One of the obligations of parents in Islam is to train their kids in the true way of Allah. Training in the form of providing basic needs, showering love and care, enjoining acts of worship, teaching good manners, and other Islamic teachings.
Adhkar (supplications) are acts of worship that serve as remembrance of Allah. As parents, it’s important to instill the habit of supplication in your kids.
Allah says in Qur’an;
“And enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast therein…”(20:132)
It was also reported that the Prophet (SAW) said,
“Each of you is a shepherd and each is responsible for his flock. A leader is a shepherd and a man is the shepherd of his family…” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim).
Catch Them Young
Child upbringing is an important obligation for parents. It’s important to imbibe good habits in kids from their early years, so they can master them as they grow older.
Just like it is recommended by the Prophet (SAW) to enjoin Salah at home and teach your kids to pray from the age of seven, it is also important to enjoin other significant acts of worship such as adhkar and Islamic etiquettes.
How to Establish a Family Adhkar Routine
Start Small
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Practicing small habits consistently compounds over time into greater results. Establish Salah as the foundation before incorporating other acts of worship.
Create Family Time
Yes, we know there are leisure times for sports, outdoor games, and outings. Creating a family spiritual time helps to reinforce Islamic teachings and spirituality.
Activities such as observing Salah together, Qur’anic recitation, reflection on Islamic verses, and listening to Islamic lectures should be encouraged.
Anchor Habits
One of the best ways to build and reinforce new habits is to anchor them with existing activities.
You could anchor morning adhkar with the already established Fajr prayers, evening adhkar with Asr prayers, and so on.
Practice What You Preach
Environment is a critical determinant of how habits stick. Ensure you practice what you preach in both your words and actions.
Don’t encourage a habit and contradict it with your actions. Kids learn more from what they see than from what they hear.
Compounding Effects of Adhkar
Rewards and Blessings
Aside from the reward for remembrance of Allah, as parents you’ll also receive the reward for sowing seeds of Allah’s remembrance in your kids.
Protection from Shaytan
The Prophet (SAW) recommended that we seek refuge from Shaytan through adhkar. Instilling adhkar habits and routines will serve as a means of protection for both you and your kids.
Increased Strength
Challenges are inevitable. Allah said He will test those who believe.
Adhkar and other forms of supplication help you and your family stay patient and contented during trying times.
This in turn will deepen your connection with Allah.
Ultimately, our sole purpose in this world is to worship Allah.
Worshiping Allah through fulfilling our obligations towards our kids is crucial, because it attracts immense rewards both in this world and the Hereafter.
May Almighty Allah continue to guide us to the right path. Aameen
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