These short, traditional prayers and small rituals are used by many parents to soothe an agitated or stubborn child — simple to say, easy to try, and meant to be used alongside care.
If you’re looking for experienced prayers to calm a stubborn or hyperactive child, read on.
Restlessness is unpleasant for the child and can cause distress and later problems for parents. Alongside therapeutic methods and counseling, many families turn to prayer to calm a stubborn child or soothe an irritable child, because believers are reminded that remembering God brings peace to the heart.
For disciplining a defiant child, you can recite the following prayer every day for ten days, ten times each day. It is recommended to begin on Wednesday:
“Yā Mufttīḥa al-abwāb, Yā Musabbiba al-asbāb, Yā Muqalliba al-qulūb wa al-abṣār, wa Yā Mudabbira al-layl wa al-nahār, Yā Dalīla al-mutahayyirīn, Yā Ghiyātha al-mustaghīthīn, Yā Mālika Yaumi al-Dīn. Iyyāka naʿbudu wa iyyāka nastaʿīn. Bi-raḥmatika yā arḥama ar-rāḥimīn.”
Also recite the following prayer for calming a stubborn child and for improving manners, and (optionally) pronounce it over the child’s food:
“Rabbana wa-ijʿalnā muslimayni laka wa min dhurriyyatinā ummah muslimah laka, wa arinā manāsikana wa tub ʿalaynā, innaka anta-t-tawwābu r-raḥīm.”
For encouraging obedience and calm, repeat this invocation three times morning and evening:
“Yā Allāhu, Yā Allāhu, Yā Allāhu; Yā Rabb, Yā Rabb, Yā Rabb; Yā Ḥayy, Yā Qayyūm; Yā Dhāl-jalāl wa al-ikrām, asʾaluka bi-ismika al-ʿaẓīm al-aʿẓam an tarzuqnī rizqan wāsiʿan ḥalālan ṭayyiban bi-raḥmatika yā arḥama ar-rāḥimīn.”
The book Makārim al-Akhlaq offers a supplication to read when anger rises in oneself or another. First send salutations on the Prophet and his family, then recite this prayer to remove anger:
“Allahumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad wa āl Muḥammad. Allahumma ighfir dhanbī wa adhhib ghayẓa qalbī wa ajirnī min ash-shayṭān ar-rajīm. Wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh al-ʿAliyy al-ʿAẓīm.”
Remembering God in any form soothes the heart. Saying the dhikr “Mā shāʾa llāh, lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh al-ʿAliyy al-ʿAẓīm” when facing an irritable child can also have a calming effect.
Allāmeh Ṭabāṭabāʾī (author of Tafsīr al-Mīzān) recommended repeatedly reciting verse 28 of Sūrat ar-Raʿd for calm:
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of God — truly, by the remembrance of God hearts find rest.” (Qur’an, 13:28)
If your child is constantly restless and anxious, you can recite prayers intended to calm hyperactivity and also write selected verses on paper to keep with the child. The following Quranic phrases are mentioned for calming:
“Innaka laʿalā khuluqin ʿaẓīm.” (Sūrat al-Qalam, 68:4)
A selected passage from Sūrat Āl ʿImrān (verse 83 is cited in the source).
For children with ADHD, the text recommends a traditional ritual: write verses 7–9 of Sūrat al-Sajdah on a crystal bowl, wash the bowl with water, divide the water into two parts, add one part to the child’s food and keep the other part in a bottle for the child to drink; wash the child’s face with that water in the morning and repeat for seven days. The article reports that calmness may be observed, God willing.
Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm
“O God, I ask You to grant blessing and tranquillity to active children. O Lord, guide them in their mental and physical growth and help them express their energy in constructive, healthy ways. Grant them joy, focus and patience; help them improve their social skills. By Your mercy, strengthen them to meet challenges and grant them greater understanding and empathy. Grant their parents patience, gratitude and greater awareness, and guide them to find suitable ways to manage their children’s energy and emotions. Be present with these active children in love and compassion, grant them more confidence and dignity, and help teachers and mentors to nurture their talents. Lead their growth and development with guidance; increase their motivation and creativity and support them as they strive toward their goals. I believe in You and trust that You will answer my prayer in the way that is best. You are always my refuge and helper. I send this prayer with the intention of healthy growth and peace for active children.”
Tip |
|---|
Recite the first recommended prayer for ten days, ten times per day; the article suggests starting on Wednesday. |
For obedience and calm, repeat the short invocation three times each morning and evening. |
Use calming verses such as verse 28 of Sūrat ar-Raʿd repeatedly to help with anger and agitation. |
For children with hyperactivity, the traditional seven-day bowl ritual (verses 7–9 of Sūrat al-Sajdah written on a bowl, water divided and used as described) is suggested by the article; use it alongside professional care. |
Combine spiritual practices with professional therapy and counseling — these measures are meant to complement, not replace, clinical care. If unsure, consult a qualified professional. |
