As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
As Ramadan inches closer, families worldwide prepare in different ways; some make it a point to memorize the Holy Quran, while others read Ramadan-themed books. Some parents sit down with children to learn more about the obligations of the Holy Month, like Sadaqah and its significance during Ramadan.
A vital component of our Ibaadah this month is Dua. Read on as we discuss how parents can teach their children all about it.
Psst…if you still have some Eid gift shopping to do, we have 10 of the top trending Eid gifts for kids right here!
As Muslims, Allah SWT blesses us to communicate with Him directly. He SWT allows this primarily through our five daily prayers and through Dua. Dua is a supplication or an invocation that one makes with Allah SWT at any time or place and in any condition and for anything one desires. The word Dua دعاء has several possible meanings. Essentially, dua can mean:
Irrespective of how you choose to call on Allah SWT, dua is a remarkable mercy that Allah SWT bestows upon us.
The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said,
“Dua is worship” (Abu Dawud)
The essence of making dua is to strengthen our bond with Allah SWT, the controller of all affairs. Teaching kids to call upon Allah SWT has a strong positive impact on their overall personality development. Some of them are:
Build a strong relationship with Allah: Regular Dua helps children nurture a connection with Allah SWT and know that He is always present with them.
Develop patience and gratitude: Making Dua fosters a sense of Sabr or patience in children for the things they long for and a feeling of gratitude or Shukr for the answered duas.
Nurture emotional stability: Children who know how to make dua are less likely to be overwhelmed in difficult situations and can handle their emotions more effectively than those who don’t lean into the power of dua.
Develop compassion for others: When kids don't know what they can do for others in trouble, the best way to align the fitrah (natural disposition) of compassion and care in children is to encourage them to make dua for others.
Promote reflection and mindfulness: Dua is an effective tool that urges children to sit down with their feelings and introspect on their actions. Dua also helps kids to be present and mindful in the moment of conversing with Allah SWT.
Create a sense of comfort during difficult times: Through dua and supplications, children can feel a sense of relief, comfort, and assurance when they face challenging tasks in their day-to-day routines.
Like with everything else that we teach our kids when it comes to dua, it is best to lead by example. Let your kids see you harnessing the power of dua in your daily routine. A simple “Alhamdulillah” when you hear something positive is enough to inspire children to do the same.
Consider teaching kids duas from the Quran and Sunnah. Start off with simple ones for protection, health, and guidance, and add more as they grow.
Reading books of dua and creating a dua journal together can be positive reinforcements for children learning to make dua a consistent part of their lives.
Children should be encouraged to make dua for any and everything. It can be as small as a dua for reaching a destination on time or help for ease on a school test. Let them rely on dua to express their worries, fears, wishes, and feelings without hesitation.
In one hadith, Prophet Muhammad PBUH advises us by saying, “Ask your Lord for everything that you need, even a lace for your shoe if it breaks.”
Let this be the guiding principle for your kids to make dua.
Ramadan is the perfect time to incorporate a habit of daily dua into your child’s routine. Here are some hacks you can try together as a family this month to maximize the chances of it being answered.
Make Dua after every Salah: Make sure to sit down with your kids after every fardh Salah whenever possible and make dua as angels ask for forgiveness as long as we sit on the musallah. (Bukhari)
Make Dua before Breaking of Fast or Iftar: A Hadith states that the dua of a fasting person when he breaks his fast is exceptionally potent. Encourage your children to join you at the iftar table and pray even if they aren’t fasting yet.
Make Dua during and after Taraweeh: Taraweeh is a special Salah that happens only during Ramadan. Visiting your local mosques to pray Taraweeh is a beautiful way to strengthen Islamic values in children. Make sure to teach them that making dua in Taraweeh is highly recommended.
Make Dua in Tahajjud: The time of Tahajjud is one of the most sacred times to make dua. This Ramadan, children who are old enough to be woken up for Fajr Salah can join you in Tahajjud and couple the power of the blessed month and the blessed part of the night as they make their supplications to Allah SWT.
Make Dua during the last ten nights and Laylatul Qadr: The last ten nights of Ramadan are among the best of the year. Duas made on Laylatul Qadr are witnessed by angels and rewarded immensely. This Ramadan, make it a point to introduce your children to this tremendous night.
Make Dua for others: When we make dua for others, the angels reply with the same for us. Therefore, always encourage your kids to make duas for their family and loved ones and for Muslims around the world.
Where there is a child making dua, at times, there’s bound to be disappointment for unanswered duas. Here is how you can tackle innocent questions that your kids may pose:
Allah SWT loves to hear us ask of him. He is more eager to grant us our dua than we are to ask it. In a hadith, the Prophet PBUH says,
“There is no Muslim who makes dua in which there is no sin or severing of ties of kinship, but Allah will give him one of three things in return for it: either what he asked for will be given to him, or reward will be stored for him in the Hereafter or an equivalent evil will be diverted from him.”
(Narrated by Ahmad, 10749; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 2199 )
In short, explain to your kids that the answer to our duas can be one of the following:
Allah’s SWT wisdom is far beyond our understanding. Our duas never go unanswered, so we must always stay optimistic and trust Allah SWT listens to us and responds with what is best for us.
With this, we pray that the month of Ramadan is a fruitful one where we can come closer to Allah SWT with our prayers and duas. Crescent Moon Bookstore wishes you a blessed Ramadan and Eid 2024.
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As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
As Ramadan inches closer, families worldwide prepare in different ways; some make it a point to memorize the Holy Quran, while others read Ramadan-themed books, and others sit down with children to learn more about the obligations of the Holy Month.
A vital obligation of Ramadan is Charity or Sadaqah. Read on as we discuss how parents can teach their children all about it.
Psst…if you still have some Eid gift shopping to do, we have 10 of the top trending Eid gifts for kids right here!
In literal terms, Sadaqah means “righteousness” or “goodness.” In modern days, Sadaqah has come to signify an act of kindness or a virtuous deed that one does for the sake of Allah SWT without the expectation of receiving anything back.
Sadaqah or charity is an extremely rewarding act in the eyes of Allah SWT, and it comes from what we rightfully possess.
When asked about the reward for Sadaqah, the Prophet PBUH said,
“Many times, much and more still with Allah SWT.”
The Sahaba and the Sahabiyat of the Prophet PBUH were known to be among the most generous in giving Sadaqah. Read more about some of the best men and women who lived in the company of the Prophet PBUH.
Sadaqah differs from the annual obligatory charity that we give, i.e Zakat. While Zakat is calculated based on our earnings and assets, Sadaqah can be as small or as large as wish. While Zakat can be given only to a special section of our community, the recipients of your Sadaqah can be anyone from your family or friends or even plants and animals!
Primarily, there are two types of Sadaqah.
Protects us from harm: The Prophet PBUH said, “Sadaqah extinguishes sins just like water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)
Erases our sins: My father died and left behind property without making any will regarding it. Would he be relieved of the burden of his sins if I gave Sadaqah on his behalf? The Prophet PBUH said: Yes. (Sahih Muslim)
Sadaqah strengthens our faith: Giving to those in need weakens the ego and purifies our ‘self,’ or the Nafs.
Eternal rewards for the giver: The rewards of Sadaqah Jariyah or ceaseless charity continue even after one passes away. (Riyad As Saliheen)
If you were a little late to jump on the New Year Resolutions wagon, fret not! Ramadan is the best time to begin new family traditions. By doing so, parents can boost Islamic values and strengthen bonds within the family unit, something that is much needed today. Here are 5 simple ways that can encourage your children to partake in Sadaqah every day this year in Ramadan!
Sadaqah jariyah or the ‘ongoing charity,’ refers to the acts that keep giving even after they are done. And a prime example of this would be the teaching of knowledge. Sharing knowledge is a Sadaqah such that the one who taught it continues to receive its rewards for as long as the one who learned it practices the knowledge and shares it with others.
Take this year’s Ramadan as an opportunity to teach your children the Holy Quran as a means of Sadaqah jariyah and encourage them to teach it to their little siblings to keep the circle growing!
It is highly encouraged that we give our Sadaqah from the best of what we have. In this regard, discuss with your kids what they would like to donate to those in need. This Ramadan, they can decide to keep away a portion of their gently used possessions to share with others in need.
Having a Sadaqah box where kids are encouraged to drop in some money from time to time is a wonderful way for them to learn to make allocations for the needy from the money they receive in the form of gifts, pocket money, or rewards. The Sadaqah Box is designed specifically for kids to learn more about charity and sharing. You can click here to buy it at Crescent Moon Bookstore.
Sadaqah is not limited to giving away material possessions. A hadith mentions that Sadaqah is due on every joint of our body every day of our lives. This includes reconciling two people, helping someone by carrying their load, feeding a hungry person, offering water to the thirsty, removing an obstacle from the path of others, or just cheering someone up with a few good words and a smile.
The best way to teach children the Sadaqah of the body is to practice it ourselves. By being exemplary in our behavior towards our family and others, we can inspire children to do the same. This Ramadan, intend to exert yourself in doing as much Sadaqah as you can and encourage your kids to do it too!
Involve your children when you participate in acts of Sadaqah jariyah, like building a water well or contributing towards the building of a mosque. Do it with the intention of seeking not only Allah's SWT pleasure but also showing your children the goodness that comes out of ongoing charity. Ramadan is the perfect time to maximize the benefits you can reap from your Sadaqah!
Teaching our children about the virtues of Sadaqah done with the intention of pleasing Allah SWT can open the doors of Jannah for us and for our coming generations. How have you taught your kids about it? Drop a comment and let us know!
]]>Yes, Eid is right around the corner, and believe us when we say that planning for children’s Eid presents beforehand can save a truckload of chaos. It is also beneficial to order Eid gifts in advance so you can prioritize the month of fasting and prayer without compromising on our traditions of Eid gifting. And Hey! Who said you had to wait till Eid to give presents? Many families love to exchange tokens of love during Ramadan! Read on as we unravel ten top trending Eid gifts for kids in 2024!
As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
As Ramadan inches closer, families worldwide prepare in different ways; some make it a point to memorize the Holy Quran, while others read Ramadan-themed books, and others sit down with children to learn more about the obligations of the Holy Month. That said, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of Eid gifting!
The Washable Ramadan Coloring Silicone Placemat is one Eid gift for which parents will thank you! This coloring placemat is designed to enhance fine motor skills in children and features beautiful Islamic imagery surrounding a central Ramadan day counter. Kids can fill in the silicone coloring sheet with the four washable markers included in the kit. The best part about this Eid gift by Amasi decor is that kids can wipe it clean and color it in countless times! The coloring placemat comes with a pouch, making it easy to carry to Iftar meet-ups or the Taraweeh salah! Click here to buy it at Crescent Moon Bookstore today!
This string art kit will surely excite the craft-loving kiddos who thrive off the mental stimulation it provides. This cutesy DIY string art kit comes with one crescent art board, one lantern art board, colored strings, gem stickers, and holders, and is perfect for kids aged 10 and up. With some parental assistance, those under ten can also enjoy this creative Eid gift kit. Buy it today at Crescent Moon Bookstore!
Little Muslim Craft Corner brings us a unique and fun perler bead craft kit to wow kids this Eid! Each boxed set has five perler bead templates with various Islamic concepts to create fun and crafty charms. The Perler Bead Craft Kit welcomes kids to hours of engaging creativity and curiosity with satisfaction and thrill upon completing it. You can buy this lovely Islamic Eid gift here!
Watch your child’s eyes glow when they hang up these self-made sun catchers on Eid! The Sun Jewels Window Art Kit is the perfect craft to create festive Eid and Ramadan decor. Building hands-on skills for little learners, the Sun Jewels Window Art Kit has ample sun catchers and gem stickers to add to your celebrations. Grab yours here today!
If your girls love their hijabs, creating their own tie and dye hijab will make them proud like no other! The My Tie Dye Hijab Kit includes everything they need for this activity, complete with a dyeable hijab, safe dyes, bottles, gloves, and an easy-to-follow instruction manual. Wearing your hand-dyed hijab to Eid celebrations has got to feel super special, so hop on here and pick this gift today!
This Eid, get kids busy with a floor spread jigsaw puzzle. What’s new about this jigsaw, you ask? The Footsteps of Muhammad Floor Puzzle marks major events from the life of our beloved Prophet PBUH with a story image that will help your child build an immediate mental association for better long-term memory of the Seerah. Buy it here today!
Ever heard of a prayer mat that can virtually communicate with you and guide you through the daily prayers? My Salah Mat is a parent-made product for children who are beginning to learn Salah. An interactive learning tool that introduces prayer in a fun and entertaining way, these prayer mats are fully interactive and touch-sensitive with instructions for pre-recorded prayer times, how to do wudu, recite surahs, say du’as, and more. Brighten up a kid’s Eid by gifting them the Salah Mat!
The Kiitab Pan is a gift that gives endlessly. Using advanced dot code technology, the Kiitab Pen is compatible with several Learning Roots products.
With the Kiitab Pen, kids can learn Tajweed-centric Quranic words, rules, and translations. This Eid gift is perfect for kids memorizing the Holy Quran and is an excellent tool to inspire children to learn more about Ramadan.
Click here to learn more about the Kiitab Pen and order it today!
Gift your kids the lifelong skill of gratitude expression with this 5-minute Alhamdulilah Journal. With 398 pages in all, the hard-bound thankfulness journal comes with a sticker sheet and more than ten fun activity pages suitable for kids aged 6-12. Encouraging the mindful act of writing down their thoughts and emotions is a healthy way of guiding kids to regulate their strong feelings and practice Sabr and Shukr. We highly recommend the 5-Minute Alhamdulillah Journal as an Eid present for kids!
Eid is a time for feasting and celebration. And this involves plenty of game nights with cousins, friends, and family. This memory-matching game by Zair Zabr Play seeks to help children memorize the 99 names of Allah SWT and their meanings in an engaging and fun way. Click here to gift your child a highly rewarding act of worship and a potential path to Jannah today!
These were our top trending Eid gift picks for kids in 2024; what kinds of gifts would you like to see from Crescent Moon Bookstore? Drop a comment and let us know!
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As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
As Ramadan inches closer, we wait with eagerness for the blessed month. Families around the world prepare in different ways, some make it a point to memorize the Holy Quran, while others read Ramadan-themed books, and yet others sit down with children to learn more about the obligations of the Holy Month.
An insightful way to get ready for Ramadan is to read and learn more about the Prophet’s PBUH life and those who were close to him. There are several interesting and attention-capturing ways to do this with your little ones. For example, this set of informative flashcards is a fantastic activity that can not only educate kids about the sahaba, but also make it fun!
Women played a major role in establishing and propagating Islam in the Prophet's PBUH time. Some of the exceptional Sahabiyat included women from our Prophet’s PBUH family i.e. his daughters, wives, and his maternal figures who were courageous, noble, and knowledgeable. Just as the male companions taught us so much from the way they led their lives, the female companions presented the best examples of how Muslim women ought to be participating in society and their homes.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best people are from my generation, then those after them, then those after them.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
The Sahabiyat are the female companions of the Prophet PBUH who satisfy the following conditions:
Read on as we highlight some inspiring Sahabiyat and their contributions to Islam.
Umm Hakim bint Al Harith (R.A) was a part of the group that beat drums against the Quraysh in the battle of Uhud. She embraced Islam on the day of the conquest of Makkah despite being in opposition during the war. After seeking permission and convincing Prophet Muhammad PBUH, she took after her husband Ikrama, who had fled to Yemen. She was successful in bringing him to Islam who later fought for Allah's sake and was martyred in the battle of Ajnadyan.
Umm Hakim bint Al Harith (R.A) remained dedicated to Islam even after her father, brother, and husband were martyred in the battle of Yarmouk and Ajnadyan.
Shortly after, she was sent a marriage proposal by Khalid ibn Sa’id, the commander of Umayyad Muslims. Umm Hakim (R.A) received 400 dinars (gold coins) as Meher on their marriage.
On the day of her walimah, Roman soldiers surrounded her tent. Everyone in the camp defended the troops and eventually, her husband was martyred. Umm Hakim bint Al Harith (R.A), dressed in bridal garments, pulled out a pole of her tent and single-handedly killed seven armed soldiers. She is known for her faith, bravery, and courage, and for inspiring Muslim women to defend themselves in tough situations.
The Sahabiyat Quiz Cards set is perfect for teaching your kids trivia about the female companions. Click here to buy it now.
Nusaybah bint Ka’ab (R.A) was later known as Umm Ammarah. She fought bravely alongside our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH in numerous battles. Nusaybah (R.A) is known for her fearless defense of Muslims in the battles of Al-Yamamah, Uhud, Hunayn, and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. She was a phenomenal warrior known for her presence of mind and war skills during the Battle of Uhud.
When the archers abandoned Prophet Muhammad PBUH, Nusaybah (R.A) defended and protected him so much so that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whenever I turned left or right on the day of the battle of Uhud, I always saw her (Umm ‘Ammarah) fighting to defend me.”
Nusaybah (R.A) participated in treating the injured during battles and encouraged her sons, Habeeb and Abdullah to participate in jihad. When her son Habeeb was murdered by Musaylamah, she vowed to avenge his death or die trying.
Nusaybah was also a strong voice for Muslim women. She inquired from the Prophet PBUH about the reason why the Holy Quran did not refer to women. Shortly after, Allah SWT revealed the ayah from Surah Al-Ahzab to the Prophet PBUH, which reads:
“Surely the men who submit and the women who submit, and the believing men and the believing women, and the truthful men and the truthful women, and the patient men and the patient women and the humble men and the humble women, and the almsgiving men and the almsgiving women, and the fasting men and the fasting women, and the men who guard their private parts and the women who guard, and the men who remember Allah much and the women who remember—Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a mighty reward.” [Qur’an 33:35]
Known for her beauty and wisdom, Umm Salamah (R.A) was a modest and fashionable Sahabiyat and later wife of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. She practiced self-care by combing her hair with henna and perfume. She taught us to use aloe vera juice for skin care. She prioritized gaining knowledge and educating herself as a form of self-care.
Umm Salamah (R.A) was among the firsts to convert to Islam and migrated to Abyssinia and eventually to Medina when oppression and ill-treatment of Muslims became overwhelming in Makkah.
She declined Abu Bakr (R.A) marriage proposal after her husband Abu Salamah was martyred in the battle of Uhud. Umar ibn Khatab (R.A) also sought her hand for marriage which she also declined. Later, Prophet Muhammad PBUH himself asked Umm Salamah’s (R.A) hand for marriage to which she let him know that she was short-tempered and had many children to which Prophet PBUH replied he would seek Allah’s SWT help regarding her temper and the number of children did not concern him.
Umm Salamah (R.A) was a highly educated and knowledgeable woman who played a vital role in spreading the word of Islam and the role of women in our religion. Her passion for self-care paved the way for discussion of cleanliness and ghusl with the Prophet PBUH which cleared many doubts for Muslim women.
Learn more about the blessed wives of the Prophet PBUH- Aishah Bint Abu Bakr and Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid in the Age of the Bliss Series, here.
Al-Khansa (R.A) was well known for her emotive poetry. She was renowned for her eloquence and wisdom. She recited poetry from a very young age and gradually it turned into an expression of grief after the deaths of her beloved brothers, Sakhr and Muawiyah. Prophet PBUH enjoyed listening to her, and whenever Al-Khansa (R.A) stopped, he would motion that she continue. He PBUH regarded Al-Khansa (R.A) as having superior poetic skills to the famous poet, Imru’ al-Qais.
Al-Khansa (R.A) encouraged her sons to take part in the battle Qadisiyyāh – which was fought between the Muslims and the Persians.
Not only should our little ones understand the significance of the Sahabiyat, but also learn their ways of life and why our Prophet PBUH was so fond of them. The Sahabah Quran Quiz is a great resource for this endeavor.
The stories of the Sahabiyat are important treasures that can truly strike a chord with young kids and deepen their love for the Creator and his Prophet PBUH. So choose an interesting book, cozy up with your children, and discover the endless wonders of Islam with us.
]]>As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
As Ramadan inches closer, we wait with eagerness for the blessed month. Families around the world prepare in different ways, some make it a point to memorize the Holy Quran, while others read Ramadan-themed books, and yet others sit down with children to learn more about the obligations of the Holy Month.
An insightful way to get ready for Ramadan is to read and learn more about the Prophet’s PBUH life and those who were close to him. There are several interesting and attention-capturing ways to do this with your little ones. For example, this set of informative flashcards is a fantastic activity that can not only educate kids about the sahaba, but also make it fun!
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a man of the highest conduct and the noblest persona. Within his lifetime, he inspired countless men and women who stood by his side and followed his message of Islam. They loved the Prophet PBUH and practiced each and everything that he preached. And after the passing of the Prophet PBUH, his companions continued to lead the Muslims with excellence and piety.
There are incredible stories of the Prophet PBUH that we wouldn't have known had it not been through the narrations of the blessed companions. The elevated levels of faith of the sahaba or the companions stood the test of time and continue to inspire Muslims today.
The lives of Sahaba personified the teachings of Islam. We have chosen some of them as a starting point for parents to discuss with their children.
A Sahabi or a companion of the Prophet PBUH is one who satisfies the following conditions:
Abdullah bin Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) was the paternal cousin of our beloved Prophet PBUH Muhammad. The Prophet PBUH performed the ritual of tahneek for Abdullah bin Abbas when he was born. Consequently, Abdullah Bin Abbas grew up in the company of the Prophet PBUH, abiding by his advice, carrying water for the Prophet’s PBUH ablution, and more. He had a keen memory and his intelligence made him well-known among the companions.
Ibn ‘Abbas once said: “The Messenger of Allah embraced me and said: ‘O Allah, teach him wisdom and the correct interpretation of the Book.”
Abdullah (R.A) would always attend the Prophet’s PBUH assemblies and he would commit to memory whatever the Prophet said. After his passing, Abdullah (R.A) would take care to verify any narration he heard with several companions.
Whenever he heard someone saying a hadith of the blessed Prophet PBUH, he would be eager to verify and record it.
The home of Ibn Abbas became a place of learning and teaching. He shared his knowledge of tafsir, fiqh, halal haram, poetry, Arab history, inheritance laws, Arabic language, and etymology.
Salman Farsi (R.A) belonged to a rich and noble fire-worshipping family in Persia. His father loved him dearly and gave him the responsibility of maintaining their religious flame. As he grew, Salman Al Farsi found himself attracted to Christianity and eventually found himself leaving his home and exploring Arabia, in his search of a true religion. When he heard of the Prophet PBUH, Salman R.A was a mere slave in the hands of a Jew. Despite harsh conditions, Al Farsi R.A set out to meet secretly with the Prophet PBUH. Once he confirmed the Prophet’s PBUH identity, Salman R.A wept and proclaimed his Shahadah.
Salman (R.A) played a vital role in the Battle of the Trenches where he suggested a trench to be built around Madinah. He led a simple life with one cloak as his outfit and his mattress. He was known to be an “ocean of knowledge” and went on to become a governor of Madain in Baghdad. Even as the Ameer, Salman Al Farsi lived off his hard work and donated the stipend he received. He was also the first person to translate parts of the Hole Quran into the Persian language, during the life of the Prophet PBUH!
Another hard-working and humble Sahabi was Bilal Ibn Rabah (R.A), whose story serves as a refreshing reminder in these times of racism and inequality. Read more about him in this inspirational book that outlines Bilal (R.A)’s struggles and how he became the first Muezzin of Islam.
Zaid bin Thabit (R.A) was the official scribe of the Prophet PBUH. From a very young age, Zaid (R.A) converted to Islam and memorized about 17 Surahs of the Quran. His mother, noting his interest conveyed to the Messenger of Allah PBUH her wish to dedicate her son to the cause of Allah SWT. Upon testing Zaid (R.A) ’s learning skills, the Prophet PBUH asked him to learn the Hebrew language, so that Zaid (R.A) could assist him in conveying the Message to the Jews.
It is said that Zaid (R.A) returned two weeks later and confirmed that he had mastered the language. The Prophet PBUH then wished for him to learn an Aramaic dialect, which Zaid (R.A) did within record time. Since that time, the Prophet PBUH would call on Zaid (R.A) to write down the revelations he received from Angel Jibreel. Read more interesting facts about Zaid bin Thabit (R.A) and many other blessed sahaba in Dr. Yasir Qadhi’s popular book, Super Sahaba Stories.
Many of us may know of this Sahaba, especially for the reason that he was so less known for, Subhanallah. Julaybib (R.A) is described in Islamic literature as a person having a short stature, some deformities, and a repulsive outer appearance. With no known family or background, Julaybib (R.A) had no status in the community. But as a Muslim, he was a much-loved companion of the Prophet (PBUH).
One day in conversation with the Prophet PBUH, he expressed his uncertainty to be married in this dunya. The Prophet PBUH replied that Julaybib (R.A) would be married here and in the hereafter. With this in mind, the Prophet PBUH approached one of the best Ansar families and approached their daughter’s hand in marriage with Julaybib (R.A). Upon hearing of this, the girl's parents opposed vehemently as their daughter was considered among the prettiest in all of Madinah, and they had never thought of marrying her to a person of Julaybib’s (R.A) personality. When the girl heard of this, she consoled her mother saying, “O Mother, How blessed is the status of Julaybib (R.A), that God and his Messenger are asking for your daughter’s hand on his behalf.” And so, they were married.
However, soon after their marriage, Julaybib (R.A) was martyred on the battlefield. The Prophet PBUH noticed him missing and ordered the companions to look for him. The companions found his blessed body surrounded by seven kuffars that he had finished. The Prophet PBUH lovingly lifted the body of Julaybib (R.A) and said thrice, “O Allah he is from me and I am from Him”
If your child is interested in reading about leaders and warriors in Islam, then the story of Khalid Ibn Al-Walid is truly heartening. From fighting against the Muslims to fighting battles for them, he earned the title of Sword of Allah and led his soldiers with patience.
Muadh ibn Jabal was an intelligent and handsome young man with curly hair and beautiful eyes who grew up in Yathrib as the light of Islam spread in the region. Young Muadh became a Muslim in Yathrib at the hands of Musab ibn Umayr, who was sent by the Prophet before the Hijrah. He was among the first 72 Muslims who traveled to Makkah and met the Prophet PBUH. Hence, he was among those who clasped the blessed hands and pledged allegiance.
Muadh ibn Jabal was one of the most well-read persons in the laws of Islam and people would consult him for legal judgments and differences.
One of his greatest contributions during the lifetime of the Prophet PBUH was that he was among the first six who collected the Holy Quran during the lifetime of the Prophet PBUH.
Not only should our little ones understand the significance of Sahaba, but also learn their ways of life and why our Prophet PBUH was so fond of them. The Sahabah Quran Quiz is a great resource for this endeavor. If you are keen on educating your child with the life story of one Sahabi at a time, then this book on our second Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khattab is an excellent lesson in humility and modesty.
The stories of Sahaba are important treasures that can truly strike a chord with young kids and deepen their love for the Creator and his Prophet PBUH. So choose an interesting book, cozy up with your children, and discover the endless wonders of Islam with us.
As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
With Ramadan less than two months away, now is the best time to create and implement a new and improved routine in your family’s regimen. Easing into new habits can prove to be beneficial in the long run as compared to drastic changes in a short duration. So, sit back and take notes as we discuss 9 top tips to inspire your children this Ramadan!
Ramadan graces our lives once each year and this can be a long time for little minds to remember its significance. Well before the beginning of the Holy Month, make it a family practice to discuss what Ramadan is and what it entails. Make sure you create a lot of positive buzz and excitement around its main traditions and openly answer any follow-up questions posed to you. Some of the doubts your kids may have could include:
An excellent way to quell their inquisitiveness is to get them some insightful books on Ramadan. Here are our most recommended Ramadan-themed books for your young Muslims!
Let’s not complicate Ramadan for our little ones. Explain the concepts of Ramadan in simple and child-friendly terms. Let your children know how we begin and end Ramadan by the sighting of the Moon.
We highly recommend Night of the Moon by Hena Khan to understand the idea of moon sighting and Ramadan. Children should also know that Allah SWT doesn't mean to put us in difficulty through our fasts and that many Muslims are exempted from fasting as a means of mercy from Allah SWT. To build a sense of excitement, the whole family can get together and create a Ramadan action plan, much like the Jannah bucket list for young Muslims!
While children don't need to fast until they reach puberty, trying it in various forms can be an exceptional experience. Waking up for suhoor, or the pre-dawn meal, and rushing to finish eating is one of our most heartwarming childhood memories. Remind them how much Allah SWT loves it when we practice patience and fast from dawn to dusk only for His sake.
Discuss if your kids would like to abstain from food and water for some hours a day in the month of Ramadan. Talk to them about how we must avoid idle talk, arguing, lying, or getting into fights during our fast. Make their first fast special by planning an Iftar meal with their favorite foods. Who Will Help Me Make Iftar is one of our all-time favorites when it comes to Ramadan feasting!
Ramadan is the best time to teach kids the importance of Salah. The two Ramadan-special prayers hold immense value for all Muslims. This year, make sure to warm your kids up to the idea of praying the Taraweeh. Encourage them to accompany you to the mosque for the nightly Qiyam and join in, if they are able. Many community mosques have special areas designated for children and it can be a wonderful place for kids to interact and learn more about their deen. Trouble At Taraweeh is our seasonal favorite this year for Ramadan 2024!
During the Holy Month, speak to your kids about how fasting is meant to bring us closer to the less fortunate. The act of refraining from food allows us to reflect on Allah’s SWT generosity towards us and that we must extend generosity towards others. This Ramadan, get your family together and prepare Iftar meals for the needy as a means of Sadaqah. Teach your children that charity is not just about sharing money or food, but every act of kindness counts as Sadaqah. We recommend My Sadaqah Jar is Empty to help teach kids about charity.
If there is one new habit your family develops this Ramadan, let it be a relationship with the Holy Quran. Ramadan is essentially the month of the Quran, as the revelation came down to the beloved Prophet PBUH during this month. Spend as much time as you can with your family discussing and reciting the Quran. You can take this opportunity to learn new Surahs and revise previously memorized ones. There are plenty of ways to make Quran memorization engaging and fun for your little ones. Share stories of the Prophets with your kids and support them in understanding the translations and meanings of simple Surahs. The My First Quran with Pictures Juz Amma series is our all-time go-to for getting young kids acquainted with the Holy Book.
While this isn't a must-do, who doesn't like a little bit of sparkle and shine for Ramadan? This year, get together with your folks and decorate your home. After all, Ramadan followed by Eid is a time of great joy and celebration for Muslims. Click here to see all the different decor options we have at Crescent Moon Bookstore for you!
No matter where you live, it’s important to get your family excited for Eid! Explain to your kids about the significance and blessings of Eid, and how we must celebrate the day with our loved ones. Sure, we don’t have any fancy tree decor or firework display, but we do have our fragrant henna-stained hands and delectable dishes to indulge in that warm Eid atmosphere. Reading about Eid can be a great way for kids to anticipate and imagine the festivities of Eid. We particularly love this wonderful anthology of Eid short stories as well as the popular Nadia & Nadir Eid Surprises book.
Talking about the countless blessings and important symbolism of Ramadan can leave indelible impressions on young minds. For instance, if your child has trouble understanding the concept of fasting, talk to them about the concepts of sabr and shukr first. Encourage them to perform as many good deeds as they can, since Ramadan is the month when all our noble actions are multiplied in our favor. Read to them about the glorious Night of Power, Laylatul Qadr, and how it is the prized jewel of the month.
These were our top 9 Ramadan tips to inspire kids in 2024! While this is a great list to start with, you can always tweak it to suit your unique child better. Here’s hoping our little ones continue to learn, flourish, and stay curious!
As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
Is it just us or is time flying by at lightning speed? It feels like just the other day we walked into the new year with our resolutions in hand, and here we are already preparing ourselves for the bountiful month of Ramadan. It’s also the perfect time to get our little ones excited and geared up for changed schedules, nights of prayer, delicious iftars, and togetherness that Ramadan brings amidst its blessings.
Reading about the spiritual essence of the month helps teach our kids about this pillar of Islam and what it signifies.
Engaging and educational, our list of Top Ramadan children’s books for 2024 covers a wide age range and features beautiful storylines across the board. Check these out and don’t forget to explore our website for more titles!
P.S. 2024 promises to be an exciting year for young book lovers! Check out the top titles we are looking forward to in this blog!
Searching for some of last year's most read and widely loved children’s books? We’ve got them right here!
With those details outta the way, let’s dive right in!
This lovely little book delves into the simple concepts of Ramadan explained with adorable illustrations. Leena Learns about Ramadan features a lively conversation between Leena and her older sister Safiyyah as they go about discovering the importance of Ramadan and its traditions. From fasting and “being extra kind” to enjoying delicious iftars and receiving presents at Eid, this book by author Zainab Fadlallah is ideal for new readers just starting to learn about Islam. You can purchase Leena Learns About Ramadan here.
In Ramadan Rocket, we follow the journey of Haarith, a young boy struggling to spot the new crescent. Determined to see it for himself, Haarith launches into an out-of-the-world adventure with his friends. But how does he get there? On a rocket, of course!
Written by Emma L Halim, Ramadan Rocket focuses on the important tradition of moon sighting during Ramadan. Perfect for kids aged 4-9 and loved by all, the book is a must-read for young adventurers. Click here to buy Ramadan Rocket, now!
This nostalgic tale by author Sahtinay Abaza will surely stir up a beautiful memory or two, especially for adults who grew up observing Ramadan in Muslim countries. The book features little Adam fasting during the Holy Month. Chatting with his aunt and uncle over iftar, he discovers a new character from his mum’s childhood he’s never heard of. The Ramadan Drummer. A gentle, big-bearded man who would make his way around town beating a drum and awakening folks for their morning meal.
Later, Adam happens to meet this mysterious character and they head out into the starry night. What does the Drummer teach Adam about the virtues of Ramadan? What does Adam learn about his neighbors? Author Abaza crafts a heartfelt and compelling story, easily merging imagination and reality.
Whimsical illustrations by Dinara Mirtalipova pop off the page and will keep your child’s senses engaged until the end.
Buy The Ramadan Drummer here.
Get a feel of how the Holy Month is observed in families with mixed cultures and religions with A Ramadan Fiesta. This trilingual book by Mariam Saad takes readers into the home of Sofia and her Mexican family to enjoy a day in Ramadan, filled with a cultural merging of foods, traditions, and celebrations.
With it's colorful depiction of the Mexican household and an understandable usage of Spanish terms , A Ramadan Fiesta is sure to be a hit with young readers. Grab your copy, here!
Farida Zaman’s self-illustrated book follows little Aliya and her secret determination to fast for the whole day during Ramadan. She skips lunch, resists urges, and even refuses her favorite treats at school. However, at the sight of Ammi’s irresistible baklava, Aliya momentarily forgets her secret and takes a big bite! Once she realizes her mistake, Aliya is heartbroken.
Aliya’s Secret explains how Ramadan can be celebrated through various other activities such as offering charity, acts of kindness, iftar gatherings, and more. Inspired by the author’s own childhood experiences, this book presents a relatable idea with empathy and simplicity. Concepts of Ramadan are explained in easy language and charming illustrations for kids of all ages to understand without any difficulty.
Purchase Aliya’s Secret- A Ramadan Story here.
From the author of My Favorite Prophet Mohammed Stories and Goodnight Stories from the Quran, comes a board book designed for little ones just beginning to read.
Written by Saniyasnain Khan, this book gently lays out the diverse virtues of the Holy Month, such as fasting, patience, tolerance, and kindness. Internationally recognized illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh adds a dimension of joyfulness to the pages. Cute characters, colorful masjids, and mosaic stars make this book a real treat to read. A great addition to any child’s collection!
Pick Ramadan & Eid Board Book here.
If you are looking for a deeply evoking book that celebrates the act of sharing during Ramadan, pick up The Blessed Pomegranates for your child!
Join Alyah and Adam, two young Muslims, as they venture out on a Ramadan adventure with their wise Grandmother Essi. Along the way, they share pomegranates from Essi's tree with loved ones, discovering the significance of Ramadan, the Qur'an, and the value of generosity.
We highly recommend you add The Blessed Pomegranates to your Ramadan reading crate! You can click here to buy the book.
Step into the shoes of a young Muslim and experience the beauty of Ramadan in this captivating and charming tale. The story follows Deenie, the youngest member of a Muslim family, as she takes on her first Ramadan fast. Along the way, she learns the true meaning of fasting - it's not just about skipping meals but rather a time of reflection, kindness, and positive change.
Through Deenie's journey, children can discover the joys of spirituality during Ramadan and feel the warmth of belonging to a community. This delightful story encourages kids to slow down, be kind to themselves, and make small changes that lead to big achievements. Get ready to be transported to a world of love and celebration!
Written and illustrated by accomplished author Inda Ahmad Zahri, this 32-page children’s book is packed with diverse faces and relatable scenes.
Buy The Month That Makes the Year here.
Join Maysa and Musa – twins with very different personalities – on a humorous, illustrated adventure written and illustrated by Zanib Mian. When Maysa's parents forbid her from going on a school trip due to her misbehavior, she's determined to change their minds. But her desperate antics lead to a lie that spirals out of control, and soon the trio finds themselves caught up in a mysterious whodunit at their local masjid. Will they be able to uncover the truth and save Maysa's reputation?
From the author of the beloved children’s series Planet Omar, Ramadan Mayhem is as silly and informative as all Zanib Mian books. Determined characters landing themselves in quirky and troublesome situations will amuse your children every time they sit down to read this book. Factual information about Ramadan is expertly woven into the story, never coming across as preachy.
Get your copy of The Malik’s: Ramadan Mayhem here!
Have your kids read any of these books on Ramadan? Which ones are your favorite? Which Ramadan themed books would you consider buying for your kids? Drop a comment and let us know!
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As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
As we continue to watch the horror continuing in Gaza with helplessness, one thing has become apparent for many Muslim families. This dunya, (world) is not the destination. We are here for a reason, a task, a trial. We are not to attach our hearts to the flimsiness of this world. Just like the martyrs of Gaza, soon it’ll be our time.
And when it does, where are we headed to next?
To Jannah, Inshallah. At least, that is what we wish and pray for. But what else can we do to ensure we maximize our chances of pardon from Allah SWT and a swift entry into Paradise?
We pray, we fast, we do charity..what else?
To simplify things, Crescent Moon Bookstore has created a bucket list for Jannah. Let’s carry this bucket list with us as we move through 2024, regularly striking off each one until it becomes a way of life that takes us to Jannah by Allah’s SWT will.
Allah SWT promises Jannah or paradise to the true believers as a reward for all the hardships they endured during their lives.
Allah SWT says,
“There they will have whatever they wish, and with Us is more.” (Quran 50:35)
And,
“And no soul knows what is hidden for them, of joy as a reward for what they used to do. (Quran 32:17)
Now that we got that cleared out let’s get straight to our Jannah Bucketlist for 2024!
Have you got your New Year's resolutions in place? If not, head to our blog to learn how to set realistic and Islam-oriented New Year resolutions. Many of us may have a long list of goals and aims to work on, but before we begin, we must set our intentions in a way pleasing to Allah SWT.
What is intention-setting, you ask?
Setting an intention means to think out a plan of action mindfully. Making a Niyyah or intention-setting drives us to attain our goals. Making a niyyah holds a very high place in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said,
“Actions are according to intention, and everyone will get what they intended.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
As Muslims, we make the intention to pray for Allah’s SWT pleasure five times a day. We intend to fast during Ramadan for the sake of Allah SWT. Similarly, we must ensure that the proper intention backs all our good deeds. By setting a pure intention before doing any task, we stand to maximize the rewards we can reap from that very action and, in return, attain Jannah.
To check mindful intention-making off your Jannah bucket list, follow the following steps:
If we lose Salah, we lose everything. The five daily prayers are the most important pillar of Islam, second only to the verbal proclamation of faith. To get to Paradise, you must tick this box off your Jannah bucket list.
And while praying, it is equally important to be in a state of mindfulness and close connection with Allah SWT. Having khushu’ in your Salah means being mindfully present, concentrating on the prayer, and realizing that you’re speaking to Allah SWT.
To improve your focus during Salah, try the following steps:
If you want to teach your children about mindfulness in Salah, we highly recommend Eliyas Explains: Why Should I Pray My Salah?
You cannot achieve the khushu’ mentioned above in Salah if you don't have a relation with the Quran. This year, your Jannah bucket list must feature the Quran.
Start with learning how to recite the Quran with Tajweed. Knowing how each letter is pronounced makes it easy to eliminate errors in your recitation. The Holy Quran with color-coded Tajweed rules is a great resource for studying the Tajweed.
Next, move on to understanding the meaning behind the words. Read the Quran with translations and tafseer to know what the verses are trying to tell you. Memorize the small Surahs and move on to the longer ones.
The more we connect with the Word of Allah SWT, the more we open our hearts to His presence. Encourage your family to revise the Quran with you. Here is a very beneficial blog for parents whose children memorize the Quran.
If one characteristic will take you to Jannah, it's humility. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said,
“None shall enter paradise who holds in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride” (Muslim)
To be truly humble, we must understand the difference between being grateful and feeling superior to others. It is perfectly fine for a person to feel like Allah has blessed them immensely. But the moment it feels like we deserve these blessings more than others, we start to tread dangerous territories of arrogance.
You can cross this box off your Jannah bucket list by trying the following:
Humility and charity are closely connected in Islam. Involving ourselves in the lives of the less fortunate evokes humility in us, and the act of charity and Sadaqah towards the deserving results directly from it.
The rights of the poor are protected in Islam through Zakat, which comes from the excess of the wealth Allah SWT bestows us with, but it is the sweetness of the voluntary acts of generosity that brings us close to attaining Paradise.
Kids can learn more about Sadaqah and Zakat from My Sadaqah Jar is Empty and Ilyas and Duck: A Zakat Tale.
You can check Sadaqah off your gender bucket list by regularly doing the following:
Sins and bad deeds diminish the connection that we have with Allah SWT and prevent our hearts from softening towards our faith. Sins also eat away at the reward that we gain from our good deeds. For example, gossiping about a fellow Muslim can cause their evil deeds to be transferred to us and our good deeds to go into their account.
If we yearn earnestly for Jannah, we must try our best to avoid sinning. Of course, no human is free from error, but we continue to turn to Allah for forgiveness because He is the Lord of infinite mercy. To check off this criterion from your Jannah bucket list, try the following:
Many of us find that when we begin to come closer to our faith, we must battle several opposing energies. Sometimes, it is our Nafs (self), or the whispers of Shaytan, or even a busy routine that hinders our progress. At such times, we must use potent tools like dua and adhkar to protect us from straying away from our path.
The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said,
“Let one of you ask your Lord for every need, even until he asks Him for the strap of his shoe when it breaks.” (At-Tirmidhi)
Make it a daily practice to recite the morning and evening adhkar and make dua after every prayer. There are certain times when duas are especially answered. These are:
Remember not to miss these special moments to make dua! We highly recommend Prayers of the Pious and 365 Duas with Stories to learn more about the virtues of remembrances of Allah SWT.
While we can put our honest efforts to tick all the boxes on our Jannah bucket list, it is ultimately up to Allah SWT to guide and inspire us. What are some routines you follow to seek Jannah? Drop a comment and let us know!
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As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
With days to go before we enter a new Gregorian year, people around the world sit down to re-evaluate, reflect, and realign their life goals. Alhamdulillah, our faith encourages us to do this daily, and we find proof of this in how Muslims are rewarded for renewing their intentions or niyyah in every act they do.
However, with the New Year comes a new chance to sit down with your kids and take note of how the year has been for you- as individuals and as a family. It can be a springboard to talk to your kids about sustainable goal-setting aligned with our faith.
Working towards achieving realistic life goals is an essential life skill that Muslim children must learn. Discussing aims and goals with your kids can also open up the crucial topic of divine destiny or Qadr and how to be content with what Allah SWT decides for us.
Read on as Crescent Moon Bookstore uncovers our Islamic take on seven New Year's Resolutions you can make with your Muslim family in 2024!
If not now, when? Use this time to explain to your kids how the Islamic calendar works. Teach them about the phases of the Moon and how Muslims use it to determine each month. Moon’s Ramadan and The Month That Makes a Year are thoughtfully written books that you can use as starting points to talk about the waxing and waning of the Moon that signifies the start and finish of Islamic months.
The Prophet (PBUH) said,
"If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it 5 times a day, do you think he would have any filth left on him?" The people said, "No." The Prophet (PBUH) then said, "That is like the five daily prayers: Allah wipes away the sins by them." (Al-Bukhari)
The five daily prayers have innumerable benefits, both apparent and hidden.
Renew your intentions to perform the obligatory Salah without fail in 2024, and as a Muslim family, resolve to perform voluntary ones like the Taraweeh and the Eid Salah in the congregation.
You can motivate kids not to miss their daily Salah by gifting them attractive, kid-friendly prayer mats and teaching them to use a weekly Salah Tracker to keep a record of their prayers. Download a FREE Salah Tracker here, now!
How often have you felt “less than” after scrolling aimlessly through Instagram? Unfortunately, we exist in a world where everybody seems to be showcasing picture-perfect lives. Comparisons and competitions have become the norm, undoubtedly deteriorating our spiritual and social contentment levels.
Allah SWT mentions in the Holy Quran,
“And do not stretch your eyes to that which We have given them to enjoy; (this is) the splendor of the life of the world that We may try them in it; and the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting.” (20:131)
This year, renew your intentions to appreciate Allah’s SWT blessings already in your lives. Use this chance to discuss the concept of being grateful to your children despite going through tough times. A book like Mr. Gamal’s Gratitude Glasses works wonderfully to inspire kids to reflect on the idea of Shukr.
"Anyone who wishes that his sustenance be expanded, and his age extended should do kindness to his near relatives." (Sunan Abi Dawud)
Silat Al Rahm, or maintaining good ties with your family, is highly emphasized in Islam. Unfortunately, in many Muslim homes today, keeping good relations with extended families is becoming less common. Talk about this vital branch of our faith with your kids and allow them to evaluate where they think you stand in this aspect. Together, intend sincerely to seek Allah’s SWT pleasure and work towards fixing estranged ties and strengthening existing ones.
Make the extra effort to meet up with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents whenever possible, exchange gifts, give them their due rights, and strengthen Islamic values in your family.
If we were to compare the time we spend on our devices idly versus the time we spend with the Quran, many of us would be embarrassed. The significance of reciting the Holy words of Allah SWT is beyond compare. The Quran is a means of healing, both physical and spiritual, a means of sustenance, a means of invoking Allah’s SWT mercy, and a means of attaining everlasting Paradise. Learning the Quran and teaching it to others has immense rewards.
The Prophet PBUH is reported to have said,
“One who recites the Qur’an proficiently is associated with the noble and pious scribes. As for him who stammers when reciting the Qur’an and finds it difficult, he will be granted a double reward” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
And,
“The best among you [Muslims] are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” (Al-Bukhari)
So, this year, make it a point to huddle with your family and recite the Quran as often as you can. Revise previously learned Surahs and memorize new ones. Here is our recent blog on how you can help your kids memorize the Quran!
After our relationship with Allah SWT, a strong family bond is possibly the most important aspect of our lives to work on this year. As parents wearing several hats, we often focus on providing the most for them, but we forget that they need our presence more.
So, in 2024, resolve to be more mindful of giving your “selves” and your time to your family. This can be anything from looking at your kids when they are talking to you or enjoying a daily meal together, to even reading their favorite book. Click here to go through our most loved books of 2023 and take your pick!
“Charitable men and charitable women who have loaned Allah a good loan—it will be multiplied for them, and for them is a generous reward.” (Quran 57:18)
Sadaqah is an essential part of our deen. And it is extremely simple too. For instance, Sadaqah can be anything from speaking sweet words of encouragement to your son before a game to inviting friends over for dinner. Sadaqah purifies our hearts, and when done with the intention of pleasing Allah SWT, it can transform our lives. This year, make sure to seek more opportunities to do Sadaqah. These can include:
Books are an excellent way to inspire children to do good. The Blessed Pomegranates and Halal Hot Dogs are some of Crescent Moon Bookstore’s favorites on Sadaqah and giving. You can check out more books here.
Goal setting or “making resolutions” can help Muslim families with young children learn crucial Islamic personality development skills like self-evaluation, self-reflection, and self-awareness. It strengthens decision-making capacities and develops a sense of direction for young Muslims.
With this, we wrap up the last blog post for 2023, and we thank Allah SWT for giving us the opportunity to quell inquisitive minds and spread cheer through our books. We thank you for supporting us with so much love and appreciation. Stay tuned to Crescent Moon Bookstore as we are excited to bring you countless new titles for 2024!
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As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
Ali bin Abi Talib narrates in Al-Tirmidhi that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“Whoever recites the Quran and memorizes it, making lawful what it makes lawful, and unlawful what it makes unlawful, Allah will admit him to Heaven, and grant him intercession for ten family members who were to be consigned to the Fire.”
Many of us parents regretfully grieve our childhood and even young adulthood, where we could have memorized the Holy Quran, but we didn't or couldn't. And looking at our kids today, we would like nothing more than for them to have a concrete and lasting bond with Allah SWT and His Book.
How do we do this?
Well, let’s answer some questions that come to mind right off the bat.
How can we instill the love for The Holy Quran in our children’s hearts?
Learn how in our blog, 6 ways to boost Islamic values in your family, here.
How can we ensure children begin this arduous task and see it through with patience and determination?
We answer this question in our blog, 7 Ways to Inculcate Sabr and Shukr in Kids, here.
How can we create an ambiance at home that is conducive to the inestimable task of our kids memorizing the Quran?
To understand this, read our recent blog, 6 Sunnah acts for a happy Muslim family.
How can we simplify learning Quran for kids?
Read on as we uncover 10 simple and effective strategies to support your children in memorizing the Quran!
You must accept the fact that your child learning the Quran will be as much a trial for you as it will be a task for them. So, the most important strategy is to build your relationship with the Quran. Start with learning the Tajweed if you haven't already.
Tajweed Untangled by Learning Roots is the perfect resource for those trying to perfect their Tajweed. Once you recite the Quran the way it should, move on to revising familiar Surahs and memorizing new ones. Alternatively, you can do the Tafsir of the Surah, your child is currently memorizing. Watching you spend time with the Quran can boost your child’s morale when they dedicate several hours a day to the same.
Learning and grasping new information, repetition, and memorization come very easily when little children’s minds are pure with no distractions. No wonder it is said that the brains of little ones are like sponges; they absorb what you expose them to.
Use the early years of your child’s life to set up a foundation for Quran and Islamic learning. However, remember that there is no wrong age for memorizing the Quran. Some very prominent Huffadh memorized the Quran as children, while many others completed it during their late teens. What matters more is the willingness to keep going with patience.
As a parent, you are responsible for providing your child with an environment that supports their Quran memorization routine. Some helpful tips to keep in mind are:
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Keep close to the Qur’an, for, by Him in Whose Hand my life is, the Qur’an breaks away faster than camels that are discharged from their ropes.” (Bukhari)
Children’s natural tendencies to imitate come in very handy while memorizing the Quran. Kids who repeatedly listen to the same Surahs and Ayahs memorize them quickly and retain them in the same style as they hear the lessons. So, they must listen to a well-known Qari who recites with the correct Tajweed and pronunciation.
Repetition and revision of already learned passages of the Quran help to commit them to memory. Encourage your children to revise recently memorized portions and those memorized a while back, along with the current portion they are on.
The Quran is filled with stories of faith, the oneness of Allah SWT, the rewards of the righteous, and more. Read stories from the Quran to your children that will help them connect with the Holy Book. This will build your kid’s understanding of the chapters they are memorizing. 101 Seerah Stories & Dua and 365 Days with the Quran are excellent children’s books that beautifully depict accounts from the Quran.
Utilize the beauty of bonding with kids at bedtime to revise core subjects learnt that day. Do a quick run-through of what will be on the cards for the next day. Encourage your children to unwind by reading the translations of lessons already done.
My First Quran with Pictures-Juz Amma is a wonderful place to start if you want to understand the meaning of Juz Amma, which is usually the first Juz that kids memorize.
Your kids thrive knowing they are not alone in their Hifdh journey. To be an integral part of their Quran routine, make revisions a fun experience by participating in them yourselves.
Take turns to repeat an ayah and time each other to see who comes first. Ask your child to outdo their previous efforts by adding one or two extra ayahs as an extra challenge. Reward them with Quran stickers and badges when they nail the challenge. Click here to find more stickers on Crescent Moon Bookstore.
There is nothing like the five daily prayers to get in some Quran revision without it feeling too much for the kids. Create a weekly calendar where you divvy up the memorized portions among the daily Salah for your kids to recite. Eliyas Explains Why Should I Pray My Salah is our favorite book when it comes to teaching children about the importance of praying.
Children learn best when they are having fun. Make Quran memorization enjoyable by adding quizzes and games to your child’s routine. This will brighten their day and give a welcome break to the regular sessions. Our kids love the Quran Verses Quiz and the Awesome Quran Quiz to test and sharpen their Quran memory skills.
While nothing can happen without the will of Allah SWT, a parent’s dua never goes unanswered. As your child moves forward in the formidable task of learning the Quran, keep Dua as your closest tool and guide. Renew your intentions frequently that this learning is for the pleasure of Allah’s SWT sake only. Be patient and pray for your child to be engaged in the Quran, for their ease, retention, and its application in their lives.
These were Crescent Moon Bookstore’s 10 strategies to help your child with learning the Quran in 2024. If you have some helpful tips for the same, please leave a comment and let us know!
]]>As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
Winter is a season of change and transformation; one can apply the same sentiment to children’s books.
As we are about to turn the last page of 2023 and step into 2024, Crescent Moon Bookstore looks forward to new titles, some by authors we know and love and others by new writers coming to the fore with fresh perspectives on history, culture, and all the values we want to inculcate in our children.
These books reflect voices unafraid to embrace and record imperfections that make us human.
If you’re looking to level up your kid’s reading in the new year, have a look at the titles we have coming up in the next several months.
And BTW, we understand it’s hard to wait for the new releases, so till then, grab a book from our list of 11 best children’s books by Muslim authors that we loved reading in 2023!
From the author of Dear Black Child, we await Dear Muslim Child. This lyrical picture book encourages Muslim children to be proud of their Islamic identity. If your child has enjoyed The Kindest Red, they are sure to love Dear Muslim Child.
The author, Rahma Rodaah, says on her Instagram page,
“I wrote Dear Muslim Child as a love letter to Muslim children who may have hidden parts of their faith to fit in or belong. This book is bold and proud and full of words that seek to celebrate our faith. This might be a picture book for children, but let me tell you, we all need this tender message for our inner child. I pray you all get comfort and healing in these words.”
Beautifully designed by Palestinian illustrator Aya Ghanameh, Dear Muslim Child is set to release on the 6th of February, 2024. Preorder the book here.
The Partition Project is the latest from veteran writer and author Saadia Faruqi. We have read and loved her previous works for various age groups, and cant wait for this inspiring and moving middle-grade novel.
The book is about Maha, a present-day Pakistani American girl whose interest in journalism sparks a conversation about her Dadi’s account of the Indo-Pak Partition. Throughout the story, readers are treated with the protagonist’s internal conflicts as she accepts her grandmother moving to live with them permanently and how she juggles this with the treasure of memories her Dadi recollects—all for Maha’s documentary project.
You can order The Partition Project on Crescent Moon Bookstore, as it releases in February 2024.
Ramadan Kareem is the latest offering from M.O. Yuksel, author of award-winning In My Mosque.
Ramadan Kareem promises to be a delightful, diverse celebration of Ramadan around the world. The book commemorates the holy traditions, the acts of worship, the serene evenings filled with Allah’s SWT mercy, and the joy of Eid in the lives of Muslims all over the world. Also slated for release in February next year, you can read more about Ramadan Kareem here.
Rabia’s Eid is a delightful picture book written for Step 2 readers aged 4-6. As the title suggests, we join Rabia as she celebrates the last day of Ramadan and her first day of fasting.
Rabia is excited as she eats her Suhoor with her family and spends the day preparing for Eid the next morning. There are hands being adorned with henna designs, new dresses being laid out, and Sadaqah being given in anticipation of Eid Ul Fitr!
New readers will find it very simple to read the short sentences, recognize words visually, and also learn a bunch of new words and terms. Rabia’s Eid releases in February of 2024 and you can grab it here.
BTW, Crescent Moon Bookstore has a whole collection of books and products themed on Eid; you can browse them here!
Another Eid delight we can’t wait for is EidTale: An Eid al-Fitr Adventure by Aliyah Jaleel.
This board book comes out in March next year and tells us the story of a brother-sister duo who go around their neighborhood offering presents to their favorite neighbors and friends before they catch up with their family for Eid Salah and an elaborate celebratory meal.
With die-cut surprises throughout the book and an impressive quadruple gatefold to conclude the story with, EidTale is set to take family festivities up a notch.
Click here to read more about EidTale.
If your kids are fans of the Planet Omar series by Zanib Mian, they will be thrilled to get their hands on the author’s latest series, Meet the Maliks!
This 2-5 grade series is soon coming out with the new installment, Race to the Rescue. Readers can expect mystery-solving, thrills, adventure, and lots of hilarious goof-ups as twin trouble Maysa and Musa work together to crack some cases. Click here to read more about when this edition of Meet the Maliks comes out!
Opening a new book and transcending into its world for the evening — or in the early hours after Fajr — is one of life's simplest joys. And the coming year is already looking like a brilliant year for books. What children’s books by Muslim authors are you waiting for? Drop a comment and let us know!
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As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
Let's admit it: we are in the midst of the best time of the year for reading. Nothing can beat the feeling of getting cozy and curling up with a book that takes you away into its world. And this year, we at Crescent Moon Bookstore had a bunch of excellent new releases. With the calendars set to turn a page into 2024, we bring you 10 essential reads for children by Muslim authors published in 2023.
From the widely loved author of Your Name Is a Song comes a story about Muhammad, a Muslim boy who receives a prayer rug on his seventh birthday and his journey to strengthen his faith.
When he turns seven, Muhammad, like all kids his age, is encouraged to perform the five daily prayers on time. But when one salat timing falls during school hours, Muhammad is in a dilemma: should he pray openly? Should he hide to avoid attention?
Salat in Secret is a poignant and empowering book that guides children on overcoming obstacles they may face in the way of performing the daily prayers. Click here to buy Salat in Secret now.
What happens in your home the night before Eid? This book spills the tea when Zain participates with his mother and grandma to create a fine Eid delicacy- ka’ak. Zain learns about his Egyptian family’s culture and heritage as he unpacks his grandma's (Teita) suitcase and discovers precious flavors from Egypt.
With ghee from Khalo Karim, honey from Tant Tayseer, and dates from Amo Girgis, Teita, Mama, and Zain cook up a family-favorite recipe in anticipation of Eid the next day. The Night Before Eid awakens nostalgia as readers reminisce about their most cherished memories of this joyous time. Click here to buy the book.
Coming from Olympic medalist and author of The Proudest Blue Ibtihaj Muhammad, The Kindest Red talks about kindness among children. For picture day at school, Faizah wants to wear her beautiful red dress with ribbons in her hair given to her by her sister and mother. But the sisters find themselves in a tricky situation when they don’t look quite as ‘matched-up’ as the other siblings. What will Faizah do?
The book touches on several human emotions, for instance, the sisterly love between Faizah and Asiya. While the book stands out for its emotional exploration of faith, friendship, and the joy of spreading kindness, it does subtly remind you of its prequel. Click here to buy The Kindest Red.
Mimi and Unicorn Get to Know Allah is an adorable picture book that explores the concept of Allah SWT through the eyes of a little girl, Mimi, and her imaginary unicorn! The duo visits family members trying to learn about their Creator, their Emaan growing as they discover their Deen. This story is perfect for young readers who are just learning about Allah’s SWT attributes. You can buy the book here!
If your kids have read and enjoyed My First Quran With Pictures Juz Amma Part 1, they surely cannot miss the second volume in this pair of books. The continuation from Surah Fajr to Surah Naba in this book is rich with simple translations, comprehensible tafsir, and visually appealing illustrations that makes it easy for children to retain and recollect.
The Juz Amma is a favorite one among young readers of the Holy Quran who are in the process of memorizing, and this set of books is the perfect aid for them! Click here to buy this bestseller here!
Letters from a Prophet is a historical, non-fiction record of a collection of invaluable letters. Where these letters came from and who they were addressed to is a journey in itself. The book is divided into sections, and each section talks about letters from the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), holding his official seal. These series of letters were sent to some of the world's most powerful rulers. Messengers were chosen to deliver them to the opulent palaces of Emperor Heraclius, Al-Muqawqis, King Chosroes, and Al-Najashi.
The book unravels what the letters contain and the response evoked by their recipients. Letters from a Prophet is an illuminating read for young Muslims as there is much they can learn from it. In our opinion, this book is a must-have. Click here to buy Letters from A Prophet today.
Hold on to your seats and get ready for the ride of a lifetime as four bestselling and award-winning authors, Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow & S.K. Ali, bring us GROUNDED.
The story opens with an airport scene; a thunderstorm has canceled all flights. An adventure unravels as the lives of four particular passengers, Feek, Nora, Hanna, and Sami, collide. Grounded tells us the story of how four very different youngsters with their own set of struggles have more in common than they think.
This engaging book expertly maneuvers through serious tween troubles with humor and excitement. It has a good representation of Muslim families from various backgrounds and thus has a wide appeal. We highly recommend Grounded as a gift for tweens in your family. You can buy it here.
From the author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant & The Boy Who Met A Whale comes the next thrilling escapade set in a fictional land of the non-fictional Sri Lanka.
The girl here is Selvi, a free spirit who seeks the thrill of climbing the stunning mountains that line the backdrop of her home. There, Selvi discovers and befriends Lokka, a gorgeous leopard with glorious golden eyes.
The book follows Selvi as she grapples with treacherous poachers who want to hunt down Lokka. To save her friend, Sylvie must stay one step ahead of the hunters and uncover the mastermind behind the wicked poachers.
With lively chapters and lush descriptions of nature, The Girl Who Lost A Leopard is a beautiful book for young readers who enjoy tales about loyalty, friendship, and encounters with the natural wild. Click here to buy it now!
If your kids love a story about family, nature, and Allah’s SWT creations, Raisah and The Boat Trip is for you! On a family day out, Raisah and her parents go on a boating adventure and learn that the sea is Allah’s SWT gift for us.
The book takes us on an appreciation journey about all the marvelous things that Allah SWT creates. This book is a great resource to encourage little ones to be observant and notice their surroundings.
This lyrical book also features Quranic verses that enhance the reader’s understanding of Islam. A must-read for kids of all ages, grab it here today!
From the award-winning author of Amina’s Song and Amina’s Voice comes the third book in the amusing middle grade Zara’s Rules series. In this edition, we follow Zara as she tries to save her spring break and make the most of staying at her grandparents' house.
The book is an endearing first-person narration of how two siblings concoct a train of events to get their recently retired Nana out of his pajamas and into a healthy and active routine! Readers will appreciate Zara’s Rules for Living Your Best Life for its positive outlook, hilarious fails, and earnest effort to make others happy.
Whether you’re into novels, picture books, or short stories, we’ve got the whole waterfront covered here with a bumper crop of incredible children’s books published by Muslim authors in 2023. Which of these did your kids enjoy? Which book was your family’s favorite in 2023? Drop a comment and let us know!
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As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
If we started a thread on the weirdest thing our kids did in the toilet, we would have an unending stream of hilarious and cringe-worthy responses.
All kids go through a phase where they do all sorts of silly and sometimes unimaginable things in the toilet. Some sing and read while others run into the toilet with food in their mouth, and few (ahem *mine* ahem) will play out a horror of your life by reciting Quranic words, verses, or songs they have been learning.
Teaching proper bathroom etiquette to our children is essential to building a family that thrives on strong Islamic values. So, if you, like many other parents, are struggling with potty training your toddler, fret not; we've got you!
Read on to learn how to potty train your toddler and instill good Islamic toilet etiquette in them. (Psst..we even have book recommendations! )
Lean in so we can share a little potty training secret…closer now…wait till your toddler gives you cues that they are ready to be trained.
Yep.
You read that right.
Rushing through potty training like it's a milestone waiting to be achieved doesn't help. Of course, it is, but we only cross a milestone when we get there. And if your toddler isn’t ‘there’ yet, you can't force them to cross it. Like with all things concerning children, potty training takes time. And often, kids give out hints when they are ready to go. Watch out for the following signs that tell you that it might be time for you to put your toddler on the toilet:
- They hold back from peeing because they don’t like the feel of a wet nappy.
- They communicate through gestures and words to say they want to go to the toilet.
- They pull at their nappy, many times pulling it off completely, no longer wishing to have it on.
Here are a few helpful things you can do to instill good potty etiquette in your children from a young age:
We highly recommend No More Nappies by Little Hibba Publishers to warm your toddler to the idea of ditching their nappies and heading to the restroom!
As a parent, the onus is on you to figure out your toddler’s physiological readiness, bladder control, comprehension ability, and capacity to follow instructions. Many parents successfully potty train their kids between two and three.
In a narration by Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari, he reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Purity is half of iman (faith).”
The Holy Quran tells us,
“Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly repent and loves those who purify themselves” [Quran, 2:222]
We know that good hygiene and cleanliness bring us closer to Allah SWT because He loves purity. As Muslim families, we must imbibe the teachings of our Holy Book and the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding these matters. Interestingly, the Prophet (PBUH) did actually teach us about toilet manners, among all other things! Read this blog to learn more about Sunnahs for a happy Muslim family.
The first toilet etiquette to teach your kids is privacy. Islamically speaking, we know that children until puberty are not held accountable for exposing their awrah. Nevertheless, teaching them early about modesty, haya, and bashfulness when covering our bodies is always helpful.
Coach little kids to give you space and ‘alone time’ so you can use the washroom. When it is their turn, keep siblings away from the toilet and give them some moments alone so they can relieve themselves.
Sunnah bathroom etiquettes are relatively simple to practice and model; do them right a bunch of times, and they stick with you forever. Here is what you can teach your children when going to the toilet:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ). اللَّهُـمَّ إِنِّي أَعُـوذُ بِـكَ مِـنَ الْخُـبْثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ)
(In the name of Allah). O Allah, I ask refuge with you from all male and female evil spirits. (Al-Bukhari 1:45, Muslim 1:283)
“(O Allah) I seek forgiveness and pardon from You”.
My First Muslim Potty Book By Yousfa Janjua is an excellent kids' book about the necessary bathroom etiquette kids should know.
In addition to the recommended bathroom etiquette, some acts are disliked and should be avoided when in the toilet. Remember to gently nurture these in your children as you encourage them to practice the sunnah.
Training your kids to go potty the sunnah way can take a while, and several hiccups may occur along the way, but remember that as you bear with patience (Sabr) and gratitude (Shukr), every effort you put into it is setting up your children for success in the dunya and the akhirah. It may take a while, and that's completely normal.
Once children get the hang of these sunnah acts of using the toilet, they run on autopilot, requiring little to no help.
Do you struggle with potty training your kids? What challenges do you face, and how do you tackle them? Drop a comment and let us know!
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As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
As the world heads into the Thanksgiving season in full swing, Muslim families face the challenge of whether to celebrate it or not. All of us are looking for ways to boost Islamic values in our families and can be bogged down by indecision when it comes to, "Can Muslims celebrate Thanksgiving?" So, the answer to this question is fairly simple.
Islam does not recognize Thanksgiving and advises us not to celebrate it, but some Muslims do observe Thanksgiving as a day or event.
Based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),
“He who imitates any people (in their actions) is considered to be one of them.” Abu Dawud and Ibn Hibban Book 16, Hadith 35
So, what can we do to be good role models to our children during this celebratory season while also upholding their childish innocence and sentiments and not forgoing the teachings of our deen?
Read along as Crescent Moon Bookstore discusses how you can use this time to inculcate in your children patience and gratitude, two highly rewarded characteristic traits in Islam, which are also the foundations of Thanksgiving.
Sabr and Shukr go hand in hand in Islam. We get rewarded for both-being patient and being grateful. In the Quran, we get several reminders to persevere in the face of calamities and give thanks to Allah SWT for the good and the bad in our lives. Trusting wholeheartedly in Allah’s SWT decree and knowing that no harm nor success can come to us but by His command is the key to experiencing Sabr and Shukr in our lives. The Holy Quran mentions,
إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ
“Indeed Allah is with the patient” (2:153)
وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لِلَّهِ إِن ڪُنتُمۡ إِيَّاهُ تَعۡبُدُونَ
… and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him you worship.” (2:172)
Before we dive into how we can teach children about patience, it is essential to understand why our kids act out of haste. Some reasons what your child’s restlessness is trying to tell you are:
Due to a lack of attention. Expect your kids to get moody and impatient when you are not giving them the focus they deserve. And this is not when you turn towards them for fulfilling their basic needs, like serving dinner, etc. Children crave and thrive on attention and appreciation from their parents, and so without it, they will quickly reach a point where they seem to be nagging you repeatedly.
Due to a lack of power over their surroundings (and you). Children seldom have any control or power over what's happening around them. For example, if you get an unexpected call that takes up the time that you had promised to spend with your kids, it is natural for them to get restless and clingy.
Due to a lack of understanding of time. Not all children are able to tell the time or even understand the concept of waiting a certain while before they get what they want. When they hear, “two minutes please,” or “just a sec,” their minds cannot grasp the duration. This can cause uncomfortable situations where the kid impatiently waits for their plea to be heard.
Due to a lack of met needs. Children of all ages can be impatient and moody when they are hungry, sleepy, tired, overstimulated, understimulated, or even anxious. It is undoubtedly unfair to call a child temperamental when we are testing their very patience!
Kids will model what you say and do. Speak the word “Sabr” to your kids from a very early age; in fact, you can even say it to your infant as you get ready to feed them. For toddlers, add a gesture with the word to signify waiting. Similarly, remember to thank your little ones for the many simple and beautiful things they do to make us happy. Make it a daily habit to express gratitude to Allah SWT by saying, “Alhamdulilah,” and encourage your kids to do the same. Allah made you a girl Alhamdulilah is a beautiful book that centers around expressing gratitude to Allah SWT.
This is a tried and tested method that helps kids understand the concept of time as it passes. Whenever you are occupied and your children ask for your attention, tell them you will be with them in 20 seconds. Then, slowly and deliberately count from 1-20 loudly. Once you hit 20, leave all that you are doing and give them their due time and attention, AND thank them for their patience. This activity strengthens Sabr ‘skills’ in children, and your appreciation goes a long way in motivating them to keep up with their efforts.
Reading together about the virtues and rewards of Sabr in Islam can really reinforce the meaning in our children’s minds. Speak about how Sabr does not only mean patience, but it also signifies endurance, resilience, and our trust in Allah SWT. Read stories of the history of Islam and discuss how early Muslims embodied this trait during times of extreme hardship and difficulties. The Age of Bliss Series and the Stories of the Prophets are a fantastic collection of books that explore this topic in Messengers of Allah SWT and the companions of Prophet Mohammad PBUH.
We love doing activities that reflect our thankfulness to Allah SWT. The Shukr Jar is a family favorite. It’s quite a simple activity where once a week, we get together, and each family member writes one thing they are grateful for and drops it into the Shukr Jar. Once a month, we empty the jar and have a great time reading out what we have written. We also got the idea of making a pair of ‘gratitude glasses’ after reading my daughter’s favorite book, Mr. Gamal’s Gratitude Glasses.
If your kids are grown enough to write, teach them to fill in a gratitude journal. Writing helps internalize feelings of gratitude and thankfulness. Creating an inventory of the “good stuff” helps them realize all that Allah SWT has blessed them with. Think of it as a ‘count your blessings’ activity in a written format. Click here to browse through our collection of journals and journaling stickers!
Who doesn't like living life king-size? We all love and yearn for the luxuries of life. But too many comforts can also create a distance between us and Allah SWT. Practice a minimalistic lifestyle and encourage your kids to do the same from a very early age. Make a list of what they need versus what they want, and try your best to balance both. Not getting everything that they wish for also teaches children a valuable lesson in patience, and receiving a few presents each year allows for gratitude to blossom in their hearts.
The concept of gratitude is, in reality, strange. It doesn't increase when you have more; rather, the more we give to others, the more grateful we feel. Encourage your family to participate in charity events where your kids can get to know the less fortunate members of your community and be grateful for what they have.
The Akhlaq Building Series by Ali Gator Publishers is a unique set of books for little Muslims that introduces this Sunnah of sharing what you love, helping others, and giving generously. Click here to view the complete collection.
Dua and Dhikr are powerful tools that empower children to express their feelings in a constructive manner. Here are some duas you can teach them to recite and remember when they feel like things aren't going their way. You can also read our insightful blog to learn more about emotional management with kids.
"رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِينَ
Our Lord, pour upon us patience and cause us to die as Muslims.
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ عَدَدَ خَلْقِهِ، وَرِضَا نَفْسِهِ، وَزِنَةَ عَرْشِهِ وَمِدَادَ كَلِمَاتِهِ
Glory and praise to be to Allah, to the number of His creations, and in line with His Pleasure, the weight of His Throne, and the extent of His Words.
This Thanksgiving, let's try these 7 ideas to teach our kids about patience and gratitude to Allah SWT. What are some of your family’s favorite tips and tricks to inculcate sabr and shukr? Drop a comment and let us know!
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As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
Cultivating a modern Muslim family is possibly one of the most arduous challenges we face today. In a world where you're criticized if you do and judged if you don't, raising children with strong Islamic and cultural values that are in line with societal norms has become nothing short of a herculean task. The destruction of the family unit, the unhinged consumption of social media, and the ever-declining standards of morality have added to our uphill battles.
Parents are the primary influence on a child's life. Rightly so, Islam encourages parents to be steadfast in instilling Islamic beliefs in children up until the age of seven. In this article, we will discuss six gentle ways through which we can defy societal norms in our own little way and strengthen Islamic foundations in the hearts of our children.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was exemplary in his treatment of family members. He (PBUH) was never shy of expressing his love and affection for children and was the best to his spouses. The saying of the Prophet (PBUH) proves the same:
“He does not belong to us who shows no mercy to young ones and respect to our old ones, who do not recommend what is reputable and prohibits what is disreputable.”(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
We cannot overstate the power of cultivating a harmonious home space where members respect and love each other, and the best way to teach our children this is to practice it ourselves.
To encourage trust-building and bonding in your family, you can:
And remember that which is recited in your houses of the Revelations of God and prophetic wisdom. (33: 34)
Remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah SWT and His messenger (PBUH) is like a balm to our hearts. Dhikr requires us to be composed and in a receiving state, which can be incredibly calming for a family after a busy routine. Always encourage your children to take Allah’s SWT name before they start anything new. Read these Dhikr books to learn the most effective dua’s!
There are many Sunnah duas that you can teach children to make frequently as they go about their day. One of our favorite family dua’s is the one we recite when something is lost!
إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and certainly, to Him will we return. (2:156)
Patience and gratitude are other excellent concepts to practice at home with your family. Gift your kids this 5-minute Alhamdulilah Journal so they can write down everything they are thankful for daily.
Children get understandably restless when they cannot figure out why Allah SWT is delaying granting their dua. At times like these, lovingly help them manage their feelings and reinforce their gratitude (Shukr) in Allah SWT. Read our blog to learn how to coach your kids to manage their emotions.
The hadith of Angel Jibraeel AS is a comprehensible gist of what our deen is, what we must do as Muslims, and what the pillars of Islam are. Learn about this hadith and practice it with your family members. Five Pillars: Just to Please Allah by Rabia Bashir is an easy-to-understand book that explains the concept of Islam.
Spending quality time with your kids is irreplaceable. No number of books, toys, and friends will compensate for an emotionally absent parent. Having a good time unwinding with family members is critical to boosting Islamic values in your family, and it is also a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet PBUH. Try your best to keep your family time free from judgments and criticisms and focus on bonds and joy to thrive. Some simple ways we love to relax with our family are:
Islam encourages us to treat our parents with the utmost respect and tenderness. In fact, keeping good ties with our parents and extended family comes right after our worship of Allah SWT. The Holy Quran mentions,
Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and do good to parents and relatives, orphans, the needy, the neighbor nearby, the neighbor away, the companion by your side, the traveler, and those your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are arrogant and boastful. (4: 36).
Make sure you model the best behavior towards your relatives when your children are watching. You cannot be two-faced (kind in person but mean behind their backs) when you want your children to be compassionate and loving towards their own siblings once they are adults. Take the extra effort to meet up with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents whenever possible, exchange gifts, give them their due rights, and make amends where necessary to uphold family ties and strengthen Islamic values in your family.
This teaches our children to recognize the importance of kinship and opens our homes towards abundance and mercy from Allah SWT.
Show the importance of charity and sadaqah to your children by practicing it yourselves. Giving to the community teaches children to be humble and thankful for Allah’s SWT blessings. Participate in charity drives or kitchens in your neighborhood and take your kids with you. Amir’s Blue Jacket by Sarah Musa is a beautiful story about charity and kindness. You can buy it here.
Remember that even a smile is an act of sadaqah, so smile more often at your kids!
These were our top six ideas to boost Islamic values in our household. What do you do to cultivate an Islamically inclined family? Please drop us a comment and let us know!
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As we write this blog, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are suffering unimaginably at the hands of the occupying Israeli forces. Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a credible organization providing relief and assistance in the region. If you are looking for books that talk to kids about Palestine, here is our latest book listing that celebrates Palestinian stories and authors.
We are one of Allah’s SWT most intricate creations. In the Quran, Allah SWT mentions:
لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ فِىٓ أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍۢ
Indeed, We created humans in the best form. (95:4)
In addition to shaping our bodily form, Allah SWT also honors us with the beauty of our feelings and emotions. He SWT blesses us with spiritual, intellectual, and emotional traits that help us sustain ourselves in this life.
Islam and its teachings do not restrict one from expressing one's emotions. Instead, as believers, we lean in on our faith and acts of worship to keep emotions in check. As Muslims, when faced with adversities, we find ourselves turning towards the One who sees us and hears us. With kids, it's no different. When their emotions get the best of them, they turn to us to make sense of what's happening.
How we as parents react to it now will largely determine how well our children can manage their emotions as adults.
With the proper guidance and modeling prophetic parenting techniques, our kids can learn to regulate their feelings. To learn more about how you can raise a happy Muslim family, click here.
Below, we discuss four practical ways you can help coach your kids to have the upper hand when intense emotions spiral out of control.
Emotions, whether positive or negative, can overwhelm children if left unchecked. Begin by acknowledging your child’s feelings. By validating how they feel in the moment, you ensure your understanding of their state. So, the first step in teaching emotional control is to help children recognize the emotions and name the feeling.
Are they feeling jealous that their sibling got an A in a test? The Young Muslim's Mindful Book of Wellbeing by Zanib Mian gives us simple steps to overcome envy.
Are they feeling sad about a lost pet? Does Allah Know I’m Sad by Heba Subeh Hyder is an excellent book about sadness and how kids can manage this emotion.
Are they mad about a canceled trip? The book Zaid and the Gigantic Cloud discusses how children can deal with frustration and disappointment.
Teach your children about the various primary and secondary feelings that we experience. You can do this by reading to them Salaam: Mindfulness for Muslims by Humera Malik.
Always encourage your children to be aware of their feelings and communicate the same with you. Identifying what is causing this emotional disturbance is the first step towards helping them have a healthy response.
Once we have recognized and identified the emotions, we can move on to embracing them in a safe environment.
Suppose your child is disappointed that everybody is out celebrating Halloween and they are not; we need to give room for their legitimate feelings to come out. Sit down with them and accept their outbursts with understanding. Ask if they would like a hug. By hugging them, you accept their emotions and allow them to process their feelings in a space of love and warmth. On that note, here is a valuable article on Halloween alternatives for Muslim families.
The next step in emotional control is successful coping mechanisms.
Work with your children during their downtime to put in place a plan to fall back on when they struggle. The plan should include:
As you develop this plan, ensure your kids have the calming tools at their disposal. If your child would like to read through a favorite book, have the book nearby. Similarly, if they want to paint, let them know where the paint supplies are.
The aim is to prevent an outburst of overwhelming emotions by changing the scene or attention with a neutral activity.
Often, it helps to rethink and reexamine the skewed thoughts that go through children's minds.
Suppose a child thinks, “I am the weakest player on the team,” or “I am such a bad artist, I can barely draw.” Help your children move past these debilitating thoughts by reassessing the scenario. You can do this by discussing the following questions:
Children learn to identify, redirect, and rethink their responses to intense emotions with practice. Slowly but surely, they will develop a personality that is pleasing to Allah SWT and loved by the Prophet PBUH.
Islam encourages us not to lose control of our emotions during joyous and challenging times.
A hadith on the authority of Abu Hurayrah in the Muslim narrates, “The Prophet (PBUH) said: “A wrestler does not beat others, but a wrestler is the one who controls himself when he is angry.” (Muslim)
This hadith clarifies that for a person to be victorious, one must balance one’s emotions. And kids cannot acquire this skill in a day. When we model and practice emotional management around our children from an early age, they absorb and adapt our behavior and repeat it when they face intense feelings. For example, instead of throwing stuff when they get angry, they’ll learn to seek refuge in Allah SWT from the whisperings of Shaytan. Cranky Careem Says Alhamdulilah is one of our readers’ favorites when dealing with anger and frustration.
Through adopting healthy self-regulation techniques, children grow up to become personalities who emanate Shukr and Sabr and are inspiring members of the Muslim ummah.
While controlling our emotions is important, we cannot deny that it is equally beneficial to express how we feel freely. You can teach your children to express their emotions in a healthy way in several ways. Some of our tried and tested strategies are:
These were some of our favorite ways to teach our children emotional management and control. What are some of your family’s tried and tested methods? Please drop a comment and let us know!
There is a change in the air. We can smell the warm cinnamon, the pumpkin patches are in full swing, and the crunch of the sunburnt leaves under our feet intrinsically brings out a wistful sentiment. The “holiday” season is here for us, folks.
As much as we love to indulge in the outdoor bounties of fall in all its glory, there is always a sense of impending dread that most Muslim parents experience when the hauntingly “boo”tiful time of the year arrives.
Navigating our children’s emotions through Halloween can be challenging. Mainly since the holiday is explicitly aimed towards children, there may be one (or several!) feelings of “Why can’t we go trick-or-treating?” and “Why can’t we dress up?” But the good thing is that holidays like Halloween are a great chance for us to bond with our little ones and practice the Islamic values we have been teaching all year long.
Read on, as we offer you some practical solutions to encourage your families to avoid the festivities while embracing the beautiful season of Fall.
Model what you want to teach: You cannot ask your children not to partake in Halloween celebrations if you don’t fully believe why it is not for us. Take your time to learn and understand the history behind the holiday, and ask Allah SWT for guidance.
Embrace all the feelings: Leaving something that attracts you only for the sake of Allah SWT can be very hard. Empathize with your kids as they feel all the feels of giving up on something fun and exciting. Let them know that what they are doing is enormous in the sight of Allah SWT, and He will undoubtedly replace it with something better.
Make our celebrations a big deal: Unfortunately, many of us remember our childhood being a long series of, “No, it's Haram,” with no consolation or alternatives. Sometimes, we get so caught up in focusing on what's haram that we overlook or underplay that which is halal. Since there are no religious restrictions to dressing up in appropriate costumes or distributing candy when it is done at a different time, allow children to do so once in a while. Also, be generous in celebrating Muslim holidays and kids' milestones so they can satiate their yearning for rejoicing.
Below are six effective alternatives for Muslim families to indulge in during this spooky season!
We firmly believe that reading is for all seasons. But book lovers know a secret that others don't- the fall season is THE best for reading. Fall is also when people wouldn't mind you passing up on a Halloween invite to stay home and read. Coop up with your kiddos and create a fall routine of reading. You can choose from books that tell us the stories of the Prophets to books that talk about who our Lord, Allah SWT, is. Additionally, check out our favorites on Palestine, which you can read this October.
Get out! No, seriously, to avoid the peak of the Halloween season, we recommend you plan a short vacation to a place where you can get away from it all. It could be another country or a sunny adventure to the nearest coastline. You can stay close to nature to avoid the Halloween vibes in the city or have a blast exploring local tourist spots, local halal cuisine, museums, and architecture. Some even take this time to catch up with their extended families living away.
Don't want to run into Casper and his friends or get into the maddening frenzy for collecting candy? Stay home, get your kitchen scale out, and get baking! Cooking with your family is a fantastic bonding activity, and we know fall baking recipes can be extremely therapeutic! Sending freshly baked goods to your family and friends can also be charitable. Have fun trying some of these halal baking recipes, and avoid the Halloween craze.
As Muslims, we do not limit Sadaqah to any specific time of the year, so it is best always to encourage Sadaqah in your family. Participate with your family in events like a bake sale or a book sale where the proceeds go towards charity. Motivate your children to donate food, warm clothing, and toys to a nearby shelter, or find out what charity drives your local mosque has going on so you can take part. Remember that Sadaqah can be as simple as gifting a book to a friend, removing an obstacle from the path of others, or handing out a bottle of water to someone passing by!
Who said Muslims can’t party in October? Sure, it doesn't have to do anything with the holiday of ‘ghouls,’ but we can definitely throw a fete or two! Get some folks together and plan a soiree at the local mosque. Your Halal-a-Gala can feature calligraphy competitions, cook-offs, stalls for food and books, and so much more. Celebrating with our community helps give children a sense of belonging and togetherness at a time when they can feel lonely and cast out. Click here to know how you can get us to feature at your event!
Fall brings out remarkable beauty in nature around us. Take your children outdoors so they can look in awe at the shedding trees and feel the texture of the burnt Auburn leaves under their feet. Cultivate the practice of observing and appreciating Allah's mercies during this time instead of fixating on Halloween festivities.
With the right intention and plenty of du’a, we can successfully navigate this time inshallah! What are some of your family’s favorite Halloween alternatives? Please drop a comment and let us know!
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As we continue to shake our heads in disbelief at the gross disinformation that mainstream media ceaselessly throws at us, one act of resistance comes to mind. And that is to empower and educate the next generation with facts. As a mother with Palestinian roots, my children must know their rich and varied heritage. I choose to teach them about it through the age-old tradition of simple yet compelling storytelling.
Below, you will find a list of books that honor Palestinian history, art, literature, and culinary heritage through beautiful stories suitable for children of all ages. Please encourage your friends and family to continue talking about Palestine.
Our collective responsibility is to do whatever we can to support our Palestinian brothers and sisters through this horror. Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund is on the ground and is the primary humanitarian organization in Palestine, delivering crucial and life-saving medical relief and humanitarian aid. Please consider donating generously to help continue this vital work in times of emergency. Click here to donate now.
This powerful story is about Noura, who is a big sister to little Esam. She watches over her brother as their mother works hard as a seamstress to keep the family fed. Noura also tends to her late father’s rooftop garden, and one day, she wakes up to hear drones spraying chemicals into the air, thereby destroying the little patch that provided Noura’s family with fresh food.
This gut-wrenching tale of the very real challenges Palestinian children face is a lesson in determination. Author Sarah Musa and illustrator Saffia Bazlamit do a superb job of expressing the angst and heartbeat the main character feels and her unfaltering faith in rising again. Please click here to buy My Garden Over Gaza.
In Sitti’s Key, we learn about the Nakba, or the catastrophe of 1948, through the words of Amal’s grandmother, Sitti. Sitti is visiting Amal after two years, and she brings with her gifts of olive oil, za'atar, dates, and thoub. When Amal notices an old key in Sitti’s luggage, she wants to know more. Sahar Khader Ali writes the book with attention to detail regarding the Nakba event and how families were removed from their homes and split apart by the Zionist regime. This gentle yet important story about heritage, history, and belonging is a must-read for young readers of all ages. You can buy Sitti’s Key here.
These Olive Trees is a story of a young Palestinian girl and her bond with her family’s olive trees. Author Aya Ghanameh explores the life of Oraib and her family, who live in a refugee camp in Nablus after the Israeli occupation displaces them from their family home. Oraib is worried about the olive trees and wants to know what will happen to them when her family has to flee again due to the ongoing occupation. Suitable for children aged five and over, These Olive Trees is a story of resilience and belonging. To buy this book, click here.
This rhyming story weaves the tale of little Salim and his lost soccer ball with the challenges of oppression and conflict. Salim loses his soccer ball while playing with his friend. He embarks on a journey across his ancestral village in Palestine, learning lessons from resourceful community members along the way. The author, Tala El-Fahmawi, and illustrator Naveen Abu Saleem give us a vibrant visual of the lifestyle and professions that locals share, along with the common bond of courage in the face of adversity. The book comes with a discussion guide, questions, and a personal note by the author. Click here to buy Salim’s Soccer Ball.
Author Rifk Ebeid’s debut book, Baba, What Does My Name Mean, is the story of Saamideh, who asks her father this very innocent question. Her Baba then explains that her name means ‘to persevere, to be persistent.’ He continues to tell her that her name signifies her ancestry, heritage, and the land she belongs to. Saamideh goes on an imaginary journey with a dove, Salam, as her father unravels a story across Palestine's mountains, valleys, and plains.
The book talks about the cities of Haifa, Yaffa, and Nablus, glass-blowing traditions in Al-Khalil, and the weaving in Gaza. Saamideh’s story provokes a sense of belonging and deep love for one's homeland, and the reader is left with an understanding of why exiled Palestinians yearn to return to their rightful homes. This thoughtfully written book is available for purchase at our online store here.
You Are the Color is another book by Rfik Ebeid that we couldn't help but mention. You Are the Color is about Thaer, a young boy navigating life after the war displaces him from his home. Thaer feels a lot of darkness surround him and cannot process the brutal scenes he witnesses. The story takes a turn towards healing as Thaer discovers the power of art to transform grief into hope and see color again. Gorgeous illustrations by Noor Al Shalabi illuminate the impact of the Palestinian Nakba on childhood innocence and the unwavering resilience of young children. Click here to buy You are the Color.
Author of Ramadan Around the World, Ndaa Hassan, brings us Sittis Olive Trees, a story celebrating culture, family, and the precious olive tree native to Palestine. In the book, Reema bonds with her Sitti (grandmother) over hummus, a traditional chickpea spread eaten with a generous drizzle of fragrant, wholesome olive oil from the sacred olive trees in Palestine. Sitti reminisces about her family elders as they planted, nurtured, and harvested the olive trees when she was a little girl. Soumbal Qureshi beautifully illustrates the book in muted tones that remind one of nature and growth. Please click here to buy Sitti’s Olive Trees.
Colours of Al Quds is a beautifully represented children's picture book by Jenny Molendyk Divleli that takes readers on a beguiling journey through the quaint streets of Al Quds (Jerusalem). Each page discusses the colors the main character, Iman, sees as she walks through her city. From the golden Dome of the Rock and the grey keys that elders hold on to, to the gooey yellow knafeh and the red tatreez found on thobes, Colours of Al Quds is a delightful read for children wanting to learn more about the culture of Palestine. Click here and buy the book today!
The Farah Rocks series is an early reader chapter book series by Susan Muaddi Darraj. The four-book series is about Farah Hajjar, a confident, funny, and courageous Palestinian-American girl. Through the book series, Farah faces challenges with bullies at school, problems at home, and even with her one best friend. The book series comes to life with adorable illustrations by Ruaida Mannaa and is perfect for readers aged seven and above. Click here to browse through the Farah Rocks collection!
Sitti's Bird by Palestinian artist Malak Mattar is a touching and beautifully illustrated picture book that explores themes of a Palestinian family and their heritage. The story follows Malak, a young girl who lives in Gaza with her family. Like the other kids, she goes to school, plays in the ocean, and visits her grandma, Sitti’s house on Fridays. The story tells us about Malak as she channels her love for her family and art to overcome the trauma of the 2014 airstrikes in Gaza. With its colorful illustrations, this poignant book is suitable for readers of all ages. You can buy Sittis Bird by clicking here.
To understand a people, we must listen to their narratives, experience their traditions, and honor their history. The above-mentioned books celebrate Palestine in all its glory and promise free land and safe skies for the next generation. Please continue to support Palestinians through the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and your prayers.
The term Sunnah refers to ‘habits’ or ‘acts’ that were put in place by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through his words, acts, and tacit. He PBUH practiced these acts and recommended that his followers make them a part of their lives. There are several authentic, recorded Sunnah acts for almost everything the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did during his life and encouraged Muslims to abide by. From the proper eating etiquette to the appropriate way of greeting someone, you will easily find beautiful Sunnahs to follow daily.
The traditions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ play an essential role in strengthening the bond a Muslim has with their family members. The Sunnah falls right after the Holy Quran when it comes to its value in Islamic Law.
Observing and emulating the habits of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH is so highly encouraged in our deen that they are included under “recommended acts of worship."
Practicing Sunnah acts in your home can be a powerful yet subtle way of raising children who grow to love and live by Islam. Following the Sunnah is one of the simplest ways to increase our Ibadah and a sure solution to invoke Allah’s SWT barakah in our family life.
The Holy Quran mentions:
Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. [3: 31].
With this success formula in our parenting arsenal, we have rounded up a list of simple Sunnah acts that you can teach your little ones so they can enhance and embrace their relationship with Allah SWT. Read on to know what these are!
If you want to teach your kids a Sunnah, they must watch you practice it yourself. Even though our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lost his parents very early during his childhood, he always advised and ordered us to treat our parents with love, respect, dignity, and kindness. If you live close to your parents, let your kids watch you behave the most beautifully with your parents. Your kids will pick on your compassion and respect for your parents, and their demeanor towards you will reflect the same.
If your parents live away, encourage your kids to be in touch with them regularly by doing so yourself. Greeting parents with warm gestures and words can be an invaluable act of Sunnah. Heaven is at Mamas Feet by Shifa Saltagi Safadi is a colorful and unique story that talks about the roles and responsibilities of a mom and how we may try, but we can’t ever fill mama’s shoes! Click here to buy the book!
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, modeled perfect behavior even as he ate and drank. He said,
"Mention Allah's Name (say Bismillah before eating), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you." Bukhari and Muslim
Practicing the proper etiquette for eating at the table is very easy, and some of it can be summarized as follows:
Eating Just Like the Prophet is a handy book by Moin Uddin Khan that talks about all the Sunnah traditions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that relate to eating.
If you have children who struggle with nighttime terrors, teach them to practice bedtime Sunnahs each night before they sleep. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, would practice certain acts to ward off evil thoughts and negative influences and invoke Allah SWT’s mercy and pleasure.
Some well-known bedtime Sunnah acts are:
Bedtime Sunnahs by Alia G. Dada is a beautiful resource to introduce and reinforce these practices in your children. Click here to buy now!
Is That a Tea Pot by the Toilet by Rabia Bashir is a light-hearted book that conveys a crucial message about the etiquette of using the toilet in Islam. Encouraging our children to adopt the Sunnah acts of using the restroom is just as important as teaching them about any other sunnah, and probably even more so, because it encompasses an element of physical hygiene and cleanliness. The Prophet Mohammed, please be upon him said,
“Cleanliness is half of Faith.” Sahih Muslim
And so, holding firm to the Sunnahs of using the toilet is extremely important.
Another rhyming book on this topic is My First Muslim Potty Book by Yousfa Janjua. It is an excellent resource for kids who always seem to be in a hurry when using the toilet and serves as a reminder to enter with the left foot, exit with the right one, recite the dua’s each time, and do istinja after we are done.
Sadaqah and charity are major Sunnahs of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and are highly encouraged, even if it is a smile that you can offer as charity.
Abu Huraira narrates:
The Prophet said, "The one who care for a widow or a needy person is like a (warrior) who fights for Allah's religion, or like him who performs prayers all night and fasts all day." Sahih Bukhari
Parents who model a giving and generous personality towards their families and the community will notice that their children naturally pick up on the akhlaq of sharing and providing. The Akhlaq Building Series by Ali Gator Publishers is a unique set of books for little Muslims that introduces this Sunnah of sharing what you love, helping others, and giving generously. Click here to view the complete collection.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a living epitome of good manners, akhlaq, and adab. He, peace be upon him, demonstrated utmost respect and humility when dealing with people, Muslims and otherwise.
A hadith by Sahih Bukhari mentions:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Make things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult for them, and make them calm (with glad tidings) and do not repulse them.
The most effective way of teaching good manners to children is to exemplify it ourselves. As parents, we must be mindful of how our children overhear us talking about our family, friends, and neighbors in their absence. To practice Sunnah in your akhlaq, try the following:
The Box of Manners by Learning Roots is an invaluable resource set of thoughtfully illustrated that depict Islamic adab and etiquette. Families can use the cards in three exciting games that develop interpersonal and social behavioral skills.
This was the Crescent Moon Bookstore list of daily Sunnahs we love practicing with our families. What sunnah acts do you teach your children? Do you know of more children’s books that talk about prophetic traditions? Share a comment and let us know!
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My mother was a volunteer French teacher at my elementary school and she also taught my sisters and I at home (probably more as her guinea pigs). We went to ‘Arabic school’ on Sundays; I use this term lightly as it was basically 2-3 aunties that tried their best to handle 20 rowdy Arab kids in a small room that was rented at the hospital my father worked at. Unfortunately, my father didn’t teach us Arabic for fear we would end up with a hard accent like he had. And during school hours we would learn Spanish from elementary through high school. I still to this day mix up my sentences sometimes and you can see why.
But fast forward, I am married to a Palestinian/Jordanian and we have 2 beautifully, healthy children Alhamdulillah. I am determined that I didn’t want them to grow up confused like me. The basics work when they’re babies but they grow so fast. And they outgrew my limited vocabulary. So, like any good mother, I did my research. Pinned posts on Pinterest, did crafts, got printable from online bloggers, & begged for relatives to bring books in Arabic for my kids, but of course they would bring clothes and toys instead.
I’ve come to realize that learning and teaching Arabic go hand in hand. I first needed to start with myself. Here are the 5 ways I’ve learned to teach my children Arabic and I hope they help all of you who have struggled or are struggling with this daunting task.
1. Talk and Talk Early!
This goes with any language; the more you hear it the more you repeat it and eventually understand it. Experts say that a fetus begins to hear sounds at 5 months! Subhanallah that’s amazing! If you’re not a native speaker like myself, this is a great way to start. Listening to Arabic music or YouTube videos was the way for me to build on my basic vocabulary. Thanks Mona :) It was easy for me to listen on the go since during my pregnancy I was working 2 jobs full time. I bought books and CDs to further what I couldn’t understand.
For children play is a serious way to learn and develop skills. While playing pretend grocery children will often times use math and literacy. They learn new vocabulary as they are playing and counting their toy fruits/vegetables. But most of the time when we hear learning through play we tend to over complicate it. We think of all the toys to buy and think of ways to incorporate them.
Instead, I learned to focus on open-ended quality wooden toys that will last and allow you to use it in more than one way.
It’s not the quantity (of the toys) that matters as much as the quality of the toys in terms of longevity and purpose of the toy. This is sort of a minimalist way of looking at toys before bringing them into the house.
Label everything in Arabic! It’s hard enough that our kids don’t hear much Arabic at school, at the playground, or at the grocery store, but they don’t
get to see much of it either. Look around you, everything is labeled, packaged and branded in English (or another language if you live outside the US). From cereal boxes to toy boxes, our children rarely see the beautiful Arabic script emblazoned on things outside of their books or some Arabic toys. So why not bring some more Arabic into your view? We made it easier for you with two free printableswith labels of popular items around the house (download kitchen labels and bedroom labels). Print them out, let your child cut them out and then display the labels on the correct item. If they cannot read yet, be sure to stop and look at the labels whenever you can, pointing out the letters and enunciating the words. Have your child repeat the word and use it when you are speaking together as much as possible. It’s a great reminder for adults to speak in Arabic too!
Make Arabic art! From geometric art to Arabic calligraphy, you’ll find tons of ideas to engage your children (and to be honest, it’s fun for adults too) in a creative way and display their work prominently around the house. Arabic calligraphy coloring pages are all over the internet, just print and color! Use heavy cardstock and then frame your child’s work or display it in a special Arabic art corner in your home for a bigger visual impact. Find some ideas for creatively displaying your children’s art on our new Pinterest board.
Use books as art! Although adults are taught not to judge a book by its cover, who can convince a child not to be attracted to a colorful, beautifully illustrated book? When choosing books for our Maktabatee collection, we scrutinize the illustrations and visual elements as well as the story line. We love displaying the books prominently in our homes, especially where our children can see them frequently. They add a beautiful decorative touch and serve as a subconscious reminder of the existence of Arabic in our lives.
When it comes to teaching our children another language, the benefits are known, but the struggle is real. That has been my experience as a mother of two young boys, ages 3 and 5. When my parents immigrated to the suburbs of Washington, D.C., they feared that we would lose touch with the Arabic language. So they did everything in their power to maintain it. They enrolled my sisters and I in Arabic schools, they took us back to the Middle East every summer, and they spoke to us every day in Arabic. For them, it was natural but still challenging, as they were competing against everyone else in our lives who spoke English. Their hard work and good schooling paid off with my sisters and I learning to read, write, and speak in Arabic.
Today, as a parent myself, I have an added layer of difficulty-- getting myself to speak enough Arabic with my children since it doesn’t come as naturally to me as it did to my own parents. It’s an uphill battle, but one that I’m determined to take head on.
How? With a lot of personal effort and a little help from the Internet. There’s no question that the resources we have at our disposal today are beyond anything our own parents could have imagined. Don’t know the name of a particular animal in Arabic? Google translate will help. Looking for Arabic alphabet tracing worksheets? Pinterest to the rescue. Want to play an Arabic cartoon for the kids? YouTube videos galore.
But don't let that overwhelm you! Here are my top five tips for bringing more Arabic into your child’s everyday life:
1. Speak it.
You might not be perfect at it, you might not speak classical Arabic, but if you can speak Arabic, try to do it as much as possible with your children. If you are like me, you may have other languages spoken at home. Don’t let that stop you from trying to speak to your child in Arabic as much as possible. English comes so naturally to me, so it takes a significant awareness for me to tell myself to speak in Arabic when I am with my kids. Don’t be discouraged if you go off track! Even a few sentences a day here and there will help your child.
2. Read it.
Who doesn’t love to snuggle up with a parent and read a good book?
Books will introduce words that your children may not hear from you regularly or on a daily basis but are important in adding to their vocabulary. Don’t underestimate a child’s ability to understand unfamiliar words using images on the book or context clues. I’m always surprised that my children understand some words that I don’t use often. Hearing a book character speak in Arabic makes the language much more relatable and memorable for children. And seeing the Arabic word in the book will help as they move on to reading and writing the language themselves. We've handpicked our favorite Arabic books for you so you don't have to do all the work!
3. Play with it.
Children learn with all their senses. Adding a tactile element to your toolbox of Arabic learning is important. From alphabet blocks to flashcards, give your child a new way of experiencing the Arabic language. Use play dough to make the letters of the alphabet, or practice the letters in a sandbox (more ideas here).
4. Display it. The beauty of the Arabic script is undeniable. Most Arab homes will have some if not many decor items that include beautiful Arabic calligraphy. Children may not be able to read or recognize fancy script, but they will learn to appreciate it. You can also add kids themed Arabic art (check Etsy) or display the kids’ own Arabic arts and crafts prominently around the house. (More tips in our Arabic Around the Houseblog post).
5. Listen to it. Songs, apps, and short videos will help your child grasp how words sound, help them develop the pronunciation of letters, all while engaging them in a fun way. Stream the songs on your phone during a car ride and your kids will be repeating it in no time!
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