Why children's books are the new 'go-to' to teach your child Islam!
Assalamualykum & G'Day
- Choose Diverse Books
When you’re looking to ‘up your game’ in teaching your child Islam with books, step one is picking the right ones! Try to find children’s books that feature many different characters, cultures, and places within the Muslim community. This way, your child can see that there’s a whole bunch of different types of Muslims out there, just like in real life. Plus, it’ll help them understand and empathise with all kinds of people.
The award-winning book “From Here to There” by Larissa Olinda (author) and Herry Prihamdani (illustrator) is such a fun and relatable example of different cultures coming together. It explores the cultural differences between a boy’s Saudi dad and Brazillian mum and how Allah SWT brought them together.
Read this story with your little one and discuss how Allah SWT brought your family together, your cultural differences and similarities.
2. Explore Islamic Events
Ramadan and Hajj are two beautiful, and significant times in the Islamic year. Rather than getting your kids to learn about them through textbooks at school, get them in the spirit by cuddling over a Ramadan or Hajj-themed story. You’d be surprised how much they can learn insha’Allah!
“A Cat Like Me! A Fun Hajj Tale” by Emma L. Halim (oh wait, that’s me! moo cha cha! 😁) is an award-winning book that follows a cheeky cat named Bissa, who explains what happens on the Hajj. From making dua for a yellow backpack to enjoying an Eid party, this book will take your child on a complete Hajj from beginning to end.
Enjoy giggling over this story while discussing what they learned about Hajj and what they could share about others inshaAllah.
For older kids, you can’t go past the “Stories of 20 Mighty Muslim Heroes” by award-winning author Tamara Haq. It’s an excellent book highlighting Muslim role models for our children, Alhamdulillah. Insha’Allah, it will inspire them to become a strong example for others.
4. Create a Reading Routine
This may sound like a strange category in teaching your kid Islam, but consistency is key when it comes to teaching through books. Establish a regular reading routine, whether it’s bedtime stories, weekend reading sessions, or a dedicated reading corner in your home. Having a routine not only fosters a love for reading but also provides a structured opportunity to introduce Islamic values through literature.
5. Visit Libraries and Book Stores
Expand your child’s exposure to Islamic literature by visiting libraries and bookstores that carry a wide range of children’s books. Allow them to explore and select books that pique their interest, but always be there to guide them on appropriateness. This empowers them to take an active role in their learning journey. Community Islamic libraries are also popping up around the place, so this would be a great place to start inshaAllah.
Teaching our children about Islam is an Amanat, something we are entrusted to do. By putting the above points into practice, we can inshaAllah help build our children’s Iman and Islamic knowledge and grow into confident Muslims full of compassion.
Where to from here?
Check out the mentioned books to get started insha’Allah!
“From Here and There” – Larissa Olinda (Author), Herry Prihamdani (Illustrator)
“A Cat Like Me! A Fun Hajj Tale” – Emma L. Halim (Author), Aissa Mutiara (Illustrator)
“I’m-a-Try” – Emma L. Halim (Author), Ayun Sekar (Illustrator)
“20 Mighty Muslim Heroes” – Tamara Haque (Author), Trisha Bose (Illustrator), Ghada Ezzat (Illustrator), Soundos Rezig (Illustrator)
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