My child is scared of the dark. What can I do from an Islamic point of view?

Question

Bloomtivo Academy · Accepted Answer

Combine comfort with a bedtime routine of protection: recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas together, then Ayat al-Kursi, and say “Allah is with you and the angels are looking after you.” A small night light is completely fine. Avoid scary stories about jinn at bedtime, and stay a few minutes until your child settles. Fear of the dark is very common between about 3 and 8. Islam gives children something powerful to hold on to: the feeling that Allah is protecting them.A 5-minute protection routineWudu before bed, if your child is old enough.The three Quls: blow into the hands, recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, then wipe over the body, three times. The Prophet ﷺ did this every night (Sahih al-Bukhari 5017).Ayat al-Kursi: the Prophet ﷺ taught that whoever recites it at bedtime has a guardian from Allah through the night (Sahih al-Bukhari 2311). Recite it for your child if they do not know it yet.The sleeping dua: بِاسْمِكَ اللّٰهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا.Words that comfort“Allah can see you even in the dark, and He is looking after you.”“You said Ayat al-Kursi, so you are protected all night.”“Mummy and Daddy are just in the next room.”Practical stepsDoAvoidA dim night lightScary stories about jinn or monsters at bedtimeDoor slightly openLaughing at the fearStay 5 minutes, then check in after 10Screens in the last hour before bedWhen to seek helpIf fear stops your child sleeping for weeks, or causes panic, speak to your GP or health visitor.Teacher’s tip: let your child recite the last Qul themselves once they know it. Saying the protection with their own voice gives them a real sense of control.Related: Duas before sleeping.

Do	Avoid
A dim night light	Scary stories about jinn or monsters at bedtime
Door slightly open	Laughing at the fear
Stay 5 minutes, then check in after 10	Screens in the last hour before bed

My child is scared of the dark. What can I do from an Islamic point of view?

A 5-minute protection routine

Words that comfort

Practical steps

When to seek help

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