Raising Kids Who See Allah's Signs in Creation
You know, in our rush to give our kids the best education possible, it's so easy to get caught up in grades, schools, and academic achievements. But have you ever paused to think about the bigger picture? What if all this learning doesn't bring our children closer to Allah (swt)? What if, despite being top performers, they miss out on the ultimate purpose of their lives: affirming Tawheed and keeping their fitrah intact?
Nature as a Pathway to Tawheed
Think about those moments when you stand in awe of a beautiful sunset or marvel at the intricate details of a flower. These are moments where you can't help but feel the presence of Allah, right? Imagine teaching our kids to see the world this way. When they learn to observe and appreciate nature, they start to see the signs of Allah in everything. It's like giving them a key to understanding the oneness of Allah (Tawheed) through the beauty and complexity of His creation. As adults, do we actually feel Allah's presence in our daily lives, or do we just pass by and go on with our walks or the daily grind? Because of the system we've been in or the way we were educated, we often find it an extra effort to look around us with appreciation. But imagine if our kids grow up differently, constantly aware of and connected to Allah through the world around them.
Keeping Our Children in Their Fitrah
We all know that kids are born with a natural sense of faith and purity—this is their fitrah. Our job is to nurture and protect this beautiful state. By immersing our children in nature, we help them maintain their fitrah. Nature provides endless opportunities for them to witness Allah's wonders, reinforcing their natural inclination towards faith and wonder.
Beyond Academic Success
Sure, we all want our kids to excel academically, but let's not lose sight of what really matters. We could send them to the best schools and push them to achieve top grades, but if this doesn't help them fulfill their ultimate purpose of worshipping and knowing Allah, then what's the point? Education should be more than just a means to an end; it should help our children grow spiritually and connect with their Creator.
Centering Education on Allah
To raise a generation that truly appreciates and loves Allah, we need to center their education around Him. This means integrating Islamic principles into all aspects of learning and showing them how everything in the universe is interconnected and points back to Allah. When our kids learn about the world through the lens of Islam, they see that acquiring knowledge is an act of worship and a way to draw closer to Allah.
Practical Steps for Parents
Here are a few simple things we can do to make this happen:
Nature Walks and Observations: Let's take our kids on regular nature walks. Encourage them to observe and reflect on the signs of Allah in the natural world. Talk about the creation of different plants, animals, and natural phenomena, linking them back to Allah's attributes.
Islamic Stories and Lessons: We can share stories from the Quran and Hadith that highlight the beauty of nature and Allah's creation. These stories teach important lessons about faith, gratitude, and the importance of preserving the environment.
Hands-On Activities: Engage our kids in hands-on activities like gardening, bird watching, and star gazing. These activities not only teach scientific concepts but also foster a sense of responsibility and appreciation for Allah's creation.
Connecting Science and Faith: Whenever possible, let's connect scientific concepts with Islamic teachings. For example, when studying the water cycle, we can discuss the verses in the Quran that describe rain and its significance as a mercy from Allah.
Encouraging Curiosity: Let's foster an environment where our kids feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their curiosity. Encourage them to seek knowledge with the intention of understanding Allah's creation and growing closer to Him.
Let me share a story that might resonate with you. Last week, my son, Yusuf, was having one of those "I'm bored" days. You know the ones, right? Instead of turning to screens, I decided to take him on a spontaneous nature walk. We grabbed our backpacks, filled them with snacks and water, and set off to the nearby woods.
As we walked, Yusuf started noticing the different kinds of leaves and insects around us. He picked up a leaf and asked me why it had such unique patterns. We sat down, and I explained how Allah created each leaf with its own design. I shared a verse from the Quran that talks about the signs of Allah in nature. His eyes lit up with curiosity and wonder.
Later, as we watched a group of birds flying in perfect formation, Yusuf turned to me and said, "Mama, how did Allah make the birds fly like that." In that moment, I saw a spark of curiosity and connection ignite in him. It was a simple afternoon that turned into a profound learning experience, connecting him to the wonders of Allah’s creation.
Little and Deen’s Philosophy
At Little and Deen, we believe in connecting our children’s education to Allah and His creation. For instance, our learning packs—like those on Human Anatomy, Oceanology and Marine Life, and Fall Adventures—are designed to help kids see the world through the eyes of faith. These packs are not just about science; they are about understanding and appreciating the signs of Allah in the natural world.
We want to provide resources that not only educate but also connect them to Allah and His creation. When our children experience and connect with nature, they see and feel the signs of Allah, making those connections deeply spiritual and enriching.
Let’s strive to provide an education that not only prepares our kids for worldly success but also helps them fulfill their ultimate purpose: worshipping and knowing Allah. In doing so, we ensure that their learning journey is not only enriching but also deeply spiritual, leading them to a lifetime of faith, gratitude, and wonder at the beauty of Allah's creation.
Let's keep this conversation going and support each other in raising kids who see the world through the eyes of faith. We're in this together, inshaa Allah.