How do I talk about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in a way that interests my child?
When teaching your child about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, it is essential to speak with love, reverence, and awareness. Children are a specific responsibility upon parents and a general responsibility upon the collective group of adults in a community, to be taught and nurtured to fulfil their inherent potential. They are drawn to stories, emotions, and role models and holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the ultimate ideal role model for all of mankind. He is not only the Last and Final Prophet of Allah Almighty, or just an impressive figure from history as a leader or statesman; he is an exemplary human being in every aspect, as a real, compassionate human being whose life and example is deeply meaningful today.
You should begin by highlighting his beautiful character, as described by Allah Almighty.
Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Qalam (68), Verse 4:
وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ
“Wa innaka laʿalā khuluqin ʿaẓīm.”
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
Share stories of the excellence of his character, such as his kindness – how he would carry children on his shoulders, greet them with a smile, and play with them.
It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2316 that Murshid Imam Anas ibn Malik (RA), who served holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for ten years, said:
مَا رَأَيْتُ أَحَدًا كَانَ أَرْحَمَ بِالْعِيَالِ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ
Mā ra’aytu aḥadan kāna arḥama bil-ʿiyāli min Rasūlillāh ﷺ.‘I never saw anyone more compassionate toward children than the Messenger of Allah Almighty ﷺ.’
Use engaging, age-appropriate stories – like how he showed patience with the Bedouin who pulled his cloak or his mercy to the people of Ta’if despite their cruelty. These bring his noble qualities to life and help your child relate and connect to the personality of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
You should emphasise that loving the Last and Final Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is part of faith. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 15 that Prophet Muhammad said:
لَا يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى أَكُونَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ وَلَدِهِ وَوَالِدِهِ وَالنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ
Lā yu’minu aḥadukum ḥattā akūna aḥabba ilayhi min waladihi wa wālidihi wa an-nāsi ajmaʿīn.
‘None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his child, his parent, and all people.’
Encourage love by showing it yourself. Speak his name with respect, send Salawaat (Praises and Salutations), and bring his life into daily lessons. Let your child feel that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is not distant, but a beloved guide, friend, and role model to them.
