Parenting Perspective 

Children frequently equate the concept of strength with dominance—the loudest voice, the highest score, or the person who definitively ‘wins.’ Yet, genuine strength is rarely loud; it manifests itself in restraint, inner composure, and quiet confidence. Stories are one of the most powerful and effective ways to fundamentally redefine the meaning of strength in the heart of a child. When you share thoughtful tales of calm courage, you teach them that might without accompanying mercy is ultimately weakness in disguise. 

The Story of Prophet Yusuf (A.S.): Strength in Forgiveness 

Tell your child the profound account of how Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) rose from betrayal and enslavement to a position of immense power. When his brothers stood before him, overcome with shame and fear, he possessed the authority to utterly humiliate them. Instead, he simply declared, ‘No blame upon you today.’ Explain that this single, quiet sentence displayed a spiritual strength far greater than any earthly throne or army. Forgiving when one holds the absolute power to punish is the quietest, yet strongest, form of victory. 

The Story of Prophet Dawud (A.S.): Strength in Remembrance 

Remind them how Prophet Dawud (peace be upon him), despite being both a great king and a powerful warrior, consistently spent his nights in humble worship and his days in sincere service. His outward power and authority did not, in any way, drown his inner humility. The man who spoke softly to Allah Almighty while in prayer commanded armies yet chose to perpetually bow in gratitude. This teaches that true strength demands balance—authority in worldly matters, submission in spiritual ones. 

The Story of Prophet Muhammad `ﷺ`: Strength in Patience 

Share the deeply poignant moment when the holy Prophet Muhammad `ﷺ` entered Makkah as a conqueror. He did not raise his voice, demand swift revenge, or boast of his triumph. Instead, he modestly lowered his head in humility, immediately forgiving those who had relentlessly persecuted and harmed him for years. Tell your child, ‘True strength is not about making others feel small; it is about choosing to establish profound peace when you could easily demonstrate overwhelming power.’ 

Modern Echoes of Quiet Strength 

Add meaningful, real life parallels that your child can directly relate to. Speak of the student who quietly keeps studying after a public failure, the friend who maintains kindness under intense teasing, or the teacher who forgives mistakes without shaming the individual. Use these small, human examples to show that strength is holding an inner calm when noise, chaos, or anger surrounds you. 

Modelling Gentle Firmness 

Children absorb your emotional tone much faster than they process your actual words. When you consciously remain composed during a family conflict or correction, they learn an invaluable lesson: that silence can often hold far more power than shouting or aggressive noise. Let your deliberate actions become the story they deeply remember—actions that are steady, not soft; patient, not passive. 

A micro action: once a week, share a ‘quiet strength’ moment that occurred within your family—a brief story, a shared memory, or even something that happened just that day. Encourage your child to reflect on how calm courage reliably changes negative outcomes more effectively than loud, reactive behaviour. 

Spiritual Insight 

The noble Quran consistently reveals that strength in faith comes not from outward, forceful display, but from immense, internal self control. Patience (sabr), forgiveness (‘afw), and deep restraint are consistently praised as the ultimate signs of real power and mastery. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran in Surah Al Shuraa (42), Verse 43: 

‘And for the person who is patient and forgiving, indeed, (these acts are derived from) higher moral determination.‘ 

This verse significantly elevates true restraint as the highest form of willpower. It assures believers that forgiveness and patience are not signs of inherent weakness but of deep, resolute inner command. When a child learns that true calmness requires tremendous courage, they begin to deeply respect quiet composure over external display. 

It is recorded in Sahih al Bukhari, Hadith 6114, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong man is not the one who can overpower others. The strong man is the one who controls himself when angry.’ 

This Hadith draws the clear, essential line between mere force and profound inner strength. It teaches that mastery of the self is mightier and more commendable than mastery over others. For children, this realisation transforms their entire idea of success—shifting their focus from seeking external control to diligently building powerful inner control. 

When stories of prophets and ordinary heroes who exhibited this quiet strength fill their imagination, arrogance loses its powerful appeal. They begin to see clearly that quiet, humble hearts move and influence the world far more deeply than loud, demanding voices. Strength, in its truest, most refined form, whispers where pride shouts—and it is precisely that quiet whisper that successfully earns both lasting respect from people and enduring reward from Allah Almighty.