Muslims turn to the Holy Qur’an for guidance in all matters of life. The book teaches the correct ways of life as prescribed by Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala. Every Muslim must learn to read and understand, either by learning Arabic or reading translations in an understandable language, to be able to grasp the message of Islam. We must learn Qur’an ourselves and also teach it to our family members:
Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:
“Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The leader is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock, a man is the shepherd of his family and is responsible for his flock; a woman is the shepherd in the house of her husband and is responsible for her flock, the servant is the shepherd of his master’s wealth and is responsible for it. Each of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
The hadith emphasizes the role of parents in teaching the religious rites and moral values to children. When it comes to teaching Qur’an, it is recommended that children are taught Qur’an at an early an age as possible. There are many benefits of early learning. Some of them are:
- Young children are attached to their parents. Their entire lives revolve around the parents, so it is easy to teach them; they will be quite eager to learn from parents.
- As children grow up, their interests widen. It is difficult for children to concentrate on learning around adolescence. It is advisable that the teaching of Qur’an commence at a young age so they learn the basics before puberty.
- Young children have minds like sponges. They absorb very quickly and it is the best time to guide them in learning the Holy Qur’an.
- Children have to learn to read Arabic to be able to recite Qur’an. And any new language, taught at a young age, boosts cognitive development. Hence Qur’an teaching helps improve their IQ.
- Learning at this age is like an engraving in stone. If done properly, it will go a long way and the child will remember Quranic teachings all his life.
- As mentioned earlier, children grasp things quickly, it is the best time to teach them the moral values. Qur’an teaches us the morals we need to live our lives according to. Parents should guide them about the rights and wrongs in the light of the Noble Qur’an.
- Habits formed early are strong. Inculcate the habit of reciting Qur’an and they are likely to carry this habit with them all lifelong.
- A child who has grown up reading and learning Qur’an is likely to stay closer to Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala. Allah’s love has been implanted in his heart at a very young age.
Present yourself as a role model by reciting Qur’an regularly; this will encourage children to adopt this habit. It will be beneficial to them and will be a sadqa-e-jaria for you.