Parenting Perspective 

It is perfectly natural for children to enjoy being praised. When they accomplish something, they often look for approval from their parents and teachers. While this kind of praise is important for their development, it should not be allowed to overshadow a deeper and more important lesson: that every ability we have and every success we achieve comes ultimately from Allah. If a child only ever hears phrases like, ‘Well done, you are so smart!’ they may learn to rely solely on human praise for their sense of self-worth. Instead, parents can create a healthier balance by combining their appreciation with gentle reminders that Allah is the ultimate giver of all ability, success, and blessing. 

Balance Your Praise with Gratitude to Allah 

When you praise your child for an achievement, you can add a simple layer of faith to your words. 

• ‘I am so proud of you. Alhamdulillah, Allah helped you to work so hard.’ 

• ‘You did your very best, and Masha’Allah, Allah blessed you with this wonderful result.’ 

This helps to keep the focus balanced between acknowledging their personal effort and recognising divine support. 

Use a Shared Language of Thankfulness 

After a personal success, you can guide your child to say, ‘Alhamdulillah, Allah gave me the strength to do that.’ You can make this feel more natural by repeating the phrase yourself whenever you succeed at something, no matter how small it may seem. 

Frame Their Talents as Blessings 

Instead of saying, ‘You are the best at drawing,’ you could try a phrase like, ‘Masha’Allah, Allah has given you such a beautiful gift for drawing. Let us thank Him for it together.’ This approach helps to prevent feelings of pride and instead teaches a healthy sense of humility and thankfulness. 

Create Small Rituals of Gratitude After Success 

After a moment of celebration, whether it is for good grades, winning a game, or completing a chore well, you can pause for a moment to make a short, shared dua of thanks. Rituals like these help to remind your child that our joy feels most complete when it is tied to the remembrance of Allah. 

Model Gratitude When Others Praise Your Child 

When another person praises your child in front of you, you can respond on their behalf with, ‘Alhamdulillah, Allah has blessed us.’ This shows your child that the most natural and beautiful response to praise is always an expression of gratitude to the true source of all goodness. 

By combining encouragement with remembrance, you can help your child to feel valued and seen, while at the same time keeping their heart anchored in a deep and sincere thankfulness to Allah. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quran on Success as a Test of Gratitude 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Namal (27), Verses 40: 

‘…He said: “This (power of transmission of a mass of several tonnes) is from the benefaction of My Sustainer; (I have been given this power and knowledge) to examine whether I am grateful or I am ungrateful…”.’ 

This verse, spoken by Prophet Sulayman, reminds us that every achievement we are granted is not something we have earned on our own, but is a trust from Allah that calls for our gratitude. Teaching our children this important perspective helps to keep their hearts humble and thankful in moments of success. 

Prophetic Guidance on Relying on Allah’s Mercy 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6467, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘No one will enter Paradise by his deeds alone.’ They asked, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Not even me, unless Allah covers me with His mercy.”’ 

This profound hadith shows us that even the very best of our actions are only made complete through the mercy of Allah. By sharing this concept, parents can teach their children that while their effort is important, their ultimate success always comes from divine help. Over time, they will learn that while the praise of others is sweet, their real and lasting fulfilment lies in saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ and remembering the One who made all things possible.