When considering what they want to leave behind for their children, many parents focus on tangible goals such as generational wealth, passive income, a paid-off home, a thriving business, or a monetary inheritance. However, there is something far more valuable than financial independence and stability, and that is a foundation of solid faith. Like accrued wealth, a legacy of faith can begin even before a child is born. Imagine a savings account to which you regularly contribute, or a piggy bank that slowly fills with spare change over time. In the same way, every good deed we perform can serve as a deposit toward the spiritual well-being of our children.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“The best of what a man leaves behind are three: a righteous child who supplicates for him, ongoing charity the reward of which reaches him, and knowledge that is acted upon after him.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 237)
From this hadith, we learn exactly what direction to take if we wish to live a meaningful life and leave behind deeds that will continue to benefit us in the Hereafter. Still, leaving a legacy of faith requires intention and planning. Just as financial advisors guide us in managing our wealth, the Qur’an and Sunnah serve as our ultimate guides in planning for lasting spiritual success.
Here are some steps you can take:
1. Set a goal and commit to it.
Whether you are a couple or a single parent, take time to reflect on how you plan to leave a legacy of faith for your child or children. For this crucial first step, your greatest tools are setting the right intention and making abundant duas. Be specific in your supplications: ask Allah for guidance, good health, steadfastness, and the ability to instill a love of the Qur’an and the Deen in your child’s heart. No dua is too much for Allah. Why stop at just your child? Make dua for yourself and your descendants until the Day of Judgment. Ask Allah to keep you all firm upon the Straight Path and to bless you with a meaningful legacy that endures for generations to come.
2. Practice your faith wholeheartedly.
Be the person you want your children to become. In the end, it matters less what you say and more what you do. Your actions will always speak louder than your words. Befriend the Quran and let it become your constant companion. Do not keep your worship private. Pray with your family, make dhikr and dua openly, and play Quran recitation in your home and car. These consistent actions will leave a deep impression on your children.
3. Explore your talents or influence and use them for good.
Each of us is blessed with unique abilities that set us apart from others, and it is up to us to discover and nurture them. Many people worry about finding “the right way” to do dawah, yet opportunities for dawah appear every day in the simplest acts. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said that even a smile can be charity (Al-Muʿjam al-Awsaṭ lil-Ṭabarani 8342). Perhaps your strength lies in your kindness, your hospitality, or your ability to teach and mentor others. Whatever your gift may be, use it for the sake of Allah. Allow your children to see you living with purpose and generosity so that they may be inspired by the person you are, and by the person Allah created you to be.
4. Follow the example of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and the righteous people of the past.
A companion once asked the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, when the Day of Judgment would come. The Prophet replied by asking, “What have you prepared for it?” The man admitted that he had not prepared much but that he loved Allah and His Messenger. To this, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, responded:
“You will be with those whom you love.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 3688)
Anas ibn Malik, who narrated this hadith, said that he and the other companions were overjoyed upon hearing this. Perhaps they doubted their own worthiness for Paradise, but knowing that love for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, could bring them near to him filled them with hope. Likewise, we should strive to love Allah and His Messenger deeply. When we pursue this love and refine our character, that sincerity radiates through our actions and influences our children. They will, in turn, be inspired to become the best versions of themselves.
Allah instructed the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to say:
“Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ ‘If you ˹sincerely˺ love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’” (Qur’an 3:31))
5. Educate your child about their faith.
One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is knowledge of their faith. Provide them with opportunities to learn, enroll them in Islamic classes, attend family study circles, read the Quran and prophetic stories together, and talk openly about belief and worship in daily life. These small, consistent efforts nurture understanding and love for Islam. Most importantly, teach your children how to make dua and help them understand that it is their direct line of communication with Allah. Remind them that even after you are gone, they can always turn to Him for comfort, guidance, and strength. This connection with their Creator will be the firmest anchor of their faith and a continuation of your legacy.
Understand that your primary responsibility as a parent and provider begins with your family. Strive to exhaust every effort in keeping yourself and your children on the path of righteousness by being conscious of Allah and avoiding sin. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:
“O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, overseen by formidable and severe angels, who never disobey whatever Allah orders—always doing as commanded.” (Quran, 66:6)
This verse is a wake-up call for parents to remind us that the ultimate form of care we can offer our loved ones is spiritual protection and guidance. Building a legacy of faith requires intention, effort, and prayer, but its rewards endure far beyond our lifetime. Our investments of sincere belief, worship, good deeds, and excellent character will pay off in the Hereafter. So, what is the best that we can leave for our children? The tools to stay connected to their Creator. Through our own faith and righteous actions, we leave behind not only a lineage but a light that continues to guide generations to come.
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