Mindful Remembrance: Creative Ways to Teach Dhikr to Kids
We as Muslims remember Allah every day. We recite the Quran and offer supplications. All of these practices combined help us to stay in touch with our creator and this is what is referred to as Dhikr.
Grown adults do not find it difficult to perform dhikr every day. On the other hand, young children need to learn how to perform these very basic practices. Many question why we need to perform dhikr and how they do it. It is important to teach them that Dhikr is remembering Allah by thanking him and offering prayers. It is a practice that helps to ground the children and make them stay connected to religion.
In this article, we will discuss how you can encourage your child to bring dhikr into their lives.
What Phrases Are Included in Daily Dhikr?
Various islamic terms are frequently used in our daily Islamic practice. Muslims often say simple words regularly; for example, every time we wish to show thankfulness and gratitude, we say Alhamdulillah. Similarly, various phrases are incorporated into our daily lives.
A few examples of these terms include “In sha Allah,” “Ma sha Allah,” “Tawakkaltu Alallah,” and so on. It is important for every Muslim, whether adult or child, to know the meaning behind these terms and when to use them in their daily worldly activities.
Creative Ways to Teach Dhikr to Kids
The traditional practices of teaching Dhikr to kids have become old-fashioned and repetitive. These days, children want something engaging and exciting to keep them hooked:
1. A Dhikr Circle
As the name states, A dhikr circle consists of children sitting in a circle. The dhikr circle will look quite intriguing to the kids as they will think of it as a game. Once you gather all the children in one place, ask each child to say a little dhikr. It does not have to be complex. You can start by using simple words such as Subhan Allah Alhamdulillah or even Allahu Akbar.
You can even add actions to add some more fun to the practice. For example, the children can place a hand on their heart every time they say Alhamdulillah. Such sensory approaches help the kids to form a physical as well as emotional connection to the daily dhikr. The circle can end when every child has had their turn. You can then recite a dua that will signify the end of the activity.
2. Bead Craft
Kids, especially girls, love doing arts and crafts. For a bead craft, you can again gather up children in a room. Make them engage by helping them create their own dhikr craft beads or a tasbih. They can color each of the beads differently and you can tell them that each color represents a dhikr. Kids always love to play with their own creations.
Once all the children complete the tasbih, you can teach them what each color means. For example, you can say red means Subhan Allah and purple means Allahu Akbar. The children can even decorate their dhikr tasbih however they like. They can add charms or flowers to the tasbih to give a personal touch. Creating an object that they have put their heart into will be a physical reminder that they need to say their daily adhkar regularly.
3. Storytelling
Children love to listen to stories especially if you tell these stories in a fun way by adding physical actions. There are several names of Allah that hold special meaning behind them. For example, you can take the name Al Rahman, which means the merciful. You can then make up a story about someone’s generosity and then ask them which names of Allah the story represents. The child who guesses it correctly can get a small token of appreciation. Such practices will encourage the children to memorize their daily dhikr.
Every time you tell the kids a story, you can also ask them how they feel about it or if they have any questions about it. Such engaging and interactive sessions help the child stay focused. These practices also encourage them to incorporate the adhkar into their daily practical lives.
4. Art Classes
Art is one of the best forms of expression not only for adults but children as well. An art and craft class is a mindful and engaging way through which the children can learn things easily. You can allow them to paint, draw, or even write the daily dhikr. They can learn how to do calligraphy or create a collage of several phrases altogether.
The children can also participate in a group activity where each child gets to write what every dhikr means to them. For example, you can use Alhamdulillah and ask them to draw what they are thankful for. Art and crafts are a beautiful way to remind the children that they need to recite these words daily.
5. Nature Walks
Nothing is better than taking the children on a nature walk and showing them the wonders of Allah. Teach them how every leaf, flower and every part of the world functions in a certain way all by themselves. Seeing and appreciating the beauty of nature will surely make them remember how they perform dhikr in their daily lives.
Teach them to say Alhamdulillah every time they feel the rain or see the sun and Allahu Akbar every time they see something amazing. These activities help the children form a connection with Allah. After you end the walk, the children can gather in a circle and tell everyone how they feel.
6. Challenge Charts
Just like every school teacher uses sticker charts to promote good behavior in their class, you can use challenge charts to encourage the children to remember Allah. All you need to do is create a chart with all the phrases on it. Every time a child uses the phrase in their practical life, they can paste a sticker on it.
The children can then get especially rewards for completing the chart. Such a routine will help the children to add these important phrases to their daily lives. They will also form a strong positive association with Allah through this engaging activity.
Conclusion
Teaching dhikr to children does not always have to be boring and dull. Teachers and parents should understand that children these days do not like to simply learn stuff over and over again. They need activities that engage them and add a fun twist to the learning routine.
Activities such as arts and crafts, storytelling, nature strolls, etc., are just a few ways through which you can teach your children the importance of these phrases. Teaching these mindful activities will help you create a strong foundation in your everyday life. Moreover, they will surely continue these practices once they grow up. Always remind them that Dhikr is more than just a daily obligation to fulfill. It is a source of peace and thankfulness.
