What role can stories of the prophets play in helping children build resilience against harmful exposure? 

Parenting Perspective 

The stories of the prophets in the Quran are not just historical tales; they are powerful case studies in resilience, patience, and unwavering faith. When a child is shaken by a negative online experience, these stories can provide them with profound role models of strength, helping them to navigate their own modern challenges with a renewed sense of courage and spiritual perspective. 

Offer Models of Strength and Patience 

The stories of the prophets provide children with real-life examples of noble individuals who faced immense challenges yet remained steadfast in their faith. When a child is feeling down after a negative online experience, you can remind them that even the prophets encountered trials and temptations, but they always overcame them with patience and faith. This helps a child to see themselves not as a powerless victim, but as someone who is capable of responding with dignity and strength. 

Turn Prophetic Narratives Into Modern Guidance 

Parents can actively connect the struggles of the prophets to the challenges children face today. For example, the story of Prophet Yusuf عليه السلام resisting temptation provides a powerful lesson in self-control. The story of Prophet Nuh عليه السلام enduring years of mockery teaches resilience in the face of ridicule. Linking these timeless lessons to specific online experiences helps children to see that they too can remain strong when they are tested. 

Build Resilience Through a Strong Spiritual Identity 

By repeatedly hearing stories where truth, modesty, and patience triumph over falsehood and harm, children begin to internalise the idea that resilience is a core part of their spiritual identity. These narratives remind them that every challenge is an opportunity to prove their strength of character, and that they are not alone in facing trials. Family discussions centred on these prophetic stories can turn a moment of harmful exposure into an opportunity to rebuild confidence and faith. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that the stories of the prophets were revealed not simply as history, but as a source of profound lessons in guidance and resilience for all believers, in all times. They remind us that tests are a part of every believer’s journey, and that we can nurture our own steadfastness by remembering how the prophets endured. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Yusuf (12), Verses 111: 

‘ Without any doubt, there is in their narratives (of the perished nations) a lesson for the people endowed with understanding; this (Quran) is not a narration which is invented (by any man), however it is confirmation of (the previous Revelations) which have been sent before the (Quran); and an explanation of everything (that is in existence) and comprehensive guidance and infinite mercy for those nations that are believers.‘ 

This verse clarifies that the purpose of these stories is to provide lessons, guidance, and mercy for those who reflect upon them. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, 2398, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most severely tested of the people are the prophets, then the next best, then the next best. A man will be tested according to the level of his religious commitment’ 

This teaching helps to contextualise our own struggles. It reminds us that facing tests is a normal part of a life of faith, and that we can draw strength from the example of the most righteous people who came before us. 

By using these powerful stories, parents can help their children to see that a single harmful online experience does not have to define them. Instead, with faith, patience, and a deep reliance on Allah, they can grow stronger through their trials, just as the prophets did.