Children’s Questions
It is well understood that children in their formative years are eager to learn and explore the world around them. They often express this curiosity through questions about various matters that puzzle them. Among these inquiries, those related to faith and beliefs hold particular significance, necessitating careful and thoughtful responses from parents. This is crucial for nurturing a child’s spiritual and religious upbringing. Parents serve as the primary source of knowledge that children seek, which underscores the importance of responsible parenting for the well-being of the next generation. As highlighted by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Each of you is a shepherd and responsible for his flock; the leader is a shepherd and responsible for his subjects; a man is a shepherd in his family and responsible for his household; a woman is a shepherd in her husband’s house and responsible for her flock…”.
Who is God?
Parents should consider discussing this question with their child before the child poses it. The answer should include explaining the signs of Allah’s presence in the universe. For instance, you might ask, “Who created the sky?” or “Who created humans?” Emphasize that the creator of these wonders is Allah, and illustrate how it is implausible that these elements could exist without a creator by encouraging them to observe the sky together.
Does God have a shape like humans?
The appropriate response is to inform the child that Allah is incomparable; He does not resemble any of His creations. If the child inquires about seeing God, explain that while we cannot see Him in this world, we will have the opportunity to see Him in the hereafter, with His permission.
Does Allah have hands and feet like humans?
Clarify to the child that the human mind is limited and cannot comprehend the essence of Allah. Therefore, discussions about Allah’s nature should be based on religious texts rather than human intellect or imagination.
Who created Allah?
Responses can include several key points:
- Explain the creations of Allah, such as the sky, earth, sun, and other beings, prompting the child to contemplate these wonders.
- Clarify that Allah is the creator and not a created being, as one of His attributes is being the (Creator), exalted be He.
- Discuss the Surah Al-Ikhlas, which states: {Say, “He is Allah, One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.”} This Surah provides clear evidence that Allah is uncreated and neither gives birth nor is born. Reference interpretations, such as those from Ibn Kathir, to further elaborate.
- Pose the question, “Who created you?” The child will likely answer, “Allah created me,” helping them understand that the creator does not require a creator themselves.
Where did Allah come from?
Provide clarity on this question by referencing Surah Al-Ikhlas, supported by established interpretations.
How old is Allah?
Respond to this query by explaining to the child that Allah does not possess age in the human sense, as He is the creator and does not perish.
Is Allah male or female?
It is essential to guide the child’s thoughts away from such classifications and redirect their focus to the creation of humanity, which includes both male and female. The concepts of masculinity and femininity apply solely to created beings and do not pertain to the Creator.
Does Allah have a beginning or an end?
Allah, exalted be He, is the First and the Last, qualities attributed to Him with no beginning or end.
What is the evidence of Allah’s existence?
Encourage the child to reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the creation of humans in their finest form as evidence of Allah’s presence.
What is Allah’s power?
Allah’s power is limitless; He is capable of all things.
How do we believe in Allah’s existence?
The explanation is quite straightforward: illustrate that the heavens, earth, humans, and all created beings could not exist independently; there must be a creator, which is Allah. We believe in this because the universe itself reveals His presence.
Does Allah hear, see, and speak like us?
Allah, exalted be He, hears and sees, but not like humans do; such aspects remain known only to Allah.
Where is Allah?
Allah is present in the heavens.
How does Allah see us when we cannot see Him?
Explain that human sight in this world is limited, and we cannot withstand the sight of Allah in our current existence.
How does Allah observe all our actions? How can He monitor everyone?
Monitoring is one of Allah’s attributes; just as He created humans, He is fully capable of observing them.
How can Allah see all the people when there are so many?
Allah is the creator of humans and all beings, granting Him the ability to perceive all of His creations.
If Allah loves us, why aren’t we with Him?
One possible answer is to explain that we are required to worship Allah on earth, demonstrating our devotion through fasting, prayer, seeking forgiveness, reciting the Quran, and engaging in other acts of worship.
What are angels?
Angels are creations of Allah that we do not know or see.
How many angels are there?
The number of angels is immense, beyond anyone’s ability to count, except Allah. Some well-known angels include Gabriel, Michael, and Malik, among others.
What is paradise like? How is it described?
Paradise can be described to children in relatable terms, conveying its joyful attributes. For example, you can tell them that in paradise, we will be happy, free from fatigue and illness, and we will see Allah and the prophets, peace be upon them.