Parenting Perspective 

Children often imagine that they must be flawless in order to deserve love. If they are not guided, they may begin to see their mistakes as proof of their unworthiness. Parents can counter this harmful mindset by sharing powerful stories where the mercy of Allah Almighty embraced people who were not perfect, but who turned back to Him with sincerity. These stories show that being human means stumbling, yet Allah values repentance, humility, and sincere effort far more than He expects perfection. Sharing such examples reassures children that their hearts, even when flawed, are still embraced by divine mercy when they seek Him. 

The Story of Prophet Adam (AS) 

When Prophet Adam (AS) made a mistake by eating from the forbidden tree, he and his wife immediately sought the forgiveness of their Lord. Allah Almighty taught them the words of repentance, accepted it from them, and guided them. This story shows children that even the first Prophet made a mistake, yet the mercy of Allah embraced him as soon as he turned back with a sincere heart. His stumble became a doorway to mercy. 

The Story of Prophet Yunus (AS) 

When Prophet Yunus (AS) left his people in frustration and found himself in the darkness of the whale’s belly, he called out to his Lord with the beautiful words, “La ilaha illa Anta, Subhanaka, inni kuntu minaz-zalimin” (There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers). Allah Almighty heard his call and rescued him. This teaches children that even in moments of deep mistake and fear, the mercy of Allah always responds to a sincere call. 

The Man Who Took Ninety-Nine Lives 

A famous story tells of a man who had taken ninety-nine lives but sincerely wished to repent. Through the guidance of a scholar, he set out on a journey towards a better land, and Allah Almighty’s mercy accepted his repentance before he even arrived. This powerful story teaches children that the mercy of Allah can outweigh even the greatest of errors. 

The Companion Who Was Forgiven Repeatedly 

One of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known to repeatedly commit the same mistake, yet each time he would repent with sincerity. The Prophet ﷺ reassured others that this man truly loved Allah and His Messenger. This story shows that Allah Almighty values our sincere and persistent repentance, not our ability to be perfect. 

By sharing these stories, parents can help their children to see that Allah Almighty always welcomes imperfect hearts when they turn back to Him, making His mercy the safest and most reassuring place for every believer. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quran and the Sunnah are filled with reminders that the mercy of Allah is boundless and that He loves those who seek to return to Him. 

The Quran on Mercy Beyond Limits 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Zumar (39), Verses 53: 

‘Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ): “O my servants, those of you who have transgressed against yourselves (by committing sin); do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah (Almighty); indeed, Allah (Almighty) shall forgive the entirety of your sins; indeed, He is the Most Forgiving and the Most Merciful”.’ 

This verse is one of the most powerful reminders in the entire Quran that the mercy of Allah is far greater than any imperfection or sin. Teaching this verse to our children helps them to understand that their hearts are never beyond the reach of His forgiveness. 

The Hadith on Allah’s Mercy Surpassing His Wrath 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 7422, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When Allah completed the creation, He wrote in His Book with Him upon the Throne: “Verily, My mercy prevails over My wrath.’’’ 

This Hadith affirms that mercy is the dominant attribute of Allah Almighty. Parents can share this beautiful teaching to help their children understand that their worth does not end with their flaws. The mercy of Allah is always there to embrace them when they repent. This perspective nurtures hope, humility, and resilience in their imperfect yet striving hearts.