3 WAYS TO GET YOUR TEENS & CHILDREN TO PRAY

Let's face it, most children aren't going to pray on their own, and many teens go through a phase where they just don't feel like praying anymore...

This is a major problem, since after establishing faith, prayer is the number one most important thing for a Muslim to do. Salah is what seperates the Muslim from a Kaafir, and keeps us in the fold of Islam despite the sins we may commit.

After teaching your child the importance of prayer, it's time for you to make sure they actually do it.

But how?

1: SET THE TONE WITH ATHAAN

Get an Athan clock, or have a member of the house call the Athan out loud so everyone in the family knows it's time to pray at the same time.

How will this help?

Enviorment heavily influences Iman either for better or worse. Make sure your home is set up to encourage and establish Salah, so your child will feel it in the air.

2: PRAY TOGETHER AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

It doesn't matter whose at work, school, or out and about. Make it a requirement that whoever's at home must pray together in Jama'ah.

How will this help?

Children and teens are more likely to participate in worship as a family activity, since they aren't being singled out, and it's not up to them to do on their own. Establish Salah in your home until it becomes a habit for everyone who lives there.

3: BUILD POSITIVE MEMORIES AROUND SALAH

After prayer, give your child a hug, talk about the day, tell them you love spending time with them, encourage them, and remind them that a family who prays together, stays together.

How will this help?

Teens and children often have trouble communicating their need for love and connection from their parents, so they look for moments to be presented to them so they will feel comfortable opening up. If you build positive memories and feelings around prayer, your child will associate Salah with peace, and feel more stable to connect with Allaah, and their family.

Notice these tips all depend on you setting the tone, since children lead by example, and teens are often stubborn when you tell them to do something directly.

If you want to give your daughter an explanation on prayer, Hijab, the meaning of life, mental health, menses, and more, but don't know how to start, check out my book below for that and so much more, Insha Allaah!