Salah for kids should be a joyful and meaningful event to encourage our children to embrace this fundamental aspect of Islam. Teaching children about Salah (prayer) is one of the cornerstones of Islamic upbringing. Daily prayer is more than just a ritual; it is a lovely bond with Allah Almighty. By keeping it simple and enjoyable, you can help your children develop a strong connection with their Creator.
In this article, we will investigate some major aspects of Salah (prayer) for children, such as the meaning of Salah, the right age to start teaching a kid about prayer, how the daily prayer for children looks like, and steps to make it a vital part of their day. Also, we will explain how to teach children Salah and what to say in each part of it.
Table of Contents
What Is Salah?
The literal meaning of the word “Salah” is “connection” or “bond”. So it literally refers to the connection with Allah, the one and only Creator. As an Islamic term, Salah is the second pillar of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Islam is based on five things: the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, the observance of the prayer, the payment of zakat, the Pilgrimage, and the fast during Ramadan.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
“بُنِيَ الْإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ: شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ وَالْحَجِّ وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ
In this Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explores the 5 pillars of Islam, among which is prayer.
What Is Salat for Kids?
Teaching Salat to kids involves helping them understand its significance, learn the proper postures and recitations, and develop a routine of performing the prayers regularly.
How to Teach a Child to Pray in Islam?
Teaching a child to pray in Islam involves a combination of instruction, modeling, and encouragement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help:
1. Start with the Basics:
Help them understand why Muslims pray and how it’s a way to connect with Allah. Share stories from the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and other Islamic teachings. Explain the names, times, and significance of the five daily prayers (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha).
2. Teach Wudu (Ablution):
Show them how to perform the purification ritual step-by-step. Make it a fun and interactive activity. Perform Wudu with them until they can do it independently.
3. Learn the Prayer Phrases and Movements:
Teach them the phrases and postures of Salat one step at a time; raising hands and saying “Allahu Akbar”, standing and reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and another short Surah, bowing and saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem”, Prostrating and saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”, and Sitting and reciting the Tashahhud.
4. Practice Regularly:
Perform Salat together as a family to set an example. Gently remind and encourage them to pray at the designated times. Offer praise and small rewards for their efforts to motivate them.
5. Create a Prayer-Friendly Environment:
Set up a clean and quiet area for prayer in your home and provide them with their own prayer mat and prayer clothes if desired.
6. Make it a Positive Experience:
Understand that learning to pray takes time and patience. Celebrate their progress and achievements in learning Salat.
7. Encourage Understanding:
Explain the meanings of the phrases they recite in Salat. Talk about the spiritual and personal benefits of praying regularly.
8. Lead by Example
Be a Role Model; show them the importance of Salat through your own consistent practice and devotion.
What To Say In Prayer In Islam For Kids?
After explaining what a prayer looks like, you should teach your child what to say in each of the prayer postures. These are:
1- Takbeer:
In Takbeer, one says “Allahu-Akbr” while standing (Qiyam) at the beginning of prayer. This is the indication that the prayer starts.
2- Al-Fatiha:
Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah is an essential part of every unit (Rak’ah) in the Muslim prayer (Salat).
3- “Subhana Rabbiyal Aldheem”:
This phrase means “Glory be to my God, the Greatest”, and it is the phrase to say when bowing.
4- “Subhan Rabbiyal Al A’la”:
This phrase means “Glory be to my Lord, the Most High”, and this is the phrase to say when prostrating.
What Is The Daily Prayer For Children In Islam?
The fundamental components of Salah (prayer) are the same for everyone, so there is not a particular “daily prayer” in Islam intended for kids.
Thus, daily prayer for children in Islam refers to the five obligatory prayers (Salah) that are performed at specific times throughout the day. These prayers help children establish a routine and connect with Allah.
Furthermore, children should be taught the fundamentals of prayer, including its structure and significance. They can progressively learn more about prayer as they grow up.
How to pray in Islam step by step for kids?
As we have already established, teaching your child how to pray is very important. You can follow the following steps as guiding lines:
1. Preparation:
Explain and demonstrate how to perform Wudu, the purification process before prayer. Steps include washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, ears, and feet.
2. Facing the Qiblah:
Ensure they face the Qiblah, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. Teaching them how to find the Qiblah using a manual compass or a digital one can be useful.
3. Intention (Niyyah):
Teach them to silently make the intention in their heart to perform the specific prayer. Also, teach them that Niyyah is the heart of all Islamic acts and use Salat as an example.
4. Starting the Prayer (Takbir):
Raise Hands and Say “Allahu Akbar”: Raise both hands to the ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (الله أكبر), which means “Allah is the Greatest”.
5. Recite Al-Fatihah and a Surah:
Recite Al-Fatihah after Takbir, and recite short Surah or some verses from the Quran during the first two Rakaats.
6. Bowing (Ruku):
Bend at the waist with hands on knees and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (سبحان ربي العظيم), which means “Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great.”
7. Standing After Bowing (Qiyam):
Return to standing and say “Sami’ Allahu Liman Hamidah” (سمع الله لمن حمده), which means “Allah hears those who praise Him.” Then say “Rabbana Lakal Hamd” (ربنا ولك الحمد), which means “Our Lord, praise be to You.”
8. Prostration (Sujud):
Kneel down, place hands, knees, and forehead on the ground, and say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (سبحان ربي الأعلى), which means “Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
9. Sitting Position (Jalsa):
Sit Up and Say “Rabbighfirli”: Sit up on your legs and say “Rabbighfirli” (رب اغفر لي), which means “My Lord, forgive me.”
10. Prostration Again (Sujud):
Perform Sujud again, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la.”
11. Ending the Prayer (Tashahhud and Salam):
Sit and Recite the Tashahhud. End with Salam; turn the head to the right and say “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (السلام عليكم ورحمة الله), then turn the head to the left and repeat the greeting.
Tips To Establish Islamic Prayer for Kids in your Home:
Incorporating Salah into a child’s daily routine is a noble mission for parents and educators. Let’s investigate some engaging and successful approaches to acquaint kids with the practice of prayer. There are some steps to help:
1- Household Adults As A Rule Model:
The first and foremost step to get your child to pray consistently is that all your household adults must perform their daily prayers themselves. It is well-known that children learn by observing the behavior of adults around them and trying to copy them.
Be consistent in your own Salah. You cannot preach to your child about prayer while you do not pray consistently. In that case, your kid will most probably disobey you and lose trust in what you say.
2- Before The Age Of 7:
Introduce the concept of Salah to your child as early as they can grasp it. You should teach them the importance of Salah even before the age of 7 to make them interested in the subject.
3- Teach Wudu:
Teach your child how to make wudu (ablution) and make that learning fun by playfully explaining the process. Demonstrate the steps and let your kid imitate you. You can also use pictures to illustrate the process.
4- A Dedicated Prayer Space:
Make a peaceful area for Salah in your home. Ask your kid to decorate it and give them a hand.
5- A Child-Sized Prayer Rug:
Make prayer time special by providing age and size-appropriate prayer rug(s) for your kid(s). Help your kid decorate their own prayer rug and personalize it to represent their interests.
At What Age Should A Kid Start To Pray?
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) state that when children turn 7, they should be encouraged to pray. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Teach a boy Salat (the prayer) when he attains the age of seven years, and punish him (if he does not offer it) at ten“. (Riyad as-Salihin 302).
علموا الصبي الصلاة لسبع سنين واضربوه عليها ابن عشر سنين””
Here, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) tells Muslim parents to start to teach children prayer when they are only 7 years old and to punish them if they don’t when they are 10.
However, it is important to keep in mind that this does not mean pressuring them. The intention is to make prayer a pleasant experience by introducing them to it in a kind and interesting way.
By the age of 10, children should be consistently performing prayer. If they don’t, it is appropriate to provide them with moderate reminders and encouragement. But this doesn’t imply severe punishment. It’s more about instilling accountability and mild discipline.
Learn the Quran Online With Bayan al-Quran Native Arab Tutors:
Embark on a transformative journey of Quranic learning with Bayan Al-Quran’s comprehensive online courses. Our platform offers an authentic and immersive experience tailored to learners worldwide. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking to enhance your skills, our Tajweed courses provide expert guidance and structured learning to master the art of Quranic recitation.
🎓 Expert Guidance:
Benefit from experienced instructors who specialize in Tajweed, breaking down complex rules into manageable segments for learners of all levels.
✨ Key Features:
- Structured, step-by-step learning approach.
- Access to high-quality instructional materials.
- Real-time feedback from qualified tutors to enhance your practice.
- Flexible learning schedules to accommodate your pace and convenience.
- Immerse yourself in the melodious tones of Quranic recitation, enriching your spiritual experience.
🌟 Why Choose Bayan Al-Quran?
Join our vibrant community dedicated to perfecting Quranic recitation. Build a profound connection with the divine words of the Quran and enrich your spiritual journey. Choose Bayan Al-Quran for a transformative learning experience and embark on a path to mastering Tajweed with confidence.
You can also attend online Quran Classes with Bayan al-Quran with Native Arab tutors. There are also several courses that can help you in this regard.
Conclusion
Teaching children about prayer is a great responsibility that shapes their spiritual life. Parents foster a strong bond with Allah by incorporating Salah into their kids’ lives in a pleasant, interesting, and consistent way. Remember that the goal is to instill a love for prayer in their hearts and souls that will grow as they grow, not to produce flawless little worshippers.
Salah is one way that we can lead our children to a lifetime of meaningful connection with their Creator if we have the patience, flexibility, and strength to lead by example. May Allah help every one of us to raise a generation of devout and religious Muslims who are always committed to their prayer.
