How to Guide a Child When Their Dua Is Not Answered 

Parenting Perspective 

Dua Is a Relationship, not a Transaction 

It is very natural for children to feel disappointed when their Dua does not bring the outcome they were hoping for. They are still learning that Dua is not a transaction, but a relationship with Allah. As a parent, your role is to validate their feelings while expanding their understanding of how Allah responds.

 

Acknowledge Their Disappointment 

You can start by acknowledging their disappointment without correcting them immediately. For example, you might say, ‘I can see you really hoped Allah would answer in that way, and it feels upsetting when it did not happen.’ This creates space for them to feel heard. Once their feelings are acknowledged, you can gently introduce the idea that Allah always answers, but sometimes in ways different from what we expect, and sometimes later than we want. 

Use Relatable Examples 

It helps to use relatable examples. Remind them of times when something they wished for did not happen, but later something better came instead. This makes the concept of delayed or different outcomes more concrete. Encourage them to keep making Dua, but also to add, ‘if it is good for me,’ so they learn that Allah’s wisdom goes beyond what we can see. 

Model Tawakkul Yourself 

Most importantly, model the attitude yourself. When things do not go as planned, make Dua aloud and say, ‘We trust Allah knows best.’ Children internalise trust in Allah when they see it lived in front of them, not only when they are instructed to do so. 

Spiritual Insight 

Trust That Allah’s Plan Is Always Better 

Islam teaches us that reliance on Allah, or Tawakkul, is not about always receiving what we ask for, but about trusting that Allah’s plan is always better than our own. 

Perhaps You Dislike a Thing and It Is Good for You 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 216: 

‘…And perhaps that which you are repelled by (may in fact) be for your betterment; and perhaps that thing which you love to undertake, and that might be bad for you; and (the reality is that) Allah (Almighty) is fully aware of everything that you do not know.’  

This Verse shows that Allah’s knowledge of what benefits us is greater than our own. Explaining this to children helps them see that unanswered Dua is not neglect, but protection or redirection. 

No Dua Is Wasted 

It is recorded in Musnad Ahmed, Hadith 11133, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The Dua of a servant will be answered in one of three ways: it will be granted quickly, or stored for him in the Hereafter, or a harm will be removed from him equal to it.’  

This hadith reassures children that no Dua is wasted. Allah’s mercy guarantees that every prayer has value and effect, even if unseen. 

By pairing emotional support with these teachings, you can help your children understand that du‘a is both a comfort and a connection to Allah. Over time, this will nurture patience, hope, and trust, ensuring they continue to turn to Allah with love rather than frustration.