How to get your kids to fall in love with the Qur’an this Ramadan
It is never too early to introduce the holy book to children. Here’s how I’m encouraging my son to get reading and learning
Before I was old enough to learn how to read Arabic, my father, who is from Egypt, began teaching me the Qur’an in the classic oral style. At the age of four, he taught me Surah al-Fatihah, reciting each verse as I repeated after him. This was followed by the Four Quls. We would do this on the weekend, sitting together in our living room or walking hand-in-hand until I could recite each surah by heart. I cherish these memories with my father.
Now I have my own four-year-old, and I want to pass this experience on to him. I have a new goal this Ramadan: by the end of the holy month, I hope he’ll be able to recite the first chapter by memory, beginning his lifelong journey with the Qur’an.
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When my father taught me the Qur’an, I never questioned it. To be a good Muslim, I thought, I must know it by heart. I think my son will be more inquisitive, as many children are — and it’s right that he asks questions. His curiosity will help him develop an informed and emotional relationship with the Qur’an.
I appreciate that for children like him who are not native Arabic speakers, learning the holy book — which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammed in classical Arabic — may feel intimidating. This is why I believe it’s crucial that I begin encouraging him now, when he is at an age where his brain is better equipped to learn in a different language.
Like most children, my son is very visual, so we’ve begun our journey through images — whether that’s picture books or cartoons. We watch programmes together such as Malaysia’s Omar and Hana, where the characters recite the Qur’an as part of the storyline. Or YouTube channels Kalam Kids and Sister Gigi.
For older children, there are Qur’an apps, which provide English translations alongside the Arabic verses in language, and trivia cards to help test their knowledge. I also recently came across Qur’an journals encouraging kids to write or draw their reflections. Journaling is a great way for them to look back and see if they have understood what they have learned.
All these resources exist, but they won’t have an impact if they are not approached with kindness and affection. Reading little and often is better than making children feel overwhelmed, which may put them off learning. It is important that we try our hardest not to criticise our children if they read incorrectly. It was challenging for all of us when we started learning.
The Qur’an is full of miraculous tales about the prophets and storytelling is vital — I don’t want my son to solely learn the text by heart. I want him to understand its meaning.
Crucially, one of the most powerful things we can do is to remember the simplest of facts: the Qur’an is the word of Allah. As Allah says in Surah Yusuf in verse three, He is telling us the best of stories. If we ever need some inspiration, we can pick up the Qur’an. If we feel sad or worried, the Qur’an will always be a source of comfort.
If Ammar does not manage to learn all of Surah Al-Fatihah by the end of this Ramadan, I will not be disappointed. I just wish to plant the seeds of a lifelong love for the greatest of books.
