Islamic Wall Art for a Child's Room or Nursery

The walls of a child's room are among the first things they learn to look at. What hangs there becomes part of their earliest memory of home. Many Muslim parents want that memory to include the words of the Quran and the name of Allah, presented gently and beautifully.

Verses and duas a child can grow into

A dua for knowledge

“So high [above all] is Allah, the Sovereign, the Truth. And, [O Muhammad], do not hasten with [recitation of] the Qur'an before its revelation is completed to you, and say, "My Lord, increase me in knowledge."” (Ta-Ha 20:114)

Rabbi zidni ilma, my Lord, increase me in knowledge, is four words long and easy for a small child to learn. It suits the wall above a desk or bookshelf. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever follows a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise” (Sahih Muslim 2699). Read the verse.

A parent's prayer

“My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous."” (As-Saffat 37:100)

Ibrahim's prayer for a righteous child is a tender choice for a nursery, and a thoughtful gift for new parents. Read the verse.

A verse of wonder

“[He is] Lord of the two sunrises and Lord of the two sunsets.” (Ar-Rahman 55:17)

Verses about the sky, the moon and the sea speak to children's natural curiosity. The Rabbul Mashriqain moon canvas pairs this verse with a painted moon and its English meaning, so a child can read what it says. See also sea, moon and garden in Islamic art.

The first surahs they will memorise

Al-Ikhlas, Al-Kawthar and Al-Asr are short, and most children learn them first. Seeing one on the wall every day helps. Read short surahs as wall art.

Their name in Arabic

A child's name in calligraphy is personal, has no question of placement attached to it, and stays meaningful into adulthood. Preview a name in five styles with the Arabic name generator, browse Arabic name art, and read the Arabic name gift guide.

Learning pieces

A grid of the Names of Allah gives older children something to explore, a few Names at a time. See our guide to 99 Names wall art.

Colours and style

• Soft and calm for sleep. Pale blue, sage, blush, cream and soft grey suit a room where a child must settle at night.
• One bright piece for play. A colourful painting on the wall opposite the bed adds energy without overwhelming.
• Clear lettering. Choose simple, readable script. Children learning to read Arabic will try to read it.
• Something that lasts. Avoid anything too babyish. A well-chosen verse suits a toddler's room and a teenager's equally.

Hanging safely

• Not above the cot or bed. Hang artwork on a wall beside or opposite where the child sleeps, so nothing can fall on them.
• Out of reach. Place it higher than a child standing on the bed or a chair can reach.
• Use proper fixings. Two secure fixings into the wall, not adhesive strips, for anything in a child's room. Read how to hang a canvas painting.
• Prefer canvas without glass. A stretched canvas is light and has nothing to shatter.
• No cords or hanging wires within reach.

Teaching respect along with the art

A verse in a child's room is also a chance to teach how the words of Allah are treated: kept clean, kept high, never thrown or drawn on. Scholars differ on some details of displaying Quranic text in bedrooms; our guide to hanging Quran verses with respect summarises the views, and the bedroom page suggests suitable pieces. If you prefer, a name, a dua in translation, or a purely decorative piece avoids the question.

For a gift to new parents, see Islamic art gifts, or have a name and birth date painted through the custom artwork process.

Sources

• Quran translation: Saheeh International, as shown in the InkByHand Verse Library.
• Sahih Muslim 2699.