Nurturing Faith and Feelings: How Mothers Guide Children to Express Emotions | Lessons from Fitrah First Mothers
Every parent wishes their child would grow not only intelligent, but also emotionally aware and spiritually connected. In today’s world, emotions can overwhelm children—fear of the dark, sadness when left out, or excitement when receiving a gift. The question is: how do we guide them to express these feelings in a way that pleases Allah?
This was the heart of our Parenting Circle discussion on Thursday, 25/09/2025. Mothers from our group shared real-life practices that have worked in their homes—simple but powerful ways of connecting children’s emotions to their Rabb.
Mothers’ Voices from the Parenting Circle
🌸 Talking to Allah First
One mother shared: “I ask my child to talk to Allah whenever she feels sad or scared. If she wants something, she must first ask Allah and then come to us to discuss it.”
This practice gently reminds children that Allah is the first refuge for every feeling and every need.
🌸 Honesty & Openness
Another parent said: “You should never hide anything—even if you are wrong. Speak up with us, and always ask Allah’s help. We are here to resolve it together.”
Such an approach helps children trust their parents while also knowing that Allah values honesty.
🌸 Comfort in Prophetic Duʿa
One mother explained: “Whenever they feel sick, I make them recite Prophetic duʿa. It calms them and reassures their hearts.”
Children begin to understand that duʿa is not only for big events, but for everyday emotions too.
🌸 Healing with Qur’an
Another mother reflected:
“Whenever my children get hurt, I tell them to recite Surah al-Fātiḥa. Alhamdulillah, now they do it themselves—even reminding me to recite it when I feel unwell. When they are scared, they recite the Taʿawwudh loudly, reminding themselves that we should fear no one but Allah.”
Over time, Qur’an becomes their first response in hardship, not just a distant ritual.
🌸 Linking Blessings to Allah
A touching story came from a mother whose 3-year-old prayed for a tricycle:
“She kept making duʿa, saying ‘Allah, please send me a cycle.’ A few days later, my husband ordered one online. When it arrived, we reminded her that Allah had answered her duʿa. Since then, she prays on her own whenever she wants something—her yaqeen has become so strong.”
This shows how even small, everyday blessings can build deep conviction in Allah’s mercy.
🌸 Gratitude & Yaqeen
Another mother wrote: “My children tell me, ‘Allah reduced my pain, Ammi.’ And when they recover, they say Alhamdulillah. These little words show me how much they are learning to depend on Allah.”
Gratitude in such moments transforms ordinary parenting into spiritual training.
Islamic Perspective
Islam provides timeless guidance for channeling emotions.
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Turning to Allah: The Prophet ﷺ said: “When you ask, ask Allah; and when you seek help, seek help from Allah” (Tirmidhi).
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Expressing Honestly: Allah loves those who admit mistakes and repent: “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant” (2:222).
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Healing with Qur’an: Surah al-Fātiḥa was used by the Prophet ﷺ as a ruqyah (Muslim).
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Gratitude: Allah promises: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you” (14:7).
Islam shows us that emotions—whether sadness, fear, or joy—are not to be suppressed but redirected towards Allah in healthy ways.
What Modern Research Reveals
Modern psychology and neuroscience strongly affirm these timeless practices.
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Talking to Allah as emotional regulation: The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (2019) found that children who practiced prayer or mindful self-talk showed reduced anxiety and improved self-control.
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Honesty without fear: Research by Dr. Victoria Talwar (McGill University, 2017) demonstrated that children who feel safe admitting mistakes without harsh punishment are less likely to lie and more resilient under stress.
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Repetition of phrases: Neuroscientist Andrew Newberg (University of Pennsylvania, 2010) showed that rhythmic recitation, such as prayer or dhikr, lowers stress hormones and activates calm brain regions.
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Gratitude and the brain: A study in Frontiers in Psychology (2021) confirmed that gratitude practices increase dopamine and serotonin—boosting mood, resilience, and long-term well-being.
Science echoes what Islam has always emphasized: emotional health thrives when children are guided with truthfulness, gratitude, and connection to their Creator.
Key Takeaways for Parents
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Encourage children to turn to Allah first with their feelings.
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Build a home environment where honesty is safe and supported.
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Teach short duʿa and Qur’an recitation as tools of comfort.
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Remind children to connect blessings back to Allah.
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Model and nurture gratitude and yaqeen in daily life.
Conclusion
The Parenting Circle reflections show us something profound: raising emotionally aware children and raising spiritually strong children are not two separate goals—they are the same journey.
When a child learns to link every tear, smile, or moment of fear back to Allah, they are not only managing emotions—they are strengthening faith. Such children carry within them a shield of resilience, prepared to face life’s challenges with sabr, shukr, and tawakkul.
💖 May Allah guide us in this noble task and bless our children with hearts that remember Him in every state.
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