Parenting Perspective 

Modern life is often a fast-paced world of school, screens, and constant activity. To help children notice the signs of Allah amidst this busyness, parents must intentionally create spaces for slowness, teaching them by example how to pause, look closely, and reflect. This is not achieved through lectures, but by gently guiding them to see the wonder in ordinary moments and then linking that feeling of wonder back to its divine source. 

Practise Intentional Pausing Together 

When you are outdoors, make a habit of stopping for just a moment to consciously notice something. You could say, ‘Let us pause and listen to the birds singing. SubhanAllah, listen to the beautiful sounds Allah has created.’ These small but intentional pauses help to train a child’s attention, allowing them to notice details in the world around them that they might otherwise overlook. 

Turn Small Wonders into Conversations of Faith 

Use the small wonders of daily life as a starting point for conversations about Allah. If you notice the rain falling, the flowers blooming, or the stars in the night sky, you can remark aloud, ‘Look at how perfectly Allah has designed that.’ Over time, your words will show your children that the whole of creation is a beautiful classroom of faith. 

Model a Slower, More Mindful Pace 

Your own behaviour sets the standard for the home. Try to avoid rushing through your prayers, your meals, or your time for dua. When your children see you moving through your day in an unhurried and mindful way, they learn from your example that slowing down is a valuable and meaningful act. 

Establish Gentle Rituals of Reflection 

A simple bedtime question can be a powerful tool for reflection. You could ask, ‘What was one beautiful thing you saw today that reminded you of Allah?’ This helps your child to review their day through a lens of gratitude and wonder, actively looking for the signs of their Creator. 

Protect Quiet Time from Overstimulation 

It is important to protect your family’s quiet moments by reducing unnecessary distractions. This might mean turning off background noise from the television or putting gadgets away during shared family time. A calm and quiet atmosphere makes a child’s heart more receptive to observing the subtle signs of Allah. 

With these steps, children can gradually learn that slowing down is not wasted time, but is in fact the way we open our eyes to the mercy of Allah that is written into every detail of the world around us. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quranic Call to Reflect on Creation 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verses 190: 

‘Indeed, in the creation of the layers of trans-universal existence and the Earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, are Signs (of the infinite truth) for those who possess (intellectual and rational) understanding.’ 

This verse teaches us that reflection is an act that requires our full attention and presence. Helping our children to slow down and be present in the moment is the first and most crucial step in nurturing hearts that are able to recognise and appreciate these divine signs. 

Prophetic Guidance on Reflecting Upon Creation 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3204, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah.’ 

This hadith encourages believers to look closely at the natural world as a doorway to strengthening their faith. When parents guide their children to slow down and truly notice the signs of Allah in creation, such as the sun, the moon, and the stars, they are planting seeds of awe in their hearts that will, with time, grow into a lifelong sense of reverence and gratitude.