What helps them see animals and plants as creations of Allah Almighty? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children naturally marvel at living things, but their initial awe requires gentle direction to develop into iman (faith). The most effective way to help them see animals and plants as creations of Allah Almighty is to transform simple curiosity into an act of worship. 

Connecting Awe with Iman 

When your child points out a butterfly, a towering tree, or a tiny ant, the immediate parental response should be one of remembrance. Respond with phrases such as, ‘SubhanAllah, look how perfectly Allah made it!’ Repeated phrases like this cultivate a reflex of acknowledging the Creator. Parents should take nature walks and explicitly name the signs (ayat) of Allah—the clouds that water plants, the bees that make honey, and the birds that never forget their way home. Connect each wonder back to the Creator who sustains them all. 

Cultivating Kindness Through Practical Care 

Parents should actively encourage kindness toward all living beings. Provide opportunities for them to water plants, feed local birds, or gently care for a family pet. Such direct, hands-on experiences are invaluable, as they create empathy and reverence, not just fleeting fascination. One beneficial activity is creating a family “creation journal” where children can record the things in nature they are thankful for, adding Quranic verses or du‘as (supplications) they have learned. These small, mindful actions foster a heart that views the natural world not merely as decoration, but as a living reflection of divine mercy. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Islamic spiritual perspective profoundly encourages the believer to view the entire universe—including all flora and fauna—as a collection of signs pointing towards Allah Almighty’s Oneness (Tawhid), Power, and Generosity. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah An Nahl (16), Verses 10–13: 

‘It is He who sends down water from the sky; from it you drink, and from it grows the vegetation on which you feed your cattle. With it He causes crops to grow for you, and the olive, the date-palm, the grapevine, and all kinds of fruits. Surely in that is a sign for people who give thought…’ 

This ayah beautifully links creation to contemplation. It invites children and adults alike to see plants and animals as signs (ayat)—living, tangible reminders of Allah Almighty’s generosity and precise design. Parents can utilise this verse to teach the profound lesson that every green leaf and every living creature quietly praises its Lord, thereby urging us to respond with gratitude and stewardship instead of neglect or waste. This perspective deepens the child’s understanding of their spiritual purpose within the ecosystem. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6009, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘While a man was walking on the road, he became very thirsty. He found a well, climbed down, and drank. Then he saw a dog panting and eating mud due to thirst. He said, “This dog is suffering from thirst as I did.” So he climbed down again, filled his shoe, and gave the dog water. Allah thanked him and forgave him.’ 

When shared with children, this powerful hadith serves to soften their hearts and profoundly deepen their awareness that kindness to creation is worship. It teaches them that Allah Almighty’s boundless mercy extends to all living beings, without exception, and that every act of care, no matter how small or simple, echoes back to the believer as immense forgiveness and divine reward. This demonstrates that iman is not just about ritual, but is lived out through compassionate engagement with the whole of creation.