The Prophet (pbuh) mentioned in a hadith:
“Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
In an ever-evolving world, children face an increasing amount of stress and mental health challenges. I am not sure if this should be attributed to more awareness and acknowledgement or current times that pose greater challenges. Parents often seek various means to support their children’s well-being, and one valuable, underestimated resource that can make a significant difference is the power of Duas (prayers).
While tying your camel is crucially important, we as Muslims derive our true strength and hope from tawakkul on Allah.
Before we talk about how you can empower your child by equipping them with the tool of Dua, I would like to remind you not to neglect your own potential to protect and care for your children through prayers.
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“There are three supplications that will undoubtedly be answered: the supplication of an oppressed person, the supplication of the traveler; and the supplication of a parent over his child.”
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi)
Spiritual and Psychological Benefits of Duas for Children Seeking Refuge in Allah:
Always remind your child that no matter how messy the situation is, Allah is always bigger than our problems. Teach them how Allah adoringly tells us in the Qur’an:
“If My slaves ask you about Me, I am Near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me.” [Quran, 2:186]
When a child reports an issue, for example bullying, to you; after validating their feelings, encourage them to make dua to Allah. This teaches them invaluable and indispensable lessons:
- “Allah is always there for me even if my parents aren’t”. The child will never feel helpless and alone because you are guiding them to rely on Allah and not you.
- They will immediately calm down.
- They’ll feel confident in their approach to resolving the issue as they have Allah as their strength and guide.
Emotional Resilience:
Duas can foster emotional resilience in children. The act of turning to a higher power for guidance and support can provide a sense of comfort, reassurance, and hope during difficult times. This emotional support can help children navigate challenging situations and cope with their emotions effectively.
Quoting clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Jones, “Prayer, including Duas, can serve as a vital coping mechanism for children. It instills a sense of emotional resilience and provides a sense of stability, reducing anxiety and depression.”
Stress Reduction:
It’s imperative for you to protect your children from the harms of stress build up. Duas can help children reduce stress and anxiety. The act of praying and expressing their worries to a higher power can create a sense of relief and calm. It teaches children to let go of their anxieties and trust in the divine plan.
Here are 5 duas to teach your kids today!
5 Duas for Strong Mental Health
- To safeguard from anxiety and depression:
Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-hammi wal-Ḥuzni wal-’ajazi wal-kasli wal-bukhli wal-jubni wa ḍala’id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal.
‘O Allah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men.’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
- To Tackle problems:
Allahumma rahmataka arju fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata ’aynin wa aslih li sha’ni kullahu la ilaha ila anta
‘O Allah, I hope for Your mercy. Do not leave me to myself even for a blink of an eye. Correct all of my affairs for me. There is none worthy of worship except You.’ (Sahih Abu Dawud)
- For Ease:
Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja ‘altahu sahla, wa anta taj ‘alul hazna ith-a shi’ ta’ sahl
‘O Allah, there is no ease except in that which You have made easy, and You make the difficulty, if You wish, easy.’ (Sahih Hadith : Hisn al-Muslim 139)
- Loss or something that did not go as expected:
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Allahumma-u’jurni fi musibati, wa akhlif li khairan minha.
‘To Allah, we belong, and unto Him is our return. O Allah, recompense me for my affliction and replace it for me with something better.’ (Sahih Muslim)
- Tawakkul:
Hasbiya Allahu la ilaha illa huwa ‘aalayhi tawakkaltu wahuwa rabbu al’aarshi al’atheem.
‘Allah is sufficient for me. There is no God except Him. I place my trust in Him, and He is the Rabb of the great throne.’
These powerful duas should serve as a strong reminder to help our children wade through the trials and tribulations of this dunya with comfort and confidence.