincere, audible prayer for their future and wellbeing. This act beautifully illustrates that success is connected to the blessings of Allah Almighty. 

Combine this prayer with your joyful, focused presence. Sharing a meal or dedicating time to an activity they love creates a powerful and positive memory that feels far richer than any object. Over time, these experiences can become cherished family traditions, teaching children that rewards grounded in love, prayer, and time together carry a richness that lasts. 

Spiritual Insight 

Understanding True Blessings 

Islam teaches that true worth lies not in possessions but in the blessings (barakah) that Allah Almighty bestows upon our lives. This principle helps reframe what a reward truly is. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ibraheem (14), Verse 7: 

‘And (remember) when your Sustainer made this declaration; (saying that): “If you show gratitude, I (Allah Almighty) will indeed, amplify them for you (provisions and sustenance); however, if you become ungrateful, then indeed, My punishment is Meticulous (in execution)”.’ 

This verse reminds us that gratitude, even for small achievements, is the key to unlocking greater blessings that far exceed material wealth. Nurturing this mindset helps children learn to treasure the profound richness of spiritual rewards. 

The Lasting Value of Dua and Love 

The act of supplication is one of the most powerful tools a believer has, holding immense value in the sight of Allah Almighty. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi Hadith 1954, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever is not grateful to the people, he is not grateful to 

This Hadith shows the incredible status of dua, emphasising that it is a direct line of connection to our Creator. When parents use prayer, blessings, and their presence as a form of reward, they elevate everyday accomplishments into moments filled with spiritual depth. These acts of love and devotion build a child’s character and remain in their heart long after any material gift is forgotten, shaping them to value barakah and closeness to Allah Almighty above all else.