Six Ways to Help Your Child Love Allah Al-Hafeedh
Have you ever wondered how you can nurture your child’s love for Allah from a young age? Read on to see why teaching the 99 names of Allah is important, and find six creative ways to apply Allah’s name Al-Hafeedh.
When I first started listening to lectures to learn how to get children to love Allah (swt), the most repeated advice was to teach Allah’s 99 names. Introducing our kiddos to the 99 names of Allah and teaching them about Him (swt) is a sure way to instill the love of Allah (swt) in their hearts.
Think about when you meet someone for the first time. You don’t feel a strong connection to them because you don’t know much about them. But as you get to know them better, you start to like and trust them. And Allah is the best of examples.
Why the 99 Names of Allah are Important for Kids
Before we start telling our children to do the physical acts of worship like praying or fasting, we need to build a strong foundation by helping them understand why we worship Allah (swt).
From an early age, constantly remind your children how much Allah (swt) loves them. Talk to them about Allah’s 99 names and attributes so that they can get to know their Creator. When your children start to recognize His love and also love Him back, their hearts will be softer and more inclined towards obeying Him, in’sha’Allah.
Even if your children may not always fully understand Allah’s commandments, they will trust that everything Allah told us to do comes from His love for us.
The Meaning of Allah Al-Hafeedh for Kids
In this 99 Names of Allah Series, I’ll be sharing practical ways to introduce the names of Allah to your children This post will focus on the name of Allah Al-Hafeedh.
Al-Hafeedh means The One Who Preserves what He Created and The Preserver. This name is mentioned in the Quran six times. Allah (swt) preserves all His creation and remembers everything. He is the protector of The Qur’an and preserved it from being changed over the years.
Teaching Children about Allah Al-Hafeedh
Here are two main points to teach your children about the Allah Al-Hafeedh:
- Allah Al-Hafeedh knows and remembers everything. Nothing is hidden from Him, and He never forgets.
- Allah Al-Hafeedh takes care of all His creations and keeps them safe.
Allah Al-Hafeedh Created Things to Protect Us
Because Allah Al-Hafeedh knows and preserves everything, He created every single thing with a purpose to keep them safe. For example, Allah (swt) created:
- Eyelashes to protect our eyes from dust and dirt so we can see His beautiful creation.
- Giraffes with long necks so that they can eat the leaves high up in trees.
- Elephants with tusks to defend themselves.
- The human spine so that we can move, walk, and play.
- Fruits and vegetables to nourish our bodies to grow strong and healthy.
- Allah Al-Hafeedh preserved the Quran for us so that we can read it and learn from it.
Allah Al-Hafeedh Protects Us Always
One of the most beautiful and powerful application of the name Al-Hafeedh is that Allah’s protection is constant. Tell your children that Allah Al-Hafeedh is always protecting and watching over them. Even if you may not be with them, they are never alone because Allah Al-Hafeedh is always with them. This will comfort them when they’re afraid and strengthen their trust and love for Him.
The Prophet (pbuh) taught us to recite our morning and evening athkar for our protection. Teach your children these athkar, and remind to call out to Al-Hafeedh whenever they feel scared. He is always there to protect them.
We parents naturally want to comfort our children and reassure them of our presence when they are scared. But let’s reframe this reassurance to emphasize relying on Allah (swt) first and foremost. Remind them that you will be there if they need you, but Allah Al-Hafeedh is always with them and is their ultimate Protector.
How to Apply Allah Al-Hafeedh in Your Child’s Life
The more you can relate the name Al-Hafeedh in your child’s everyday interactions, the more the meaning will resonate with them. Here are some practical ways to help your child connect with the name Al-Hafeedh:
- Comfort your child with Al-Hafeedh when they are scared. Remind them that He is always with them and to read Ayatul-Kursi and Surah-al-Falaq.
- Teach your child the dua for leaving the home. Anytime we leave the house, the Prophet taught us to say the following dua so that Allah Al-Hafeedh protects us: “Bismillahi tawakkaltu ‘alAllah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.”
- Make a habit to read the morning and evening athkar. Incorporate these athkar as part of your family’s morning and nighttime routine to reinforce the idea that Allah Al-Hafeedh is protecting them always.
- Share stories from the Seerah relating to Allah Al-Hafeedh: Use stories to help children relate to Allah Al-Hafeedh. One story from the seerah of the Prophet (pbuh) you can share is the story of the hijrah (pilgrimage) of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with Abu Bakr (ra). The Prophet (pbuh) and Abu Bakr (ra) were hiding in the Cave of Thawr, afraid that Quraysh would find them. Quraysh were standing at the entrance of the cave and were about to find them. The Prophet (pbuh) turns to Abu Bakr (ra) and says, “لَا تَحْزَنْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَنَا” “Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us.” Allah Al-Hafeedh was the One who protected them in the cave from being found.
- DIY an Islamic craft related to Allah Al-Hafeedh: This DIY Allah Al-Hafeedh book is a hands-on craft to do with your children.
- Storytelling from the Quran: Share stories from the Quran to showcase how Allah Al-Hafeedh protected those that were mentioned in the Quran. One story is the story of Ashab Al-Feel (The People of the Elephant) from Surah Al-Feel. Reflect with your children on how Allah Al-Hafeedh protected the Ka’bah from the army of Abraha and their elephants.
Resources to Teach Allah Al-Hafeedh to Your Kids
Here are some English and Arabic resources that I’ve used that you may find helpful. If you have any other suggestions let me know in the comments! I would love to add it to the list so that we can all benefit!
English Resources for Allah Al-Hafeedh:
- @Nidatastic on Instagram: Dr. Nida Tariq’s instagram page is filled with fun Islamic crafts. She has a 99 Names Project Series that covers a craft and interactive explanation of Allah’s names.
- “Atlas of Al Asma Ul Husna” Book: This beautiful book presents the 99 names of Allah through illustrations and engaging meanings and lessons.
- Bissan ElBaz’s “The Names of Allah” Youtube Video Series: These short cartoon videos present the meanings of the name of Allah in a creative way that draws kids in. These series are on Youtube and available in both English and Arabic.
Arabic Resources for Allah Al-Hafeedh:
- Book Series بها ابدئي يا أمي سلسلة كتب إسلامية للأطفال: I love this 15-book series that highlights the names of Allah in a way that young kids can also easily understand. If you’re in the United States, you can purchase this series from Amazon or Al-Aman Bookstore.
- Workbook أسماء الله تحييني وزارة التربية والتعليم السعودية: This workbook gives a short explanation of the definition of Allah’s name along with an activity or craft to go along with teaching it to kids.
- ٍRiad al-Janna Blog Workbook ملف-أسماء-الله-الحسنى-للأطفال: This 60-page workbook explains the names of Allah in a simple way that children will understand. It also comes with printables and activities to do with your kids.
- Learn with Kinan Blog Activity Book أسماء الله الجميلة كتاب أنشطة تفاعلية لتعليم أسماء الله الحسنى للأطفال: This interactive activity book teaches children the names of Allah in a way they can easily understand.
- Homeschool Garden Blog: This blog has a wealth of information on different ways to introduce the names of Allah, especially for older children.
It’s never too early to start introducing your children to the 99 names of Allah (swt). It’s a way to help build your child’s love of Allah (swt). Start small and keep it engaging with practical examples throughout your day.
Let me know in the comments how you introduce the 99 names of Allah to your children!