What steps can make me feel like a safe bridge to Allah’s love? 

Parenting Perspective 

For many children, their first understanding of Allah’s love comes through the way their parents treat them. By cultivating an environment of warmth, safety, and compassion, you become a natural bridge that helps your child to learn that Allah is both merciful and near. For that bridge to feel secure, however, a parent needs to adopt practical steps and mindful routines that clearly demonstrate how their love is deeply connected to the love of Allah. 

Cultivate an Environment of Emotional Safety 

A child will only ever see you as a bridge to Allah’s love if they first feel completely secure in your presence. This means listening attentively when they speak, comforting them when they make mistakes, and avoiding harsh language that could cause them to feel fearful. This foundation of emotional safety makes a child much more receptive to spiritual lessons, as they are able to accept them with an open and trusting heart. 

Connect Everyday Acts of Care to Allah 

Use the small, routine acts of care throughout the day to draw a connection to the divine. When providing food, clothing, or help with a task, you can say: 

• ‘Allah provides for us, and it is my job to make sure you receive His blessings.’ 

• ‘Allah loves when we look after one another, and that is why I am helping you.’ 

This approach frames your daily acts of service not just as parental duty, but as a direct extension of divine mercy. 

Model a Consistent and Sincere Faith 

Children are highly observant and can easily tell if a parent’s actions align with their words. When they see you praying with regularity, saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ with sincerity, or speaking gently even when under pressure, they learn that faith is a real and practical part of life. Your consistency shows them that the bridge you are offering is strong and dependable. 

Nurture Their Own Direct Connection to Allah 

While you serve as their primary guide, it is also important to encourage your child to communicate with Allah directly. This can be through simple, personal duas before they sleep or in moments when they feel nervous. This practice helps them to understand that your love is intended to lead them closer to Him, not to foster a sense of dependence on you alone. 

By taking these steps, you provide your child with the gentle reassurance that your kindness is a safe and reliable pathway, guiding them towards a direct and personal recognition of Allah’s endless love. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quran on Guidance Rooted in Mercy 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verses 89: 

‘…And We (Allah Almighty) revealed upon you the Book (the noble Quran); (which contains) an explanation of everything (knowledge of everything including the secret codes of existential realities); and guidance and mercy and news for celebration for the Muslims.’ 

This verse clarifies that Allah’s guidance is fundamentally rooted in mercy. When parents frame their daily care and instruction as a small part of that all-encompassing mercy, they help their children to see that divine love and guidance are inseparable. 

Prophetic Guidance on Mercy Towards the Young 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1921, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and respect to our elders.’ 

This powerful hadith establishes that showing mercy, especially to the young, is an essential characteristic of a true believer. When a parent consistently practises gentleness, they are not only providing emotional reassurance to their child but are also actively reflecting the attributes of Allah in a way the child can feel and trust. Over time, this consistency builds a safe and reliable bridge that can lead a child’s heart towards Allah with confidence, security, and love.