How to Introduce Dhikr as a Natural Part of Your Child’s Day

As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the remembrance of Allah (dhikr). Dhikr is not just for adults, scholars, or those who already practice deeply; it is for children too. When children grow up with the habit of remembering Allah, their hearts become softer, their manners shine brighter, and their faith grows stronger. But how can we make dhikr a natural part of our children’s daily routine without making it feel like a burden? Let’s walk through some simple steps.

1. Start Small and Keep It Simple

Children learn best when things are easy and short. Instead of introducing many long adhkaar (remembrances) at once, begin with short and meaningful ones. For example:

• “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is for Allah)

• “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah)

• “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest)

• “La ilaha illa Allah” (There is no god but Allah)

These are short, easy for little tongues, and rich in meaning. Once your child becomes familiar with one, you can add another.

2. Connect Dhikr to Daily Activities

Children love routines. If you tie dhikr to daily actions, it becomes second nature. For example:

• When waking up: Teach them “Alhamdulillah alladhi ahyana…” (All praise is due to Allah who gave us life after sleep).

• Before eating: “Bismillah.”

• After eating: “Alhamdulillah.”

• When sneezing: “Alhamdulillah.”

  
  

With time, these words will flow naturally in their day, just like brushing their teeth or saying “thank you.”

3. Be a Living Example

Children copy what they see more than what they hear. If they see you making dhikr regularly, they will feel inspired to do the same. Let them hear you whisper SubhanAllah while cooking, or see you say Bismillah before driving. Your actions silently teach them that dhikr belongs everywhere, not only during prayer time.

4. Use Songs and Rhymes

Young children especially enjoy learning through melody. Turn short adhkaar into rhymes or songs. For instance, sing:

“SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar too…”

This makes dhikr light and joyful, and they’ll repeat it even while playing.

5. Celebrate Their Effort

Every time your child remembers to say dhikr, celebrate it. Smile, give a high five, or say, “MashaAllah, you remembered Allah just now!” This positive reinforcement builds love for dhikr in their hearts. It should never feel like a strict lesson but rather a happy practice.

6. Make Bedtime a Dhikr Time

End the day with a peaceful moment of remembrance. Teach your child simple du’as before sleep, such as:

• “Bismika Allahumma amootu wa ahyaa” (In Your name, O Allah, I live and die).

• Reciting Ayatul Kursi or the last 3 Surahs (if they can).

  
  

This habit not only helps them feel safe but also teaches them to close the day with Allah’s remembrance.

7. Be Patient and Consistent

Remember, children won’t master everything at once. Dhikr is a journey, not a race. Be patient, repeat gently, and make it part of your daily life. With time, it will become natural for them to remember Allah without even being told.

Final Thoughts

Introducing dhikr to your child doesn’t require extra hours or complicated lessons. It’s about weaving small, simple phrases into their daily activities, leading by example, and making it joyful. The goal is to help them grow with a heart that beats with Allah’s remembrance, a treasure that will guide them throughout their life.

If you’d love for your child to not only practice dhikr but also grow in Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, and Akhlaaq, then our Islamiyyah Group Classes are the perfect next step. A fun, supportive environment that nurtures both knowledge and character. A new session just began, click here to enrol now