Parents naturally seek to protect their children from harm and difficulties. In Islam, parents can seek Allah’s protection through dua, remembrance, and legitimate ruqyah while also taking practical measures to keep children safe.
Among the most important prophetic practices is the supplication the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to protect Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn, may Allah be pleased with them.
The Prophet’s Dua for Protecting Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn
It was reported that the Prophet ﷺ would seek protection for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn by saying:
“U‘idhukuma bikalimatillahi at-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa hammatin wa min kulli ‘aynin lammah.”
The supplication asks Allah to protect them through His perfect words from every devil, harmful creature, and harmful or envious eye.
When making the supplication for one child, the wording can be adjusted according to the child being addressed.
A Dua for Protecting Children From Harm
Parents may also make a lawful supplication such as:
“U‘idhuka bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq.”
The parent may ask Allah to protect the child from the harm of what He has created.
The essential belief is that protection ultimately comes from Allah, while dua and remembrance are among the means a Muslim takes.
Protecting Children With Ayat al-Kursi
Ayat al-Kursi is one of the greatest verses of the Quran and is among the Quranic passages Muslims regularly recite as part of their remembrance, particularly before sleep.
Parents can gradually teach their children to recite Ayat al-Kursi themselves and encourage them to develop the habit of remembering Allah.
Protecting Children With the Three Short Surahs
Important Quranic surahs for regular remembrance include:
- Surah Al-Ikhlas.
- Surah Al-Falaq.
- Surah An-Nas.
These surahs are part of established morning and evening remembrance and are also recited before sleep, with the number of repetitions varying according to the specific Sunnah for each occasion.
Parents can recite these surahs over their children and gradually teach them to recite them independently.
Is Ruqyah Allowed for Children?
Yes. Legitimate ruqyah is permissible for children when it consists of Quranic verses and lawful supplications and is free from prohibited expressions or beliefs that contradict Islamic monotheism.
Ruqyah is a means, while benefit, harm, and ultimate protection are all in Allah’s hands.
Is Dua Alone Enough to Protect Children?
Dua and remembrance are among the means of seeking protection by Allah’s permission, but they should not replace practical measures that protect children.
Parents should combine dua and legitimate ruqyah with proper supervision, safety measures, education, and appropriate care for their children’s well-being.
Dua When Entrusting Children to Allah
A commonly used supplication when saying goodbye to children is:
“Astawdi‘ukumullaha alladhi la tadi‘u wada’i‘uhu.”
It carries a good meaning and may be used as a general supplication when entrusting someone to Allah. However, parents should continue to take practical measures to protect their children while relying upon Allah.
How Can I Protect My Children Every Day?
Parents can establish a simple daily routine of remembrance by:
- Teaching children the morning and evening adhkar.
- Encouraging them to recite Ayat al-Kursi before sleeping.
- Teaching them Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas.
- Making lawful supplications for their protection.
- Teaching children to rely upon Allah and seek His help.
- Taking practical steps to keep them safe at home and outside.
The goal is to combine sincere reliance upon Allah with dua, remembrance, and responsible care.
What is a recommended dua for protecting children?
One of the well-known prophetic supplications is: “U‘idhukuma bikalimatillahi at-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa hammatin wa min kulli ‘aynin lammah.”
Can I recite the three short surahs over my children?
Yes. Parents may recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas over their children and teach them to recite these surahs themselves when they are able.
Does Ayat al-Kursi protect children?
Ayat al-Kursi is among the important Quranic verses used in daily remembrance, and parents can teach children to recite it, especially before sleep.
Is legitimate ruqyah permissible for children?
Yes. Ruqyah using Quranic verses and lawful supplications is permissible, provided it avoids prohibited expressions and practices.
Is there a dua that guarantees protection from everything?
It is not appropriate to claim that a particular dua guarantees that a child will experience no harm whatsoever. Protection is ultimately from Allah, while dua, remembrance, ruqyah, and practical safety measures are all legitimate means.
