Parenting Perspective 

In the midst of a busy family life, moments of peace can feel very fragile, easily broken by the ping of a phone, the call of a chore, or the internal urge to rush on to the next task. Yet it is precisely these calm pauses that children need to feel safe, to reflect, and to connect with Allah. Protecting these precious moments means building conscious habits that honour stillness, treat it as something valuable, and prevent it from being swept away by the current of busyness. 

Verbally Acknowledge Calm as a Blessing 

When a peaceful moment naturally arrives in your day, take a moment to notice it and name it out loud. A simple comment like, ‘Alhamdulillah, Allah has given us this lovely quiet time together,’ is very effective. By naming the moment in this way, you help your child to become aware that this feeling of calm is a gift to be cherished, not just an accident. 

Set Gentle Boundaries Around Distractions 

Make a conscious effort to switch off the television, silence your gadgets, and delay the next chore for just a few minutes. For example, after finishing a family prayer, you can create a space for a short, shared dua or some soft dhikr without immediately rushing to clear up. This consistency teaches children that not every moment of the day has to be filled with noise and hurry. 

Establish Small, Consistent Rituals of Stillness 

You can protect peaceful moments by making them a predictable part of your family’s routine. This could be as simple as taking a few quiet breaths together before a meal, or implementing one minute of silence before the bedtime story begins. These small rituals act as anchors of peace that prevent calm from being swallowed by busyness. 

Model the Act of Enjoying a Pause 

Instead of jumping up as soon as your prayer is finished, you can model the act of enjoying the stillness. Try sitting for an extra moment with a calm smile and saying, ‘Let us just sit with this peaceful feeling for a minute.’ Children are excellent mimics; when they see you lingering calmly, they too will learn to treasure stillness. 

Create a Positive Memory of Calmness 

End your quiet moments with a warm and affectionate word, such as, ‘Did that not feel lovely? Allah loves it when our hearts are calm and thankful.’ By associating this feeling of calm with love and approval, you help to ensure it is something your children will want to experience again. 

By actively protecting and celebrating these moments, you teach your children that rest is not wasted time, but is in fact sacred space where our hearts can grow closer to Allah. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quran on Finding Rest in Remembrance 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ra’ad (13), Verses 28: 

‘…Indeed, it is only with the remembrance of Allah (Almighty) that one can (and does) find peace of mind and heart….’ 

This verse teaches us that true rest is not found in idleness, but is an act of worship that is achieved through the remembrance of Allah. By protecting the calm moments in our day, we are giving our hearts the time and space they need to taste the peace that is found in this divine promise. 

Prophetic Guidance on Tranquillity in Prayer 

The importance of not rushing our worship is beautifully illustrated in the story of a man who was praying too quickly. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6251, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.’ 

This hadith is a powerful reminder that rushing through our acts of worship can remove their very spirit and essence. When parents make a conscious choice not to hurry through the calm and reflective moments of the day, they teach their children an invaluable lesson: that peace is not something to be wasted, but is something essential. Over time, they will learn to protect and cherish stillness in their own lives, seeing it as a beautiful reflection of the mercy of Allah.