The Names of Allah for kids— where do you even begin?

From the day our children arrive into this world, there is so much we want to do, try and experience with them.

Prayer is one of them, and instilling the idea of faith and deepening that as they grow is important to so many Muslim parents like me.

I grew up in a house with a mother who converted to Islam, and it is from her that I learnt so much. Her faith is unwavering and every time I feel like I am failing at being a mother, or losing my way, she always says, "Allah knows best. He hears you, he sees you, he feels your pain. Just a few minutes of prayer will bring sabr (patience) to your heart."

When I had my little one, I knew that I wanted faith to be a big part of her life. While she can already recite the last words of certain duas I pray with her every night, the Names of Allah is next on my list to introduce to her.

That's where Duas in the Dark came from — using each name in a story or a situation helps give children a visual. The moment they start associating An-Nur with the light in the darkness, you can check that one off your list. Try giving examples like: "Allah is An-Nur because he lights up the world with the moon and stars. Allah is An-Nur because he is like the brightest star in the sky." Visuals help our little dreamers imagine and believe.

While I don't expect my child to remember every single name, awareness is enough — and even if she connects with just certain names, that's okay too.

As parents, we are all figuring this out one dua at a time. And that, I think, is exactly enough.

P.S. You can find a few of Allah's beautiful names woven through the pages of Duas in the Dark, a comforting Islamic children's bedtime book, available now on Amazon.

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