Teaching the 99 Names of Allah to Children
One of the most beautiful parts of Islamic teaching is learning about the 99 Names of Allah. Each name reflects one of Allah’s attributes. His mercy, His wisdom, His generosity, His power—and together they help us understand who Allah is and how we can connect with Him in our daily lives.
For children, learning the 99 names can feel overwhelming at first. Ninety-nine is a big number! But when we break it down into meaningful activities, children begin to see the names not just as words to memorize, but as qualities that they can recognize and appreciate in their lives.
Why Teach the 99 Names?
The 99 Names of Allah are more than just a list. They teach children about Allah’s love, protection, and guidance. For example:
Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful): Children can reflect on times when they’ve experienced kindness or forgiveness.
Al-Wadud (The Most Loving): They learn that Allah’s love is greater than any love we can imagine.
Al-Khaliq (The Creator): They can connect this name to the world around them—plants, animals, and even themselves.
When children understand the meaning behind the names, they start to develop a deeper relationship with Allah that goes beyond routine memorization.
Fun Ways to Learn the Names
Hands-on activities make the learning process joyful. Crafts like a 99 Names Tree (with leaves representing each name) or 99 Names Raindrops (where each drop carries a name) help children see the names come together in a larger picture. These visuals also make wonderful classroom displays and reminders at home.
Make it stand out
Other ideas include:
Singing nasheeds with the names
Matching games with meanings
Journaling about which names resonate most with them
Storytelling that highlights Allah’s attributes in action
Building a Lifelong Connection
Ultimately, introducing children to the 99 Names of Allah is about building a foundation of love and awe for Allah. It’s not just about remembering the names—it’s about recognizing Allah’s presence in every part of life. When children grow up knowing that Allah is Ar-Razzaq (The Provider), Al-Hafiz (The Protector), and As-Sami’ (The All-Hearing), they carry that faith with them through challenges, growth, and new experiences.
Teaching the 99 Names is a gift—for both children and adults. It’s a reminder of who Allah is, and an invitation to keep turning back to Him with love, hope, and trust.