What stories can make our family moments reflect Allah’s gentleness? 

Parenting Perspective 

Stories are one of the most powerful tools for shaping a child’s spiritual and emotional imagination. The narratives they hear during ordinary moments like mealtimes or car journeys become the lens through which they view both the world and their relationship with Allah. If you wish for your family moments to reflect divine gentleness, it is helpful to choose stories that highlight Allah’s compassion, mercy, and intimate care. This approach helps children to feel that faith is not something heavy or intimidating, but rather a source of warmth, hope, and reassurance. 

Share Stories of Prophetic Resilience and Care 

Children are often captivated by stories of people who lived long ago. You can retell the story of Prophet Yusuf, focusing not just on his trials but on how Allah gently protected and guided him through every hardship. Similarly, the story of Prophet Musa as a baby, saved by the river, is a beautiful illustration of Allah’s meticulous care. Emphasising these aspects helps a child to associate the Prophets with divine gentleness. 

Draw Lessons from the Prophet’s ﷺ Tenderness 

Sharing stories from the Seerah about the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ tenderness towards children can be particularly impactful. Recounting how he would greet them, play with them, and show them immense patience makes his example feel accessible. By relating these examples to your own family life, you make the principles of faith feel both practical and gentle. For instance, you could say, ‘Just as the Prophet ﷺ smiled at children, our own smiles are a way of sharing Allah’s love.’ 

Weave in Personal Stories of Gratitude 

Connect events from your own family’s life to the theme of Allah’s care. You might say, ‘Do you remember when you were feeling unwell, and then you started to get better? That was a sign of Allah’s mercy and healing.’ These personal, relatable narratives show that Allah’s gentleness is a real and present force in our lives, not just a concept from history. 

Choose Calm Moments for Storytelling 

The context in which a story is told is as important as the story itself. Quiet, calm moments such as bedtime, a shared meal, or the moments after prayer are ideal for gentle storytelling. The peaceful atmosphere of these times helps children to connect emotionally with the lessons of the story and to feel secure in their understanding of Allah’s loving presence. 

When stories are shared in this thoughtful way, they become more than entertainment. They become formative tools that make family time feel spiritual, gentle, and filled with an awareness of Allah’s mercy. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quran on the Method of Gentle Guidance 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verses 125: 

‘Invite (people) to (follow) the (prescribed) pathways of your Sustainer with wisdom, and polite enlightened direction, and only argue with them in the politest manner…’ 

This verse demonstrates that the method of giving guidance is itself a spiritual matter that should be approached with gentleness and wisdom. By choosing to tell stories with love and care, parents are in fact reflecting this divine method of teaching in their own homes. 

Prophetic Wisdom on Showing Mercy to Children 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 229, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once kissed his grandson, Al Hasan ibn Ali. A man who was present remarked, ‘I have ten children and I have never kissed any of them.’ 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 229, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.’ 

This profound incident highlights that physical affection and gentleness are not optional extras in a life of faith but are in fact central to receiving divine mercy. When parents weave stories and acts of mercy into the fabric of family life, they mirror the Prophet’s ﷺ beautiful example, turning ordinary moments into powerful reflections of Allah’s boundless compassion.