How to Protect Your Child’s Faith When You Are Struggling 

Parenting Perspective 

Guide With Honesty and Reassurance 

Children are incredibly sensitive to a parent’s inner state. They may not fully understand concepts like ‘low faith,’ but they notice when your motivation, tone, or energy around worship changes. If not addressed, they may internalise your struggles as a reflection of what faith should feel like. The aim is not to present yourself as perfect, but to guide your children with honesty and reassurance while maintaining their sense of trust in Allah. 

Normalise the Ups and Downs of Faith 

You can begin by being open in a way that is age appropriate. For example, you might say, ‘Sometimes people feel tired or find it harder to pray with focus, but Allah is always there for us.’ This normalises ups and downs without making your child feel that belief itself is fragile. It also teaches them that faith is a journey, not a constant state. 

Maintain Small, Consistent Acts of Worship 

Children also benefit from seeing small, consistent actions even during low moments. If you still pray, even when your heart feels heavy, they learn that commitment is valuable even when feelings fluctuate. You can invite them to join you in simple, uplifting practices such as making Dua together, listening to Quran, or saying Alhamdulillah for small blessings. These small acts reassure them that Allah is near, even when faith feels low. 

Reassure Them It Is Not Their Responsibility 

It is equally important to highlight that your struggles are not their responsibility. Let them know, ‘This is something I am working on with Allah. You do not need to worry.’ This protects them from carrying a burden that does not belong to them and allows them to feel secure in their own developing connection with Allah. 

Model a Realistic and Hopeful Spirituality 

By modelling perseverance and gently explaining that faith has highs and lows, you give your children a realistic but hopeful foundation for their own spirituality. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Fluctuation of Faith Is Natural 

Islam acknowledges that faith naturally rises and falls. Even the companions of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ expressed concern about their own fluctuations in iman. What matters most is turning back to Allah and striving, even in moments of difficulty. 

Your Sincere Effort Is Honoured by Allah 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ankaboot (29), Verse 69: 

‘And those people that endeavour (to please) Us (Allah Almighty); so, We (Allah Almighty) shall indeed, guide them (to those pathways) that lead to Us; and indeed, Allah (Almighty) is with those who are benevolent (in their actions).’  

This Verse reminds us that effort itself, even in struggle, is honoured by Allah. Showing your children that you continue striving, even when you feel low, protects their trust in the mercy and closeness of Allah. 

Ask Allah to Renew Faith in Your Heart 

It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 43, Hadith 6, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Faith wears out in your hearts just as clothes wear out, so ask Allah to renew faith in your hearts.’  

This Hadith makes clear that feeling spiritually low is part of human nature, not a sign of failure. Teaching your children that renewal comes from turning to Allah helps them see that dips in faith are temporary and repairable. 

By guiding your children with calm honesty, continuing small acts of worship, and reminding them of Allah’s mercy, you protect their spiritual confidence while you work through your own struggles. In doing so, you show them that true strength lies in perseverance and trust in Allah.