By reading to our children we not only teach them that learning is fun, we show them by our own example.

　　Allah Almighty Says (what means): “…Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees…”[Quran 58: 11]

　　While it is true that the knowledge that is referenced to in the above verse is regarding Islamic knowledge, there is no doubt that throughout Islamic history from the time of the Prophet until present day there has been a common understanding that striving to learn and educate ourselves is a vital part of being a Muslim.

　　We know from our rich history that Muslims hold the highest ranks in scientific, medical, mathematical and astronomical discoveries – and because of that our scholars have been envied for many years.

　　It is so important that we pass on our wonderful legacy of learning to our children, and one of the best ways to accomplish that is to read to them. By reading to them, we not only teach them that learning is fun, we show them by our own example.

　　The Prophet said: “Only two persons deserve to be envied, firstly, a person to whom Allah has given wealth and bestowed upon him guidance to spend in a righteous cause, and secondly, a person upon whom Allah has bestowed wisdom by which he judges and which he teaches.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

　　With reading come the benefit and the gift of knowledge – more precious to our children than anything else we could ever buy them or give them. Reading to comprehend helps them to understand their religion and therefore teach it to others. We know that reading is at the heart of all learning, but especially being able to read and understand the Quran and the Hadeeth.

　　Not only it is important that we teach our children English, but also Arabic to the best of our ability. In this way, they can experience the Quran as it is in its pure form.

　　It is not only important to teach our children to read, but for us to read to them and listen to them while they are reading. By listening to them, we can hear and correct their mistakes and encourage them to sound out new words they are unfamiliar with. Some statistics showed that approximately 40 percent of all fourth graders in the United States cannot read and understand a simple paragraph from a children’s book – and that is pitiful.

　　We need to get together in our communities and start reading groups for our children to encourage them to turn off the video games and televisions in the house and pick up a book. Whether it is a work of fiction screened by mom or a biography about one of our beloved Prophet’s Companions, may Allah be pleased with them it is vital that we get our children reading.

　　It is one of the easiest ways in which to involve yourself in their education and show them you care. Make a plan and read a book together, and then spend time to discuss it, explain it and ask questions. Ask them what they anticipate will happen next, or what they think should have happened.

　　Ten proactive things you can do:

　　· When reading a book where the print is large, point word by word as you read. This will help your children learn that reading goes from left to right (or right to left for Arabic books) and understand that the words they say are the words they see.

　　· Read stories with your children that feature rhyming words and lines that repeat. Invite your children to join in on these parts by pointing word by word as they read along with you.

　　· If your child is old enough, assign a book every two weeks and have them write a book report for you. Get creative with book reports by making them more interactive, such as choosing a book about a country then cooking a traditional dish from that area.

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