Nurturing the Next Generation
Project Of Sound Vision

Learning from the Childhood of Abdullah ibn Abbass

By Melissa Barreto

The lives of the early Muslims, lovingly known as the sahaba or companions, are filled with tales of challenges and hardship. These men and women made the courageous choice to follow the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings upon him, often at the risk of their own status, community ties, wealth, and at times even their physical safety. The sahaba are great role models for our children and their inspirational lives hold valuable lessons for parents as well. The story of one companion, Abdullah ibn Abbass, may Allah have mercy on him, holds many lessons and begins from the time that he was a child.

Enslaved Muslims Are a Remarkable Part of Islamic History

By Laura El Alam

In addition to the Muslims who came to the Americas as voluntary seafarers and explorers a century before the European colonists, hundreds of thousands were brought against their will from Africa in the bowels of slave ships during the 400 years of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. In an article for Al Jazeera, historian Dr. Sylviane A. Diouf writes, “Estimates vary, but [Muslims] were at least 900,000 out of the 12.5 million Africans taken to the Americas. Among the 400,000 Africans who spent their lives enslaved in the United States, tens of thousands were Muslims.” Learn more about this important part of our history.

Islamic History from the Beginning to the End (AI-Bidayah wan Nihayah)

By Tayaabah Qazi

The story of creation compiled by Ibn Kathir has amazing insights into the origin of God’s creations including Jinn, angels, and humanity. The Beginning to the End (Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah) is an incredible source of meaningful bedtime stories to help bring children of all ages closer to Allah, to be awed by Allah’s majesty, and to satisfy their curiosity about our world. Here are some details to help parents partake in this exploration of a masterpiece of Islamic history.

Nusaybah bint Ka'ab, The First Woman Warrior

By Zahirah Lynn Eppard

There is a general acknowledgement that women have made great achievements and their contributions to modern life have been significant. Islamic history has its own amazing female role models – Aisha, Khadija, Maryam, Asiya (may Allah be pleased with all of them). But Muslim women's history does not start and end with these four righteous women. It is filled with women of great courage, skills, and insights who have made positive contributions on a variety of fronts. One great example is Nusaybah bint Ka’ab.

The Work of Women: Wet Nurses and Early Caretakers of the Prophet

By Candice Islaah Abd’al-Rahim

Being entrusted with another woman's baby is a noble station in life. It is a position of trust because children are most impressionable during their first years. For those reasons, the early Arabs would often hire a wet nurse for their babies, even when the mother of the baby was available, and preferred that their children be raised away from the towns, in the more rustic or primitive areas. Learn more about the women - Thuwayba Al-Aslamiya, Halima bint Dhuayb As-Sadiya, Khawla bint Al-Munthir bint An-Najjah, Barkatah bint Thalaba, and more - who touched the Prophet Muhammad’s, peace and blessings be upon him, early life in this important way.

Online Resources

Why Every Muslim Needs to Study History - This article provides inspiration about the role that history plays in shaping our understanding about Islam and the world. 

What would Muhammad do? The Prophet of Forgiveness and Hope - This article is a  reminder about the hardships during the life of our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and how his consistent responses to them can help us meet the challenges of our time.

The Great Muslim American Road Trip - This 3-part docuseries follows an Muslim American couple on a cross-country journey along the U.S. and weaves a colorful story about what it means to be Muslim in America today.

Maryam, Mother of Prophet Isa: An Honored Single Parent - This article takes an in-depth look at one of the most honored women in all of human history.

Quran Buddies Series - Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

Adam is marveling at the beauty of nature and is reminded of a very special verse in the Quran. (2:02)

The Quran Buddies Series includes 30 short videos that are designed to enlighten children with the guidance of the Quran.

NEW LIVE online classes have started ... Register now!

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.