Introducing Islamic Prayers to Your Little Ones
On the Day of Resurrection, the first actions for which a person will be held accountable for by Allah will be his prayers. If a worshiper’s prayer is sound, then all his deeds will be sound, but if it is lacking, then all his deeds will be lacking.
Besides being one of the five pillars of Islam and essential to one’s Muslim faith, it is the first act of worship that was made obligatory by Allah. With the world at our feet, it’s becoming more difficult for parents to keep their children grounded and instill the knowledge of love for Islamic obligations.
Furthermore, due to its extreme importance in Islam, the five daily prayers should be one of the first acts of worship that parents should teach their children. The prophet Mohammad (Allah be pleased with him) said, “Command your children to pray when they become seven years old and spank them for not doing it when they become nine years old. And arrange their beds (to sleep) separately.”
Moreover, as a parent, you want your little ones to feel a desire to pray within themselves and long to speak to Allah, without being forced to do so. They must understand that it is an obligation to pray and never a choice. Below are a few ideas on how to encourage your little ones to develop the habit of praying and a love for performing it.
Teach by Example:
Since children like to imitate their parents, allow them to see you making wudu’ and setting your prayer mat once you hear the call of prayer. If you prioritize daily prayers in your day, and do not delay or miss them, your little one’s will grow up knowing its importance. You can also tell them “I have an appointment will Allah and cannot be late.”
Starting Early:
Many parents are under the impression that their little ones should begin learning how to perform prayer at the age of seven. However, I believe that informal instruction of prayers should begin when a child is at least two years old; when they are visually aware of what takes place around them. It is wise to create an atmosphere that encourages them to pray when they are young.
Arrange a Special Prayer Room:
If you have space in your home, allocate a specific room as a prayer room. If this cannot be done, find a corner that is only for prayer. Little ones will understand the importance of prayer, since it has been given its own special area in their home. Explain to them that this area is only for prayer and must be kept clean and tidy.
Visual Reward Charts:
Since little ones respond well to visual cues and reward charts, encourage them to pray on time using a chart or an Islamic calendar. Hang the chart/calendar somewhere in your home as a visual reminder of the times of each prayer. Alternatively, you can create a prayer tree. Every prayer that your little one does on time; they may color one leaf green. A green colored leaf means Allah is happy with them. If their prayer is late; they may color one leaf orange. An orange colored leaf is a warning from Allah. Allah doesn’t like late prayers and they must try harder next time. If they miss a prayer; then they may color one leaf red. A red leaf is another warning from Allah. Allah is not happy with them and they should practice repentance.
Throw a Party:
When your little one turns seven years of age, throw a small “Prayer Party” and invite all their friends to share this new exciting age in their life. You may give them their own prayer mat, prayer dress (for girls), tasbeeh beads, or an adhan alarm clock. A prayer party with special presents will make them excited to perform regular prayers.
Explain to Them About Allah:
Without a proper and thorough understanding of Allah, prayers become just a ritual; lacking a spiritual and emotional connection to Allah. From a very young age, discuss with your little ones about how Allah made everything, provides for them and will protect them. This will inculcate a deep love for Allah in their hearts.
Introduce the Prophet Mohammad:
Read stories and talk about the Prophet Mohammad (Allah be pleased with him), as part of your normal daily routine. Gradually, as he becomes more beloved to them, they will view him as their role model or hero and want to copy him. Your little ones will want to pray because he did.
Baby Steps:
Don’t expect your little ones to go from never praying to suddenly praying all five daily prayers. They will gradually get used to regular praying with time.
Be Consistent:
Although we want our children to love prayer time and worshiping Allah, there will be times when they feel lazy and don’t want to pray. As parents it is our responsibility to make sure they pray, particularly by the time they are nine years of age. Do not allow them to miss a prayer. To establish the habit, you must be consistent.
Praying as a Family:
Perform one prayer a day as a family, with the father leading the prayer. Also, the father may take their little one, if he is seven years of age, to the mosque for all five prayers. The power of seeing a whole community praying together is so important and will give them a strong sense of identity.
May all our little ones grow up be great worshippers of Allah.