Duas are an integral part of a Muslim’s life and one important component forming a child’s concept of religion. Learning duas about Allah in young Muslims would teach them about submissiveness in seeking guidance from Him. 23 Duas for Kids by Zanib Mian is an excellent book that would introduce children to many duas they can quickly memorize and apply in their daily life.
In this blog, we will outline the importance of duas for kids and gain insights into how these supplications contribute toward their spiritual and moral development. Each dua is an instrument used to bring children closer to their Creator by strengthening faith and inculcating good habits and values into them.
1. Why are Duas important for children?
In fact, to teach duas to children has nothing to do with memorizing some words alone; it has to do with instilling those values of faith, thankfulness, and mindfulness in them in the early days. Kids learn to have a very close relationship with Allah by regularly reading their duas.
Two also teaches moral values to children. For instance, the dua for protection of evil gives a feeling of security, and the dua for asking guidance gives one a sense of humility and realization of Allah’s final intentions.
2. Dua for Protection of Evil (A’udhu Billahi Min Ash-Shaytan)
One of the earliest duas that children should learn is this short yet strong dua for seeking refuge from the devil. It is recited when he feels that he ought to be afraid or nervous, hence making him understand what he needs to do: seek his refuge in Allah instead of other bad powers.
Dua:
A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim
This one translates into, “I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil.”
This dua teaches children to seek Allah’s protection and trust in His power over everything, which they memorize by reciting this dua day after day.
3. Forgiveness Dua (Rabbana, Zalamna)
When the little ones grow up, they are sure to err. Forgiveness Dua reminds them that no one is sinless but Allah is ever-prepared to forgive from those who humbly submit before Him.
The dua is:
“We have indeed erred: If Thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.”
Translation: “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will surely be of the losers.”
This dua thus inclines youngsters to admit their faults, turn towards Allah in atonement, and move towards Him with a heart full of repentance.
4. Dua for Guidance (Ihdina Sirat al-Mustaqim)
Perhaps the most essential dua to be memorized is for seeking guidance. The dua, said in every unit of prayer called Salah, prays Allah to guide him on the straight path. This dua reminds everybody continuously to seek Allah’s direction and deviate from others in life.
The dua is:
“Ihdina sirat al-mustaqim.”
Translation: “Guide us to the straight path.”
This prayer teaches the kids the importance of having the right way in their deeds and thoughts.
5. Dua for Patience (Rabbish Rah Li Sadri)
Patience is one important virtue Islam has taught. The use of a dua such as this is best in teaching a child patience and perseverance during trying times.
The dua goes thus:
“Rabbish rah li sadri, wa yassir li amri.”
Translation: “My Lord, give unto me, that my breast may be expanded wide, and ease for me my task.”
This dua teaches children to pray to Allah even when they are frustrated and help them meet their difficulties in Allah’s way.
6. Dua for Gratitude (Alhamdulillah)
Shukr to Allah is one of the fundamentals in Islam. A child can be taught to have a thankful heart by teaching him the little use of Alhamdulillah. It can be read during any given time and enables children to appreciate the blessings they get from Allah.
The dua goes like this:
“Alhamdulillah, Rabbil-Alamin”.
Translation: “All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”
This dua teaches children to be thankful and realize Allah’s favors in their lives, which they begin to make it a habit.
7. Dua for Seeking Help (Hasbunallahu Wa Ni’mal Wakeel)
When they are having a tough time, give them this dua and remind them that Allah is there to help and support them. So, they are more reliant on Allah, reminding him that He is the best helper.
This dua is:
“Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel. ”
Translation : “Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.”
This prayer allows children to ask Allah for mercy when they are afraid or when they are uncertain.
8. Mercy Prayer (Rabbi Irhamhuma Kama Rabbayani Sagira)
This dua is taught majorly to children, asking for mercy from God towards their parents. So, according to this, knowing that one should show respect and politeness to his or her parents; meanwhile, they are a path to mercy and love.
Dua:
Rabbi irhamhuma kama rabbayani sagira.
Translation: “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.”
Teaches children to sympathize and to thank their parents who have brought them into this world.
9. Dua to be happy by Allahumma Inni As’aluka
Happiness is the key to various aspects of well-being. Allah urges his followers to seek happiness and peaceful minds with supplication. This dua offers a pleading to Allah to please meet happiness and contentment in both the worlds.
The dua says
“Allhamma inni as’aluka min fadhika wa rahmatika wa maghfiratika.”
Translation: “O Allah, I ask you for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness.”
This dua is the way kids reach out to Allah and ask for whatever is good for them in this world and hereafter.
10. Safety Dua (Bismillah)
Muslims are educated to pronounce the word “Bismillah” before doing something. This, to some extent, ensures that children begin doing everything by uttering the phrase “Bismillah” before eating, traveling, or any other assignment, thereby ensuring the activities begin by Allah’s blessings and protection.
Conclusion
Beautiful supplications, easy to memorize, and virtually lessons in life; these are found in Zanib Mian’s 23 Duas for Kids. These guide the children through every day-to-day activity, teaching them ways of looking to Allah for direction, protection, and mercy. As they grow, with such duas, they develop an immense connection with faith-which forms the beginning of a spiritually sound journey.
Read more: 10 Duas For Home