Helping Your Children Feel the Beauty of Dhul-Hijjah, No Matter How Busy You Are

Let’s be honest. Life is busy. Between school runs, work, laundry, and trying to get your child to eat more than three bites of dinner, the idea of doing “more” during Dhul-Hijjah can feel overwhelming. You want to make these ten blessed days special. You want your children to feel the importance of this time. But between everything else going on, you wonder: how? Here’s the good news: You don’t need to do everything perfectly. You don’t need to plan big lessons, crafts, or hour-long family talks. The beauty of Dhul-Hijjah is that small, meaningful actions can have a big impact, especially when done with love, intention, and together as a family. In this blog, we’ll explore simple, realistic ways to help your children feel the beauty of Dhul-Hijjah, even in the middle of your busy daily routine.

First, Why Dhul-Hijjah Matters, Even for Kids

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the most blessed days in the Islamic calendar. It’s when Muslims around the world prepare for Hajj. It’s when good deeds carry an extra reward. It’s when we remember Prophet Ibrahim (AS), his trust in Allah, and his willingness to sacrifice for his faith. It all leads up to Eid-ul-Adha, a day of celebration, prayer, and charity.

Now, while your child might not understand all of the deep religious meaning just yet, they can understand kindness, sacrifice, thankfulness, and togetherness. These are the building blocks of faith. And these special days give you the perfect chance to plant those seeds.

Start Small, Faith in Everyday Moments

You don’t need to create “perfect” Islamic experiences. Kids learn through daily rhythms and emotional connection. Here are simple things you can do without needing extra time:

1. Talk About the Days

Just saying “These are special days!” is a start. Let your kids hear the name “Dhul-Hijjah.” Tell them, “This is a time when Allah loves it when we do good things.”

Even a short bedtime chat like, "Do you know these are some of the best days to say Alhamdulillah and help others?"…can make a big impact.

2. Use Car Time or Mealtime for Dhikr. While driving or eating, invite your kids to say simple phrases like:

• “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah)

• “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is to Allah)

• “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest)

  
  

Make it fun, turn it into a light challenge: “Let’s see who can say SubhanAllah 10 times before we get to the shop!”

3. Encourage One Small Deed a Day

Ask your child each morning: “What one good thing will you do for Allah today?”It could be helping a sibling, cleaning up, or making dua for someone. Write it on a sticky note. Celebrate their effort in the evening.

Share the Stories That Matter

Children connect with stories, not just rules. During these ten days, tell the story of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail (AS). Talk about the trust, love, and obedience they had for Allah.

Keep it short, warm, and simple. You could say: "Prophet Ibrahim loved his son so much. But he loved Allah more. And when Allah told him to do something very hard, he trusted Him, and Allah gave him something even better."Then ask: “What’s something you think would be hard to give up if Allah asked?”This kind of conversation gently opens your child’s heart to reflect and grow.

Make Worship a Family Thing (Even in Short Bursts)

You don’t need an hour of quiet time to bring worship into your home. Here are quick ideas:

• Pray together, even just one prayer daily, as a family

• Let your child hear you make dua for them

• Sit quietly for 2 minutes together, saying dhikr

• Try fasting on the 9th day (Day of Arafah) and talk to your child about why

• Let them draw or write down their own duas to “give to Allah”

The goal isn’t quantity — it’s creating moments that feel special.

Eid is Coming, Talk About Giving

One of the most powerful lessons of Dhul-Hijjah is giving. Talk to your children about Qurbani, explain it’s not just about meat, but about sharing blessings.

Ask:

• “Who do you think needs help right now?”

• “What can we give away this Eid, even if it’s something small?”

  
  

Let them help pick a charity, pack a gift bag for someone, or write a card to a neighbor. These acts stay in their hearts longer than we realise.

Final Thoughts: It’s the Feeling That Lasts

At the end of these ten days, your child may not remember everything you said or did. But they will remember how they felt, the peacefulness of quiet dhikr, the warmth of family prayers, the joy of helping others, the excitement of Eid morning. That’s the beauty of these blessed days. You don’t need to do everything. Just do something, with love, with presence, and with sincerity. Even in the middle of a hectic life, you can help your child feel that Dhul-Hijjah is different. It’s special. And so are they.