Answer
In this counseling answer:
•There are many books for children including Qur’an & Seerah Stories for kids by Saniyasnain Khan which can be read to your children and further explained at age appropriate levels.
•Children love stories and reading to your children and discussing the content is not only instilling a love for the Prophet (PBUH) but it is also developing in them a love for reading, as well as providing time for further bonding with you.
•Prior to story time you may want to ask your children what story they would like to hear. Also, engage them through questions and pictures as this makes the children an active part of the process rather than just “listeners”.
•There are many good CD’s for children in which you can pause the CD and ask your children questions relating to the portion of the CD heard.
As salamu alaykum,
Thank you for writing in to our live session. May Allah SWT bless you for wanting to guide your children in the wonderful direction of developing a deep love for our beloved Prophet (PBUH). Engaging your children in stories at bedtime and their quiet times is an engaging way to teach them of the Qur’an and love for the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). There are many books for children including Qur’an & Seerah Stories for kids by Saniyasnain Khan which can be read to your children and further explained at age appropriate levels.
There is also 101 Seerah Stories and Dua by the same author, and many more. Children love stories and reading to your children and discussing the content is not only instilling a love for the Prophet (PBUH) but it is also developing in them a love for reading, as well as providing time for further bonding with you. Prior to story time you may want to ask your children what story they would like to hear. Also, engage them through questions and pictures as this makes the children an active part of the process rather than just “listeners”. Develop innovative ways based on their ages and interests to actively engage them on their level.
As your oldest is 8 and your youngest is 3, you may want to further divide your teaching time to focus on the two older children, especially if they ask a lot of questions as they are at different developmental stage than your 3-year-old. However, keep your 3 years old engaged as much as possible for this will form good habits as well as create a knowledge base at a young age, which will, later on, turn into appreciation in a few years insha’Allah. Most important, make duaa to Allah SWT before any activities, that your children gain the blessings, love and knowledge from your efforts.
Another way to instill love for the prophet (PBUH) is to sit at a table and have a large blank outline of Arabia, crayons and a guide book of the Prophets (PBUH) life and travels. Begin by discussing the Prophet’s (PBUH) birth and location and mark it on the paper. Begin to talk about the life of the Prophet (PBUH) and have your children participate in coloring a map of his life, labeling events. This would include places he lived, journeyed to and other significant events. CD’s are also a way to teach your children about the Prophet (PBUH).
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There are many good CD’s for children in which you can pause the CD and ask your children questions relating to the portion of the CD heard. An example would be “How do you think it felt when the Prophet’s (PBUH) son Ibrahim was born”? You may wish to tie that in with how you felt when they were born. This creates a more real and vivid experience. You should insha’Allah have them do fajr prayer with you.
Teach them to perform dhzikr and recite the last portion of surah Al-Imran before fajr prayer and explain to them that the Prophet (PHBUH) did this and why. While there may be some fidgeting and tiredness at first as it will be earlier than fajr, it is good to teach them while they are still young, for insha’Allah as they grow older it will become natural for them to do this. Instilling the love of recitation and dhzikr is part of instilling love for the Prophet (PBUH) for these are things he loved doing as well. Also teach them other mannerisms of the Prophet such as when eating, sleeping, entering a home and so on. By teaching them the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) you are teaching them love.
We wish you the best!
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