What script teaches holding the door and letting others exit first? 

Parenting Perspective 

Doorway moments may seem small, but they are powerful opportunities for children to practise respect, awareness, and courtesy. In schools, mosques, or community centres, children often rush to be the first one through a door, sometimes pushing past elders or friends without realising the impact. Teaching your child a polite script for holding the door and letting others pass first can transform a simple act into a beautiful habit of kindness and patience. 

Explain Why This Courtesy Matters 

Children need to understand the reason behind the action. You can say: ‘When we let other people go first, it shows that we respect them and it helps to keep everyone safe. Holding the door for someone makes life a little easier for the person behind us.’ This frames the act as one of service, not just a rule to be followed. 

Teach a Simple and Polite Script 

Give your child clear and simple words that they can use while performing the action. Keep the phrases short and natural so they are easy to remember. 

• ‘After you.’ 

• ‘Please, go ahead.’ 

• ‘I will hold the door for you.’ 

Role-Play Different Scenarios 

You can practise these situations at home or at the entrance to the mosque. 

• One person can pretend to be leaving while the other holds the door and uses a polite phrase. 

• Make sure to switch roles so that your child also learns how to receive this courtesy with gratitude. 

Role-playing helps to build confidence and prevents awkwardness in real-life situations. 

Model the Behaviour Consistently 

Children copy what they see. Each time you hold a door for someone, you can say quietly to your child afterwards: ‘I said “after you” because it is polite to let our elders go first.’ This makes the script feel real and natural to them. 

Praise Them When You Notice It 

Reinforce the habit by offering discreet praise when you see them do it: ‘I liked how you said, “Please go ahead,” and held the door for your teacher. That showed great respect.’ 

Address Common Challenges Gently 

• If they push through a door first, you can remind them gently, ‘Next time, let’s remember to pause and say, “After you.”’ 

• If they feel shy, encourage them to start by practising with family members first. 

• If they expect praise every time, you can explain, ‘We do not do this for attention, but because it is the right and kind thing to do.’ 

Mini Dialogue Example 

Parent: ‘What do you say when you are holding the door for someone?’ 

Child: ‘After you.’ 

Parent: ‘Perfect. And what does your body do?’ 

Child: ‘Step back and wait until they have gone through.’ 

Parent: ‘Exactly. That is what respect looks like in action.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a great emphasis on humility, respect, and making things easier for other people. A small act like holding a door for someone is a reflection of these deep values and can be considered a form of charity (sadaqah). 

Making Things Easier for Others 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hajj (22), Verse 77: 

‘You who are believers, bow down, and prostrate, and worship your Sustainer, and undertake goodness (in all your actions), so that you may be successful.’ 

This verse reminds us that ‘doing good’ includes all small acts of kindness that we perform throughout our day. You can explain: ‘Even something as small as holding a door for someone is an act of goodness, because it makes that person’s day a little bit easier.’ 

Politeness as a Form of Charity 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1009, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Every act of goodness is charity.’ 

For a child, this means: ‘Holding the door for someone or letting them go first is not just about good manners; it is a form of charity. Allah rewards you for even these little acts of kindness.’ 

By connecting this simple courtesy to their faith, your child learns that showing respect is not about performance, but about sincerity. Over time, they will come to see that every doorway is a chance to practise humility, earn a reward, and live the values of kindness and service that are taught in Islam.