“Prophet Ibrahim (as) is my best friend!” exclaimed a three-year-old. What made a child so young proclaim love for someone he has never ever seen or met? His mother’s heartfelt stories about Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) courage, strength, and love.

This Eid ul Adha, let’s go beyond stories and facts to spark a deep, personal connection with Prophet Ibrahim (as) in our children. As parents, we can intentionally nurture this bond, deepening our own love for Allah and His messengers along the way.

Here are three ways to make Prophet Ibrahim (as) a beloved figure in your child’s heart:

1. Highlight Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) Beautiful Relationship with Allah:

Prophet Ibrahim (as) had such an extraordinary relationship with Allah that He declared:

“And Allah took Ibraham as a close friend.” (Surah Nisa 4:125)

Subhan Allah! Just imagine the position Ibrahim (as) holds in Allah’s eyes! The Lord and Creator of the heavens and earth called him not just a friend, but a close friend.

While sharing his story, highlight everything that reflects this strong bond. How Prophet Ibrahim (as) talked to Allah like a close friend – asking questions, making heartfelt duas and sharing his worries. How he trusted Allah completely and loved Him so much he was willing to sacrifice everything for His sake.

Reflect on the following ahadith in light of Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) story and explain to them that we can also earn Allah’s love and draw closer to Him by following the example of Prophet Ibrahim (as).

“Allah said, ‘I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him (i.e., the obligatory); and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (Refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My Refuge).”  – Sahih Bukhari: 6502

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “If Allah loves a person, He calls Gabriel, saying, ‘Allah loves so and so, O Gabriel love him’ So Gabriel would love him and then would make an announcement in the Heavens: ‘Allah has loved so and-so therefore you should love him also.’ So all the dwellers of the Heavens would love him, and then he is granted the pleasure of the people on the earth.” – Sahih Bukhari: 7485

Try This:

• Encourage kids to talk to Allah the way Prophet Ibrahim (as) did.
• Discuss ways to increase in love for Allah.

2. Show Them His Soft and Loving Nature:

This is how Allah describes Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) character in the Quran:

“Truly, Ibraham was forbearing, tender-hearted, and ever turning ˹to his Lord˺.” (Surah Hud 11:75)

Help your children see Prophet Ibrahim (as) not as a distant historical figure, but as someone with a heart full of love. Someone they can relate to and admire.

• As a son, he was respectful and caring toward his father, even when his father rejected the truth. (the passage from Surah Maryam shows us this love)
• As a husband, he was loving and protective of his wives (remember when he went to Egypt with Sarah and how he left Hajar and Ismail with a heavy heart and made duas for them which have been preserved in the Quran)
• As a father, he desperately wanted children and cherished them when Allah blessed him.
• As a prophet, he worried for the guidance of his people around him, and felt genuine pain when he learned about the punishment coming to Prophet Lut’s (as) people.

And most importantly, Prophet Ibrahim (as) loved us too! Prophet Ibrahim (as) built the Kaaba for future generations and made duas for us. It was in response to his heartfelt prayer that Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to guide us.

Try This:

• Discuss ways in which we can adopt Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) loving character.

3. Introduce Prophet Ibrahim (as) as Family:

Just as we share stories about grandparents to help children love them, introduce Prophet Ibrahim (as) as their forefather. Allah himself called him this:

“Strive for ˹the cause of˺ Allah in the way He deserves, for ˹it is˺ He ˹Who˺ has chosen you, and laid upon you no hardship in the religion – the way of your forefather Abraham.” (Surah Hajj 22:78)

We repeat and affirm our relationship with him every morning and evening through the duas Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us:

If age-appropriate, you could also share with them how Prophet Ibrahim (as) takes care of all the children who die before reaching adulthood. They are with their forefather in Jannah! (Sahih Bukhari:7047) 

Try This:

• Children, especially younger ones, love imitating their parents. Encourage them to be like their spiritual father, Prophet Ibrahim (as)!

Ready to inspire this love in your children? Start with Luqmay’s beautiful stories about Prophet Ibrahim (as). Use them as springboards for the heart-to-heart conversations that build lasting connections.

The Unusual Sacrifice – A Web Story

Prophet Ibrahim (as) and the Fire

Prophet Ismail’s (as) Sacrifice