Parenting Perspective

Children tend to learn most deeply when faith is gently woven into the fabric of everyday moments, rather than being confined to ‘serious’ or formal settings. Playtime, in particular, offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce the practice of dhikr into their hearts in a natural and joyful way. If your reminders feel forced or heavy, a child may instinctively resist them. However, when the remembrance of Allah becomes a natural part of their fun and laughter, it can leave a lasting and positive impression of His closeness.

Make Dhikr a Gentle Soundtrack to Your Day

While you are engaged in relaxed activities together, such as playing with blocks, colouring, or simply driving in the car, you can say simple phrases of remembrance aloud with a warm and happy tone: ‘Alhamdulillah,’ ‘SubhanAllah,’ ‘Allahu Akbar.’ When your child hears these beautiful phrases in a relaxed and happy setting, they will naturally begin to associate them with feelings of joy, not pressure.

Connect Dhikr to Moments of Discovery

A child’s world is full of small moments of wonder and discovery. You can use these moments to connect their natural curiosity with the remembrance of Allah. If your child points out a beautiful flower or laughs with delight at something funny, you can respond with, ‘SubhanAllah, look at the beautiful thing Allah has made!’ or, ‘Alhamdulillah for this happy feeling He has given us!’

Weave Dhikr into Playful Rhymes and Games

Repetition is key to a child’s learning, and this is especially true when it is made playful. You can easily turn short dhikr phrases into a simple song or a clapping game. Chanting ‘SubhanAllah, SubhanAllah’ while you are jumping or skipping together makes the act of remembrance feel energetic and fun.

Celebrate Every Act of Participation

When your child begins to repeat these phrases after you, even if it is just once, respond with a warm smile and gentle encouragement. Saying, ‘It makes Allah so happy when we remember Him together,’ provides positive reinforcement. This makes dhikr feel like a special gift that they can be proud to share with you.

By introducing these small acts of remembrance during play, you teach your children a profound lesson: that dhikr is not confined to the prayer mat, but is a joyful part of every discovery, every laugh, and every happy moment they experience.

Spiritual Insight

The Quranic Invitation to Frequent Remembrance

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ahzaab (33), Verses 41:

‘Those of you who are believers, remember (by engaging in the remembrance of) Allah (Almighty)…’

This verse beautifully illustrates that dhikr is intended to be a continuous thread running through all parts of our lives, not just something we do in moments of formal worship. By teaching children to remember Allah during their playtime, you are reflecting this divine command and showing them that remembrance can live and breathe in moments of both stillness and joy.

Prophetic Wisdom on Remembrance Giving Life

It is recorded in Mishkaat Al Masaabih, Hadith 2263, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

‘The example of the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not remember his Lord is like that of the living and the dead.’

This powerful hadith highlights that dhikr is what brings true life and light to the human heart. When parents integrate remembrance into the happy energy of playtime, children grow up associating dhikr with vitality and joy. In time, they will come to understand that just as their games bring them laughter, the remembrance of Allah is what brings their soul to life, making dhikr a beloved and joyful companion throughout their journey of faith.