Hijrah Lessons for Kids: 3 Powerful Character Tips
Character Over Calendar: Hijrah Is About Transformation
As we welcome the new Hijri year, many families mark the moment with calendars, resolutions, and maybe a dua or two. But what if we told you the real power of Hijrah isn’t just about marking a date—it’s about transforming your character? At Roots Muslim School, we believe Islamic education isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about forming hearts. And there’s no better time than Muharram to reflect on how the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ wasn’t simply a change in location—it was a model for moral growth. Here are 3 timeless lessons your child (and you!) can take from the Hijrah journey to spark real transformation this new Islamic year.
📖 1. Trust in Allah (Tawakkul) – Even When It’s Dark
In the silence of a cave, while being hunted by enemies, the Prophet ﷺ didn’t panic. Instead, he reminded his companion Abu Bakr, “Allah is with us.”
This is Tawakkul—full, calm trust in Allah, especially when things feel uncertain.
✅ Takeaway for Kids:
Starting a new school year? Nervous about Quran memorization? Teach your child to say, “I don’t have to know everything—Allah will help me try.”
🧠 Classroom Tip: Have kids journal one thing they’re afraid of and write a dua asking Allah for help—building faith through writing.
⏳ 2. Patience in Trials – Growth Takes Time and Pain
Hijrah was not a parade. It meant leaving behind family, home, comfort, and starting over. The Prophet ﷺ and the early Muslims endured hunger, fear, and sadness—but they persevered.
✅ Takeaway for Kids:
Whether it’s struggling with tajweed, learning Arabic, or resolving a conflict—patience (sabr) is your child’s long-term friend.
🧠 Classroom Tip: Share a mini-story of Bilal رضي الله عنه’s patience or a roleplay activity about choosing kindness during hardship.
⚖️ 3. Values Before Victory – The Prophet ﷺ Chose Integrity
Even when it was hard, the Prophet ﷺ never compromised his character. He returned items to their owners before leaving Makkah. He honored the trust of those who rejected him.
✅ Takeaway for Kids:
Remind your child: “Winning” by cheating on a quiz or lying isn’t really winning. Being honest is part of being close to the Prophet ﷺ.
🧠 Classroom Tip: Use a “Truth Jar” in class—students anonymously share a moment they were honest, even when it was hard. Celebrate with mini du’as!
👪 Character Journaling for the Hijri Year
To help students reflect and internalize these lessons, Roots encourages families and educators to introduce a Hijrah Character Journal at home or in class.
Inside, kids can write:
- 📌 A character goal: e.g. “Be more patient with my siblings.”
- 🕊️ A dua they’re making this year
- ✅ One small action they’ll repeat each week
This kind of reflective Islamic education plants seeds of transformation—not just knowledge.
🌟 Final Thought: Hijrah Starts in the Heart
You don’t need a camel or a desert to make Hijrah. You just need a heart ready to change for Allah. So this Muharram, as you flip the calendar—ask:
🔁 What will I leave behind this year?
🌱 What character trait will I grow?
Let’s help our children live the Hijrah—every day.
