Dated: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Islam is a religion built on beautiful values that shape a person’s heart, character, and actions. For young children aged 6 to 7, this is the golden time to plant the seeds of Islamic manners and teachings. Among the most important values children should learn early are kindness, prayer, and spreading smiles—small actions with big rewards both in this world and the Hereafter.

In this blog, we’ll explore why these three values are essential for children, simple ways to teach them, and how to help kids carry Islamic teachings proudly into their daily lives.

Why Teach Islamic Values Early?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Every child is born upon the fitrah (natural disposition towards goodness).” (Sahih Muslim)

Children naturally lean towards kindness, love, and honesty. Teaching Islamic values early helps strengthen this pure nature and provides them a strong moral compass to navigate the world.

Values like kindness, prayer, and smiling teach children:

• How to build loving relationships with others. 
• How to maintain a strong bond with Allah. 
• How to develop confidence and inner peace. 

By making these lessons part of everyday life, we are raising children who will grow into compassionate, responsible Muslims.

The Power of Kindness

Kindness is one of the most emphasized virtues in Islam. Allah says in the Quran:
“Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly and kindly.” (Surah Al-Mumtahanah 60:8)

Children should learn that every act of kindness, no matter how small, is valuable in Islam. Some ways to teach kindness to young children include:

• Helping at Home: Encouraging them to assist parents with small tasks like setting the table or cleaning their toys. 
• Being Gentle to Animals: Teaching them that even feeding a bird or caring for a pet is an act loved by Allah. 
• Kind Words: Praising them when they say something polite or comforting to a friend. 

Fun activities like “Kindness Challenges” can motivate kids to perform one good deed every day and share their experiences with pride.

Teaching the Love of Prayer (Salah)

Prayer is the second pillar of Islam and the most important connection between a Muslim and Allah. At ages 6 and 7, children should be gently introduced to Salah, making it a joyful experience rather than a chore.

Ways to nurture love for prayer:

• Lead by Example: Pray regularly and let children see you praying with devotion. 
• Create a Prayer Space: Set up a small, special area at home with prayer mats and Quran books to make prayer time inviting. 
• Reward Efforts: Praise and reward children for remembering prayer times, even if they are still learning the proper way to perform Salah. 
• Tell Stories: Share simple stories about how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) loved to pray, encouraging children to follow his example. 

Introducing Salah with love and excitement ensures it becomes a natural, cherished habit as they grow.

The Sunnah of Smiling

One of the simplest yet most powerful Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was smiling. He said:
“Your smile for your brother is a charity.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)

Teaching children to smile can have an amazing impact on their emotional well-being and relationships. Smiling helps children:

• Spread happiness wherever they go. 
• Build friendships easily. 
• Feel positive even on difficult days. 

Simple activities like a “Smile Day” at home or school, where everyone tries to make others smile, can teach kids how valuable this small Sunnah is.

Supporting Islamic Learning in Schools

While home is the first school for every child, a nurturing school environment is equally important. Choosing a school that supports Islamic values, teaches good manners, and integrates faith into daily activities can strengthen what is taught at home.

Parents looking for an excellent learning environment should explore the Islamic school in Karachi, where academic excellence meets strong Islamic values. Such schools focus not only on the mind but also on the heart, ensuring children grow up proud of their Islamic identity while excelling in modern education.

Raising Children Who Shine with Islamic Values

Teaching children kindness, the importance of prayer, and the joy of smiling may seem simple, but these values form the building blocks of a strong Muslim character.

Here are a few final tips to help children live these values every day:

• Be a Role Model: Children learn more from what we do than what we say. 
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate their good deeds and acts of kindness. 
• Involve Them in Community Work: Small charity drives, helping neighbors, or participating in school activities can help children put Islamic values into practice.
  

The more these values are lived with love and consistency, the more natural they become for children.

Final Thoughts

Kindness, prayer, and smiles are more than just actions — they are reflections of a pure heart guided by faith. When we teach our children to embrace these beautiful Islamic values early on, we are giving them the best gift: a life filled with blessings, happiness, and purpose.

May Allah help us raise a generation that brightens the world with their faith, actions, and radiant smiles. Ameen!