Beyond the rituals and practices during the Ramadhan, we also come together to deepen our connection with our families for the sake of Allah SWT. For this Ramadhan, I have always wondered what are the things I can do to strengthen my bond with my family and at the same time, my connection with the Almighty. This Ramadhan, I decided to learn the 99 names of Allah SWT, wherein parents can also encourage their children to learn.
These are some ways we can incorporate the idea of the 99 names of Allah SWT in our household:
- Storytelling
As parents, sharing stories with your children not only strengthens bonds and teaches them the 99 names of Allah SWT but also allows them to experience captivating stories that resonate with their young hearts. Incorporating and highlighting the different names of Allah SWT in your bedtime stories can also nurture Islamic values in them. You can do this by incorporating the Islamic values that ring with “Al-Rahman” (The Most Merciful) in the stories. In this way, children can grasp the significance of the name more engagingly.
- Daily Affirmations
We, parents, always think of ways to foster our child’s connection with the Almighty. One of the best ways to do this, in simple steps, is to incorporate the 99 names of Allah SWT into your daily affirmations. Encouraging your child to practice daily affirmations fosters an early fascination with Islam and strengthens their knowledge of the religion. You can begin your day by reflecting on the meanings of a few chosen names. For example, you can instill a sense of gratitude and optimism within your family by reciting “I am guided by Al-Hadi (The Guide)” or “I am enveloped in the mercy of Ar-Rahman (The Most Gracious)”. These affirmations also cultivate values and qualities in your children.
- Instill Islamic Values into Daily Routines
We, parents, also play a crucial role in shaping the worldview of our children about Islam. One of the easiest ways to include the concept of the 99 names of Allah SWT in your routine is to encourage your children to recite specific names during different times of the day. For example, before meals, they can say “Al-Razzaq” (The Provider) to express gratitude for the food they have. You can use everyday situations as opportunities to reinforce the Islamic values that reflect the attributes of Allah SWT’s name.
- Sustaining the Momentum
One of the few worries of parents is how they sustain the qualities and values they have taught their child, especially once Ramadan draws to a close. But worry no more, an effective way to sustain these Islamic values is to develop a family plan to continue incorporating these lessons and values in your household. The daily affirmations, daily routines, and storytelling can still be used to teach them the essence of the 99 Names of Allah SWT in daily life, ensuring that it remains an integral part of your child’s Islamic identity.
How do the 99 names of Allah SWT cultivate kindness in your child’s character?
Parenting can be hard, especially when it comes to shaping them into becoming kind Muslims. It is a continuous journey of nurturing Islamic traits and values in them. Now, imagine teaching them the 99 names of Allah SWT, which are filled with the qualities and attributes of the Creator, to help you out. It becomes easier!
- Builds Spiritual Awareness
Understanding the 99 names of Allah SWT gives a comprehensive explanation of His multifaceted nature. By teaching them the in-depth meaning of the 99 names of Allah SWT, you can guide your child toward a path of compassion, empathy, and gratitude.
- Performs Acts of Kindness
Teaching kindness is not an isolated lesson but a way of life. Embedding simple acts of kindness in daily routines, inspired by the qualities of Allah SWT, allows your children to internalize these values. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, sharing a meal, or offering a kind word, the small gestures become a canvas to paint the larger picture of goodness. Becoming a good example to our children also gives them an idea of what is being kind all about. Remember, we, parents, are our child’s first role models.
- Provides Guidance and Enlightenment.
As we understand the meanings of the 99 names of Allah SWT, we open deep a connection and develop guidance in navigating the complexities of life. Allowing your children to learn the 99 names of Allah SWT provides a moral compass, offering guidance on how to embody divine qualities in our daily interactions. This, in turn, provides guidance and enlightenment to Allah SWT by aligning our actions with His attributes.
Teaching the 99 names of Allah SWT to your children allows us, parents, to foster kindness in their hearts. By embodying these attributes, young hearts can become examples of compassion, illuminating the world with the light of the Almighty’s love long after the month of Ramadan has passed.