Attach each of these three Islamic words to a moment that already happens every day: “Assalamu Alaikum” when you greet each other, “Bismillah” before eating and “Alhamdulillah” afterwards. Say the words yourself first, keep them short and happy, and let your child join in at their own pace.
The three Islamic words at a glance
- Bismillah (In the name of Allah): said before starting something good, especially eating.
- Assalamu Alaikum (Peace be upon you), with the reply Wa Alaikum Assalam (And upon you be peace): the greeting.
- Alhamdulillah (All praise and thanks belong to Allah): said to thank Allah, especially after eating and drinking.
Morning
- Waking up: greet your child with a soft “Assalamu Alaikum” and wait for the reply.
- Breakfast: “Bismillah” before the first bite, “Alhamdulillah” at the end.
- Getting dressed: “Bismillah” before putting on shoes, as in the Bismillah Song.
Daytime
- Snacks and drinks: the same “Bismillah” and “Alhamdulillah” pattern.
- Coming home: whoever comes through the door greets everyone inside.
- Video calls: let your child open the call with salam.
- Play: teddies can greet each other and say “Bismillah” before their pretend picnic.
Evening and bedtime
- Dinner: the familiar mealtime pattern, ideally eaten together.
- Bedtime: name one good thing from the day and say “Alhamdulillah” together.
- Story time: “Bismillah” before opening the book.
Ways your child can take part
- Listening: hearing the words at the same moments each day.
- Joining in: saying them with you.
- Saying the phrase: using a word at the right moment, with or without a reminder.
- Practising through play: using the words with teddies, or in the game below.
You might start with one word, often at mealtimes, and add the others when it feels settled.
Family activity: Which Word?
About 2 minutes
- Sit together and say, “Let’s play Which Word?”
- Act out a moment: sitting down to eat, knocking on a door, or finishing a drink.
- Your child calls out the matching word: “Bismillah!”, “Assalamu Alaikum!” or “Alhamdulillah!”
- Swap, so your child acts and you guess.
- Use the right word for real at the next meal or visitor.
Songs for each word
Each of the three Islamic words has its own Little Deen Stars song and two-minute activity: the Bismillah Song, Learn to Say Salam and the Alhamdulillah Song. All three are in the Little Deen Stars children’s library. For more on each word, read our guides on how to teach your toddler to say Bismillah, teaching children to say Assalamu Alaikum and teaching children to say Alhamdulillah.
A day of little words does not need to be perfect. The aim is a warm family rhythm in which these Islamic words are heard often and said together at everyday moments.
Questions parents ask
What if we miss a day?
That is fine. The aim is a warm family habit, not a perfect record. Meals, greetings and bedtime come round again every day, so there is always another chance to use the words together.
Which word should we start with?
Mealtimes are a practical place to begin, because they happen several times a day. Start with “Bismillah” before eating, add “Alhamdulillah” at the end of the meal, and then “Assalamu Alaikum” when someone comes home.
Do grandparents and other carers need to say the words too?
It helps when the adults around your child use the same words at the same moments. A quick chat with grandparents, a childminder or older brothers and sisters means your child hears one familiar pattern wherever they are.
Share an idea
What would you like Hashim and Ayesha to learn next? Parents and carers can tell us using the Little Deen Stars suggestion form.
Sources
- Sahih al-Bukhari 5376, via Sunnah.com.
- Sahih Muslim 2734a, via Sunnah.com.
The steps and games in this guide are suggestions for families, not religious rulings.
