My child prays only when reminded, and rushes through it. How do I correct this without force or guilt? 

Parenting Perspective 

Shifting from Correction to Connection 

Many parents struggle with this issue: they want their child to connect with Salah but find themselves continuously reminding, correcting, or even pressing. While constancy is important, forcing prayer through guilt or control can backfire, resulting in surface-level practices that lack spiritual depth. The idea is to assist your child in developing a meaningful relationship with Salah, not simply ticking off a job. Begin by identifying where your child is in their development. If they are under the age of ten, they are still in their early training stages. Your reminders are an essential element of that growth, not an indication of failure. 

Creating a Peaceful Salah Culture 

Instead of expressing displeasure, make reminders sound welcoming, normal, and non-threatening: It is time to talk to Allah; let us pray together. If they rush or consider Salah as a chore, resist the temptation to scold. Say calmly, Salah is not something you finish. It is something to feel. Let us slow it down together. Consider praying with them from time to time, reading slowly, and assisting them in connecting with the meaning behind the words, particularly short Surahs and Tasbih. Avoid associating Salah with fear-based consequences, such as If you do not pray, something bad will happen. Instead, cultivate an attitude of love and privilege: Salah is a meeting with Allah Almighty. It is the one location you will never be overlooked. Additionally, strengthen your child’s spiritual atmosphere. Allow children to see Salah as a normal part of life: Adhan playing gently, prayer clothing laid out, and you praying peacefully. A child who is immersed in a peaceful, lovely Salah culture will eventually internalise it. Finally, engage in a conversation. Ask them this question: What helps you concentrate in prayer? Alternatively, What do you want to ask Allah today? Salah’s obligations are transformed into personal relationships as a result of these small interactions. 

Spiritual Insight 

Prayer is the foundation of faith, although even in Islam, it was introduced gradually. Children are not required to perfect their Salah instantly. What counts is that they are gently guided and spiritually grounded. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Taha (20), Verse 132: 

“And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast in it. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness. “

The verse reminds us that commanding prayer begins with the family, but it must be supported by perseverance rather than pressure. It is long-term nurturing rather than one-time training. It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 495, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

“Command your children to pray when they become seven years old, and discipline them for it (lightly) when they become ten years old, and separate them in beds“. 

Scholars have usually interpreted this Hadith as meaning regulated punishment rather than violence. The main point is to start early and expect developmental progress, not immediate obedience. By eliminating guilt and focussing on kindness, constancy, and mutual understanding, you set the stage for your child to really enjoy Salah. It may begin with reminders, but over time, it can develop into dedication.