Often underestimated! How to instill love worship in our children from an early age – Darul Ma’arif Islamic Boarding School

Darulmaarif.net – Indramayu, August 16, 2025 | 10.00 WIB

Writer: Ushth. Syahfa Aidillah

In the fast-paced era like now, many parents complained about the difficulty of instilling the habits of worship in their children. The onslaught of gadgets, unlimited digital spectacles, to the more busy environment of pursuing academic achievements often make worship only become a formal routine, even ignored. Not infrequently, children memorize more songs or online games rather than reading prayer.

In fact, in the midst of increasing cases of adolescent moral crisis, soul anxiety, to the phenomenon of children easily stressed from an early age, the spiritation of the spirit is an urgent need. Prayer and worship are not only obligations, but the source of peace of heart as well as a fortress from the bad influences of the times.

Therefore, the role of parents is not just teaching the movement of worship, but instilling a sense of love so that children feel the pleasure of worship. This is what is often ignored: we want children to pray diligently, but forget to foster a sense of longing for Allah in their hearts.

This article tries to offer a practical way, full of tenderness, as exemplified by Rosululloh SAW, so that worship is present in the soul of a child as a necessity, not a burden.

Teaching worship to children is not just a matter of teaching prayer movements or reading memorization. More than that, our main goal is to instill love, so that worship grows not as a burden, but the needs of the heart. In Islam, worship education is highly upheld, and the process is filled with wisdom and affection.

1. Starting early with a touch of love

Rosululloh SAW said:

You pass your children with prayer, and they are seven years old

Meaning: “The message of your children to pray when they are seven years old …” (Clock. Imam Abu Dawud)

But this command does not mean forcing. He came after the habituation and introduction process carried out with full softness. Before the child is ordered, they need to feel that worship is a pleasant thing – not only an obligation.

2. Worship as a moment of closeness, not pressure

Small children imitate what they see. If they see their parents pray calmly and sincerely, they will be interested. But if worship is always accompanied by anger, screaming, or coercion, then the meaning of worship actually becomes frightening.

Let them join ablution, stand beside us at prayer, even though the movements are not perfect. We are not looking for the perfection of movements, but foster a sense of wanting to be close to God.

3. Tell stories, play, and insert meaning

Children learn the best through fun stories and experiences. Tell me about Rosululloh SAW who woke up at night while crying in prostration, or the story of Bilal who still maintain the call to prayer even though tortured. Help them realize that worship is not just an obligation, but a form of deep love for Allah.

Can also be done through an educational game, a small challenge “Who was the first to wake up for Fajr tomorrow?”, Or a simple reward after they completed the 5 -time prayer with good intentions.

4. Build routine with flexibility and prayer

Each child is different. Some are easily used, some need time. The important thing is consistency, without losing softness. Don’t compare children with other children – focus on the growth of their hearts.

And don’t forget the prayers of parents, because the child’s heart remains in the grip of Allah SWT.

God, make me the values ​​of my prayers and descendants

Meaning: “Yes Robb, make me and my grandchildren who still establish prayers.” (Surah Ibrahim verse 40)

In this verse, Ibrahim’s gratitude statement to Allah was revealed in all his grace. He submits and obeys God, and pray that God makes his offspring always pray, never ignore it a little, pillars and perfect conditions, and it must be perfect for his sunnah with gratitude and delusions.

Prophet Ibrahim ‘Alaihissalam prayed that his offspring always did prayers, because prayers were differentiating between believers and infidels and were the main worship of Allah ordered. People who always do prayers, will be easy for him to do other worship and good deeds.

Prayers can purify the soul and body because prayer can prevent humans from heinous and mungkar acts.
As the Word of Allah SWT:

And the ritual prayer is so that prayers are prohibited from the obstetrics and rejection of God, and the memory of God is the greatest

Meaning: “and practicing prayer. Indeed, prayer prevents (the story) of evil and evil. (Surah Al-‘ankabūt verse 45)

Instilling the love of worship in children is a long -term process. He began with an example, reinforced by dialogue and story, decorated with softness, and supported by prayer. Do not demand instant results, because what we build is not just a routine, but a spiritual bond between the hearts of the child and his Rabb.

If they love worship, they will find light in their lives, even when we are no longer by their side.

God loves when one of you does it to do it.

Meaning: “Indeed, Allah loves if one of you does a job, he perfects it.” (HR. Imam Thobroni)

Hope it is useful. Wallohu a’lam.