How to Encourage Your Child to Join a New Islamic Class 

Parenting Perspective 

The Resistance Is About Emotional Loss 

Transitions are difficult for children, especially when they involve both faith and friendship. For your daughter, her resistance is not necessarily to the classes themselves, but about the emotional loss of her familiar circle. Recognising this, the first step is to acknowledge her grief. You might say, ‘I understand you miss your friends, and it feels strange without them,’ so she feels seen rather than pressured. 

Introduce the New Environment Gradually 

Rather than insisting she attend immediately with full enthusiasm, try introducing the new mosque environment gradually. This might include visiting the space outside class times, meeting one or two children in a smaller setting, or sitting with her for the first few sessions if appropriate. These steps reduce the sense of being thrown into an unfamiliar group and help her build comfort slowly. 

Keep a Bridge to Old Friends 

At the same time, keep a bridge to her old friends, if possible, through calls, letters, or occasional visits. This reassures her that making space for new friendships does not erase the old ones. Remind her that she is not being asked to replace what she loved, but to add something new alongside it. 

Pair Encouragement With Small Choices 

Your gentle encouragement can be paired with giving her small choices, such as picking which class to start with or what she would like to share about herself with new peers. This restores her sense of agency, which often eases resistance. Over time, celebrate even small efforts she makes towards engaging, so she begins to associate the new setting with encouragement rather than pressure. 

Spiritual Insight 

Frame the Transition as Part of Her Faith Journey 

It may help your daughter to frame this transition as part of her journey of faith, where every new experience can become a way to draw closer to Allah. 

Meeting New People Is Part of Allah’s Design 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 13: 

‘O mankind, indeed, We (Allah Almighty) have created you all from one man and one woman; and placed you amongst various nations and tribes for your introduction to each other; indeed, the best of you in the judgment of Allah (Almighty) is the one who is most virtuous; indeed, Allah (Almighty) is the Omniscient, the all Cognisant.’  

This Verse reminds us that meeting new people is part of Allah’s design, and that righteousness, not familiarity, defines true closeness to Him. You can gently explain to your daughter that although it feels difficult, this change may allow her to form new bonds that enrich her faith and character. 

The Blessing of Righteous Company 

It is recorded in Sahih Al Bukhari, Book 34, Hadith 54, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The example of a good companion is like the seller of musk; either he will gift you some, or you will buy from him, or you will smell a pleasant fragrance.’  

This hadith highlights the blessing of righteous company. Helping your daughter see that new friendships at the mosque could become such a blessing may make the idea feel more inviting. 

By acknowledging her sadness, offering gentle steps, and framing the change through the wisdom of the Quran and Sunnah, you can help her approach the new classes with openness, while feeling reassured that her feelings are understood and respected.