Still, the upbringing of the United States Muslim community is endowed with an abundance of blessings, as well as some difficulties. Among the largest? Ensuring that our children remain connected with the Quran.
School, sports, homework, and screen time already occupy all imaginable space, so learning Quran may seem like quite an uphill struggle. And that is the good news, it does not need to be overwhelming. To make learning Quran an easy and regular practice and all this right at home you just need to take a few clever steps towards it.
I have been through this myself. Similar to other Muslim parents residing in the USA, I was concerned that my children would not have the knowledge of Islam as they grew up. Yet, gradually through patience, and by making slight daily changes, I was able to find a solution to introduce the Quran to our lives- and you can do it as well.
Here is how we did it.
Start Small: The Power of Five Minutes
The greatest pitfall that I had in the beginning was that I attempted to do too much. I printed starter sheets, had them download apps, and set tight schedules. In a matter of few days, we were demoralized and out of course.
Then I attempted something new.
We began by only doing five minutes per day. and then a breakfast, one short Surah. After dinner a few Arabic letters. That’s it.
Here it may not seem to be much, but those five minutes gradually turned into a habit. They also helped remind my children (and me) that the Quran is not an occasional but an everyday thing that we can resort to at weekends or during Ramadan.
Set Up a Special Quran Corner
Children adore their own space. We therefore made a small Quran corner within the living room. Only a prayer mat and a copy of the Quran and a small book shelf full of Islamic books.
This little bit helped a lot. It helped my children feel like owners. It was there that they knew they could have a point of contact with Quran. It made it worthwhile and ceremonial.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
It is a fact of the matter that our children are coming up in the digital world. Then why not use it to make them relate to the Quran?
Some great apps and YouTube channels can help you to learn how read the Quran, Tajweed, and even Quran stories using simple English. We involved a combination of apps and micro-videos to maintain the interest of the children.
All you need to do is to watch the amount of time spent in front of the screen and make learning the priority. The objective is not to replace, but rather to assist in real reading of the Quran.
Let Your Kids Teach You
Allowing my children to educate me about what they have learned was one of the best methods that I encountered.
I would ask, †already what did you learn today? Show me. After reading Surah Al-Ikhlas, my daughter would sit down and recite the same in confidence. My son would give an explanation of a word. They were proud and I had a chance to watch them develop before my eyes.
It reiterated to them the fact that learning the Quran is something to be proud of retention not keep it to oneself.
Celebrate the Milestones
It does not matter whether it is completing a new Surah or mastering a few words, every little good will count.
We willed them along with mini-rewards a favorite snack, sticker chart or just some dinner table praise. These small instances of appreciation generated enthusiasm and desire.
Be the Role Model
Your children can never be expected to do what you tell them, but what you model.
When they see you reading Quran they will desire to join you. They will learn the habit of reciting before bedtime once they hear you do it. It does not mean you have to be perfect; be consistent.
Recitation of Quran five minutes a day on your side can help instill the seeds of love of the Quran in the hearts of your children.
Online Quran Classes Can Get You Extra Help
I reached a point when I realized that I had to do something. Having run out of steam with a busy family schedule and full time job, it became difficult to maintain focus personal. It was then that I gave online Quran classes a spin and my life has never been the same again.
With online learning, we had flexibility, structure and professional guidance.
International Quran Academy was one of the most successful platforms that we tested. They teach individual lessons with women and men instructors. The greatest? You are allowed to take a free trial and you can decide what time to attend your classes, you may also change teachers where necessary. It was like having a tutor at our living room.
My kids learned even quicker because of online classes, were constantly motivated, and enjoyed every session.
End the Day with Quran and Dua
We have now concluded every night with a little Quran practice and dua. Not very complicated after all–a little Surah, and a few words of prayer, as:
Ya Allah, enlighten us about the Quran. And easy me to us. Put us towards Thyself.”
It has turned out to be one of the calmest sections of our day. It allows us to close the day with gratitude and faith, regardless of whether the day was full of obligations or stress.
It is not About Perfection but Consistency.
You do not have to teach your children the Quran every day. All you have to do is to be consistent.
Yes, there will be missed days. Yes, there is a possibility that your child will not wish to sit and learn. That’s normal. Don not be held up by it. Keep going. Keep appearing.
It could be one ayah a day, but that is also progress.
Remember the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Final Thoughts
Being Muslim parents in the USA, we do whatever we can to make our children remain connected to their religion. The centre of that journey is the Quran.
You do not have to have flashy equipment or flawless strategies. All you have to do is to encompass Quran as a little piece of your daily life.
Begin with five minutes. Work with what you possess. Engage your children. But do not fear seeking assistance in online Quran classes.
Those little steps will, with time, become something solid like a good habit indeed: an illumination of your place and the Quran will enter your family.
