Learning about Allah through His Creation

By Zahirah Lynn Eppard

Children are naturally curious about the world they live in. A conscious effort must be taken to help our children connect with Allah – to get to know Him, to respect Him, and to heed the guidance that He so mercifully provides. And the earlier that starts the better. The best way for parents to inculcate this type of connection to the practice of our religion is to provide age-appropriate training from those who have knowledge and to also make use of “teachable moments.” Here are five awe-inspiring examples to share.  

Parenting Like the Prophet

By Umm Ahmed

Parenting is undoubtedly a huge responsibility, especially in these challenging times. While there is a plethora of parenting resources available online and in bookstores, nothing comes close to the practical guidance by way of the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Here are six practical parenting steps to nurture our future generations. 

1. Be steadfast in your worship.
2. Strengthen them physically.
3. Pray for them.
4. Display the best of character.
5. Fulfill your rightful duty toward them.
6. Express your love for them.

Find out more details to help incorporate these qualities into daily life.

8 Ways to Connect Young Children with Prayer

By Samana Siddiqui

Salah keeps us all grounded in our faith. It is that necessary daily reminder of Who we are accountable to, as well as Who is our greatest Benefactor. It keeps us connected to Allah in all circumstances, and it is a gift and obligation we must pass on to young Muslims. Praying five times a day can be a struggle for adult Muslims, but an even greater one for young people. At a time when texting and other technology offer fast-paced distraction, encouraging our youth to establish daily prayers can seem impossible. Here are a few ways to start that process.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions by Muslim Youth about LGBTQ Issues

By Zahirah Lynn Eppard

Parents are scrambling to insulate their children from age-inappropriate LGBTQ+ content and exert their faith-based opposition to these deviant lifestyles. And in the mix of it all, Muslim youth are caught in the crossfire, questioning Islamic guidance on the matter, and trying to figure out what’s the big deal. Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi delivered a khutbah on June 2, 2023, titled: Why Muslims Shouldn’t Celebrate Pride Month. There are five questions that Sheikh Yasir frequently hears from Muslim youth about LGBTQ+ matters. With Pride Month rolling around again in June, his responses are again timely.

Book Review: Graphic Novel Addresses Muslim Teens' Challenges with Insight, Humor

By Laura El Alam

Instilling an Islamic worldview can be difficult for parents who are raising children in the West. So many things around us – both online and in real life – contradict Islamic values, and the desire to fit in can be overpowering for Muslim youth. Huda F Cares? by Huda Fahmy is a graphic novel for teens and young adults that addresses some of the challenges of maintaining a strong Muslim identity in the U.S. Writer Laura El Alam gives it a read and review.

Online Resources

The Clear Quran Tafsir for Kids Is a Great Resource for the Entire Family! - Good resources are important and this is one that should be in every family library.

7 Ideas to Make the Prophet Muhammad Come Alive for your Children - This article contains great suggestions to encourage your children to love for the Prophet Muhammed.

The Importance of Reading to Your Children - There are a wide variety of reasons to make reading to your children a daily habit. 

Reading Challenge: Centering Muslim Characters - Check out this popular reading challenge developed by librarian Rabia Khokar that focuses on books that center a diverse array of Muslim characters.

Adam's World Video: Adam Learns about The Provider

Adam starts his day doing good things for everyone expecting specific things in return. He learns the hard way that that’s not how it works. We must keep on doing good things for Allah’s sake because He is The Provider. The Araabic letter “Raa” for Al-Razzak and the English letter “P” for The Provider are featured. A beautiful nasheed called “Allah is The Provider” by Ilyas Mao complements the lesson. (9:21)

The Sound Vision Foundation has been a trusted source of Islamic knowledge for more than 30 years. Our work with the world-renowned puppets Adam and Aneesah pioneered creative programming for Muslim children, encouraging them to learn about and love their religion. We continue to bring sound content and engaging programs that stimulate minds, touch hearts, and strive to fulfill our mission of raising better Muslims, better neighbors, and better citizens. This latest effort is designed to support and empower Muslim parents to do the same.