Virtual Magazine of Witness-Pioneer
Volume 9 Issue 2 - July-September 2009: Raising Children in Islam (in PDF)

Contents

Editorial
Islamic Parenting in Foreign Land/non-Muslim Country Noor Danish Ahrar Mundari
Teaching your Child about Islam Freda Shamma
Islamic Parenting Fathima Zahra Dawood
Parenting: Few Points Muhammad Atiq
Necessary Tips for Raising Children Following Islam IOL
Book Review: Muslim Parents – Their Rights and Duties by Akhlaq Husain
Book Review: Parenting Skills – Based on the Qur'an and Sunnah by Dr. Ekram and Dr. Mohamed Rida Beshir
Call for Contribution for October-December 2009 Issue WPI
Some Links on Parenting WPI
Some books for Parents on Parenting WPI
Some Materials (Books/CD/DVD) for Children WPI

Editorial


In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful Alhamdulillah, we have the July-September 2009 issue on “Raising Children in Islam”, which is a very important but often neglected by many of us. This issue covers few articles, two book reviews and some lists of books, and other materials for Children as well as for parents.

We hope that this issue will help and guide the society in the direction of Allah. We humbly request you to spread the message among other people.

We express our gratitude to all the contributors of this magazine. We also appreciate your assistance in spreading the news of this magazine. Your feedback and comments are most welcome. Please send your articles, comments, feedbacks, etc. to our email address and keep visiting our webpage for updated information. We are going to publish the October-December 2009 Issue on “Husband-Wife Relations: Islamic Perspective”. Details are provided below.

May Allah guide us to HIS Path. Ameen.


Editorial Board
E-mail: WPI.magazine@gmail.com
Webpage: http://witness-pioneer.org/VMagazine/index.htm

N.B.: Respective authors are responsible of their writings or interviews; the editorial board or Witness-Pioneer is not responsible of anything.
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Islamic Parenting in Foreign Land/non-Muslim Country
by Noor Danish Ahrar Mundari

The socio- economic situation of the world is very dynamic and hence the topic of parenting too, which changes as quickly as society around us. Each child is different; each family and its challenges are different. This is one challenge, however, many of us are least prepared for.

The current bad shape of Muslims socio-economic-political-educational condition around the world is highly based on their misunderstanding or no knowledge of Qur'an, Science, Society, Responsibility, Duties, etc. These are being inherited to us from the Medieval era rulers and society; if we do not change the situation we will pass these to our future generations. Solutions of all these problems need good understanding of the changing world and parenting our children among the world best bright pillars of Islam. In the present world context, we have to decide what we want and how we will deliver these qualities to our children. The parents need to make a proper plan for the children, their siblings, their young friends/relative (from whom he learns basics of manners), early education, schooling and college education (from where he dreams of his role in society), society (to which he will be exposed), carrier - which a child will pursue. With current technological advancement the order of teaching/learning is changing. It is often seen that a child learn things from TV, Internet, online Games must faster and even earlier than he should be taught of these things/manners – which makes parents/relative to be surprised by themselves! However, the negative part is that children learn bad/unwanted things/manners too earlier even without the knowledge of parents/teachers. So, the parents need to decide how and when the child is exposed to technology for the best welfare for him in term of his Islamic and scientific growth.

A parent's education, culture, religion and life style have a significant impact on a child. As for example, if the parents smoke than there is very high probability that the child will also smoke in adulthood. So many of these bad habits are inherited to our children. So it is the requirement of the parents to change in a positive manner, whom a child sees as supermodel in his early age. In fact, the level of self-confidence and self-respect is also transferred in the children from parents. It is also seen that in multicultural world, many Muslim brothers and sisters when migrated to other land, either they change them completely or sometimes they do not change at all. If they do not cope with the new environment they will feel more isolated in their new environment. However, when they completely change themselves according to the culture and religion of the new society, no care for Haram and Halal (prohibitions and permitted things of Islam), no flavor of Islam in their life, no self-confidence in them, the child will learn the new cultural values of the new land. He will be very much a part of this new society. So the parents need to understand what they want to inherit to the children. As for example, when many people come to Japan (an Industrially-developed country), they compare the good part of Japan, its industrial development and infrastructure, social security with the native land which falls far from the standard in Japan and hence they feel that it so nice to be in this new culture. However, by doing this they completely forget to understand the good part of their native society and the social and personal drawbacks of Japanese society (which is an industrially-developed society) such as high level of suicide, divorce, single motherhood, and uncontrolled sexual relations. This all should be addressed before you explore the possibilities of having children, what you are going to inherit to your children by being a Muslim parent. We should be always proud of the society/religion which we follow with strong respect for all other society/religion which is followed by other members of the society. We should teach the children about every society/religion but before doing so, let children have proper understanding of Islam first. If he/she understands Islam properly, he/she will respect all other religions/societies. By following a democratic manner in family, by giving effective duty and rights to everyone, one can teach the children how to be polite and careful for all the concerned people around him. I would like to finish with a prayer to Allah, ‘O Allah! Bless us to be good parents to our children and give us ability to guide them among strong pillar of Islam'.

Contributor: Noor Danish Ahrar Mundari is an Indian national doing Ph.D. in Space Technology from Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan. Apart from his Research, he wishes to contribute exclusively for the development of People in general and Muslims in particular across the world in Scientific education, Cultural understanding and Understanding of ISLAM according to contemporary time.
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Teaching your Child about Islam
by Freda Shamma, PhD

Children are born in a state of fitra (purity) and then their parents teach them to be believers or unbelievers. According to the Musnad Ibn Hanbal, "The children of the unbelievers are better than you grown-ups. Every living creature is born with a righteous nature." It is our obligation and duty as parents to teach our children so that they grow up to be believing, practicing Muslims. Sending the child to an Islamic weekend school or to a full-time Islamic school is an important but minor part of their Islamic education. The major 'institution of learning' for each child is his family, and the major 'professors' of this institution are the parents.

ROLE MODELING
The most effective way to teach anything to anybody is to be a role model. This is why Allah sent human beings as prophets to all peoples. Whether we willingly accept this job or not, it is a fact that your child learns how to function in life by watching what you do. Even the absent parent is role modeling to the degree that a boy, whose father abandoned his family, will probably treat his own children the same way.

POSITIVE VS. NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT
As the above poem indicates, negative comments and treatment result in negative attributes in our children, and positive comments and treatment result in positive results. The term 'positive and negative reinforcement' is popular in modern psychology, but it was advocated by the Qu'ran and the actions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), 1400 years ago. How do we use positive reinforcement to teach our children? Young children are basically good. Furthermore they want to please their parents. When you praise them for their good behavior by telling them that Papa and/or Mama is happy with their action, you are using positive reinforcement. Unfortunately many parents ignore their child's good actions and only comment on the bad actions. Let us take an example.

INTEGRATING ISLAM INTO LIFE
One of the most important aspects of raising your children to be Muslims is to introduce the idea that Allah is also happy with their good actions. If you say that what they did or are doing is making you and Allah happy, then the child begins to associate good behavior with acting for the pleasure of Allah, which in a nutshell, is exactly what being a good Muslim involves. Can you say anything better of a believer other than that he/she does everything fi sabillah (for the sake of Allah)?

BAD CHILDREN
The child who errs is forgiven by Allah, and if he dies in childhood, he automatically goes to heaven. This mercy of Allah should guide us as we guide our children. It is not necessary to make the child fearful of Allah or fearful of going to hell. In fact, this approach is counter productive - it often achieves the very result we are trying to avoid. Stressing the negative and the punishment makes the child want to avoid anything to do with the religion. He or she grows up thinking that it is religion that keeps him from enjoying life.

ATTRIBUTES OF ALLAH
When you are talking to children under the age of twelve, stress the characteristics of Allah that will give him security and assurances as he grows and encounters fearful situations and unknowns. He needs to be aware of the many blessings Allah has given to him to help him enjoy and cope with his life. And he needs to understand which actions Allah will be pleased with, rather than worry over punishment for mistakes he knows he will make.

ISLAM AND DAILY LIFE
Too often when parents think about talking to their children about Islam, they concentrate on the ritual of the five pillars. They teach them how to make salah (required prayer), and they teach them some short Qur'anic surah (chapters). These are important, but don't forget that Islam is a total way of life, and every aspect has an Islamic element that you need to talk about and demonstrate for your child. When the father goes off to work, the mother can say 'Good bye' or she can say 'Assalamu alaikum' and add its meaning in English, 'may Allah's peace be with you". As she and the young child start to do something together, she can mention that the father is doing what Allah says a good father should do - working to take care of the family. She can also mention, and the father should also mention it frequently, that she is trying to please Allah by doing many things to help her child and the family. When the child helps her mother clean off the table, the mother should mention that Allah is pleased with children who help their parents. Mentioning the Islamic aspect does not imply nor suggest that you need to deliver lectures about Islam to your child. No child wants to sit still long enough to hear a lecture about anything. The effective teaching comes as short comments or stories that point out the Islamic nature of the action. When the parents pay zakah (yearly compulsory tax), they should mention the fact to their children. When they visit the sick, they should quote a Qur'anic ayah (verse) or hadith (story about Prophet Muhammad) which indicates that this action pleases Allah. When there are two ways that a child can respond to a situation, the parent can mentions nicely which way will be pleasing to Allah.

The constant reference to Allah, the constant encouragement to do what is right, and the constant praise and positive reinforcement for doing the right actions, will focus your child on the right path.

ADOLESCENCE
As our children reach adolescence, they begin to question what they have been taught, especially if most of the youth they associate with are non-Muslims, or non-practicing Muslims. If you have already established a positive relationship with your youth, then your teenage child will come to you with his/her questions and concerns. Do not mistake these questions and worries as a rebellion against you or against their religion. They see the kids at school dating, and it looks like fun. 'Why shouldn't we date?' they wonder. Be happy that your youth feels comfortable coming to you with these issues.

If you have not established a positive relationship with your child by this time, you will probably have a big problem on your hands, because your youth will have the same questions, but he won't come to you for a discussion about them. He will be seeking his answers from his friends, and if his friends are not actively practicing Muslims, he may be getting answers that go against Islam.

Why do some parents and youth have a positive relationship and others do not? There are at least two important factors here: time and what kind of time? Did the parents spend time with their children as they were growing up? Did they make a practice of asking their children about their school, their friends, their opinions on various things, and then LISTEN to their answers? Remember positive reinforcement? What kind of time do the parents spend with their children? Is it based on positive reinforcement, or does the child expects to hear angry and negative comments every time he/she tries to talk to a parent?

EVALUATING THE NEGATIVE
When you have discussions with your youth, you may be alarmed at his rudeness, or his apparent rejection of everything you say. He may even tell you that you are stupid or you don't understand, or you don't care about him. This does not mean what it sounds like. It means that he does not feel comfortable with the answers he is getting. Maybe what you say is opposite to what he is feeling at that moment, or maybe he has given that answer to his non-Muslim friends and they have rejected that opinion.

Although it is very hard, remain kind and positive with your youth. It really hurts the parent to hear these comments, but they are not really aimed at the parent, but at the thinking process he/she is now undertaking.

During your discussions with your youth, you will now want to include both positive and negative reinforcement. 'Yes', you may agree with your youth, 'it is very difficult not to drink when everyone else is, but remember that Allah will reward you for your good behavior, and remember His punishment if you follow someone other than Allah.'

When there are so many un-Islamic forces putting pressure on your youth, he now needs to understand that Allah will hold him accountable for his actions. Allah will help if the youth ask Him for help, and he will be rewarded for following the right path, but accountability also means he will receive punishment for his bad deeds.

Life is too difficult to do by oneself. The young child has his parents who protect him, and encourage him and who 'know everything'. Then he/she grows up and discovers that mother and father don't really know everything. Furthermore at school he/she is hearing and seeing other philosophies of life, and the selfish, materialistic one most readily seen at school seems like fun, and besides, 'everyone else is doing it'. How is the youth supposed to figure out who is right? It is a difficult time for him/her, and it is up to the parents to be supportive, to encourage discussions, to make allowances for mistakes, but at the same time, to remain firm in their teaching of Islamic values.

SEVERAL ISSUES INVOLVED
While teaching and talking to our children about Islam, we need to be aware of certain hidden issues. These are secular vs. religious actions, facts vs. behavior and acquiescence vs. critical thinking. These issues affect our thinking and acting although few of us are aware of them.

SECULAR VS. RELIGIOUS
If we as parents pick and choose which aspect of Islam to apply and which to omit from our own lives, we can hardly expect our children to live purely Islamic lives. The question is, who is the authority and who has the right to decide? If it is Allah who has the right to decide, then parents have no right to pick and choose which practices they will follow. If it is the individual who decides, then children have as much right as their parents, once they reach puberty. Parents who think differently will have their youth point this out to them (if they are on speaking terms). For sure the youth will be thinking this. If you know you are not following what Allah orders, you can attempt to change your own behavior, admit to your youth that you are also still growing in your faith, and tell them frankly that you are trying to help them on the right path now because it will make their life easier and better. Then you will need to point out the times when your deviation from Islamic values has caused problems for you. If you choose to ignore this aspect, most likely your children will choose to ignore your advice.

FACTS VS. BEHAVIOR
This aspect has already been alluded to in this paper, but it needs a bit of explanation. We expect the masjid (mosques) classes to teach our children how to read the Qur'an in Arabic, but not to understand what it means. We expect the masjid to teach our children how to pray, how to fast, etc. but NOT HOW TO LIVE, how to behave.

These are facts, not behavior. Many children know how to pray; very few feel the need to pray because they understand its importance. Quite a large number of children know how to read the Qur'an. Only a few read the Qur'an in order to understand what it is saying, or in order to answer their questions.

Islam is a complete way of life. The facts (the 5 pillars, the biography of Prophet Muhammad) are useful when they help the person learn how and why they should do something. The fact that Prophet Muhammad lived 1400 years ago is a fact. By itself, that fact is worthless. The fact, that he lived as a Muslim in a city where Muslims were few and persecuted, is worthless until it helps us realize that if he and the early Muslims could flourish in that setting, then so can we. When we teaching our children about Islam, we need to teach them how to behave, not just to memorize facts. Instead of giving them lists of facts to learn, set them an example and mention the Islamic connection while you are doing it. You visit someone who is sick; mention that this is an Islamic requirement, discuss with your child why it is good to do this act. Make sure you visit with sick people who are not part of your cultural group and non-Muslims as well. One important lesson for your child to learn is that Islamic behavior is good for everyone, even non-Muslims.

Watch TV with your children, especially the pre-teens. Don't preach, but discuss the behavior of the characters in the sitcom (comedy). Make comments like, 'Aren't you glad you're a Muslim so you don't have that problem' (concerning problems with dating, drinking, etc.) Initiate discussions with your children. Bring up situations like, 'What should you do if a friend in school is out sick for a week?" It is extremely important to really listen to what your children are saying. They know in a second if your mind is preoccupied with something else. When you ask for their opinion, really listen to their answer, and make your next comment reflect theirs.

ACQUIESCENCE VS. CRITICAL THINKING
Many parents grew up in areas where colonizing rulers maintained schools for acquiescence. That is, pupils were taught to repeat exactly what the teacher told them. If the test question asked for 3 reasons why it is good to brush your teeth, the answer had to be the exact three reasons that the teacher had told them in class. The pupil is not supposed to think; he is supposed to accept everything without questioning. This is too often the way we teach our children about Islam. Do this action because Islam says you have to. Do this exactly the way I say because every other way is haram. Our children need to learn that there are two kinds of knowledge, that which is revealed and that which is humanly acquired. Knowledge revealed in the Qur'an and Hadiths is unchanging and unarguable. Knowledge that is derived from our five senses and our own thinking is subject to error and can and should be questioned.

North American schools, including good Islamic schools, stress critical thinking. For children who grow up here, it is not sufficient to say you have to do this because I say so. You can expect your children to honor and obey you because Islam requires obedience to parents, but you must also explain and discuss why you are asking for their obedience. Your youth should be required to pray, because Allah says for them to pray, but you must also be open and willing to discuss why Allah would ask us to do that. What are the possible benefits of praying, what should you do if you feel like the prayer is empty of meaning to you, and so on. These questions don't mean your youth are turning away from Islam; they mean that your youth are thinking seriously about their religion. One of the most wonderful things about Islam is that because it is the truth, it can stand up to the most critical of questions.

Parents must also learn to acknowledge that they make mistakes, and they are ignorant of certain answers. Your child does not have the right to expect you to be able to explain every Islamic injunction. He/she does have the right to expect you to give an honest and open response to their questions. When you tell your youth, "That's an important question. I don't know the answer. Let's see if we can find out what the Qur'an says about it." then you have created an open, honest exchange of thoughts with your youth.

Discuss Islam with your children from the time they are young, stressing the positive, and encouraging them to speak frankly and freely to you. Be an Islamic role model for them. By the time they have emerged from their troubling, questioning adolescence, you will have children who have actively embraced Islam, and who want to be Muslim because they know that it will make their life better in this world, and in the hereafter, inshaAllah (Allah willing).

(Summarized version of the paper that was first presented at the Annual Convention of the Islamic Society of North America, Chicago, Sept.02, 2000).  

Contributor: Dr. Freda Shamma has her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, which she received from the University of Cincinnati. She has worked on curriculum development in several Muslim countries as well as for Islamic schools in North America. Currently she is the Director of Curriculum Development for FADEL (Foundation for Advancement and Development of Education and Learning) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her latest publication can be found in Muslims and Islamization in North America: Problems and Prospects, ed. Amber Haque. Amana Publications.
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Islamic Parenting
by Fathima Zahra Dawood

“Imagine you going back home from work or the masjid, and your kids run to you and kiss you”, said Brother Bilal Abdul Malik, beginning his talk, on ‘Islamic Parenting VS. What Everyone Else is Doing.' Then he goes on to quote the Qur'an: “The Fire will burn their faces, and therein they will grin, with displaced (disfigured) lips” (23: 104). At first, we don't see the connection, but as he proceeds to explain, it dawns on us that the verse, which has a chilling note to it, is what the result would be if we do not raise our children ‘Islamically'.

It is not always easy to practice Islam in this day and age. Let us take smoking, for example; the amount of stress a parent undergoes in order to raise his children in this time is truly inexplicable. And in order to counter this stress, he starts smoking. Though his intention, which is to ensure a secure future for his children, is good, the habit that he chooses to adopt in the process is haraam (or makrooh, according to another opinion). Allah Says in the Qur'an (interpretation): “O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded” (66: 6). `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported from Ibn `Abbas: "Work in the obedience of Allah, avoid disobedience of Allah and order your families to remember Allah, then Allah will save you from the Fire." Mujahid also commented saying: "Have Taqwa of Allah and order your family to have Taqwa of Him.''

What are the desirable factors for Islamic parenting, you may ask. First and foremost, a suitable spouse; be it a husband or a wife, one must search for the pious. Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: “A woman may be married for four reasons: for her property, her status, her beauty and her religion. So try to get one who is religious…” (Sahih Muslim, Book #008, Hadith #3457). Second, a suitable home with the appropriate environment; this includes the parents having a good relationship between them. Whenever conflicts arise, they must deal with them in a mature way, as yelling and arguing will only lead to defective child rearing. The Prophet (SAAS) said, “Shall I not tell you about your wives in Paradise?” We said, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah (SAAS).” He said, “They are fertile and loving. If she becomes angry or is mistreated, or her husband becomes angry, she says, ‘My hand is in your hand; I shall never sleep until you are pleased with me.'” Glory Be to Allah! These are the women who break the circle of contempt by surrendering to their husbands. A wise mother advised her daughter before marriage, “O my daughter, you are leaving your house in which you grew up, and going to live with a man whom you do not know, a companion whom you are unfamiliar with. Be like a slave woman to him and he will be like a slave to you...” Thus, it is seen that parenting is more effective when both the parents get along well with each other.

Parents should instill the love of Allah right from babyhood. Toddlers can be taught supplications in a fun manner. Long prayers can be sung as a song, so as to etch the prayers in their memory. Teaching them in a stern or in as-a-matter-of-fact way will yield no significance in them. Instilling in them the awe of Allah, too, is an important aspect. Allah Says in the Qur'an (interpretation): “So do not have awe of them, but have awe of Me” (5:3).

Children love to imitate their parents in everything, be it dressing up as dad, or cooking like mom. They look up at them as their role model. Only when we prove as a good example, can they become good and successful adults. Hence, by us remembering Allah frequently, praying regularly in congregation, visiting the sick, giving Zakat (alms), and so on, we instill in them to be a good Muslim.

The adolescence period is of grave importance, as it is then peer pressure arises, and their influence holds on to them easily. It is then rebellion kicks in and they are averted by discipline. Today, a parent is punished by law if he hits his child. Child care services are at your doorstep once they are aware of as such. The Prophet (SAAS) has said, “Command your children to pray when they reach the age of seven and hit them if they leave it off when they reach the age of ten and separate them from each other in the beds.” The Prophet (SAAS) is a mercy to all mankind. What good will it bring us by listening to a layman rather than our Prophet (SAAS), the Messenger of Allah. So yes, hitting is permissible in Islam, but only as a last resort.

The teenager of this day would listen to music and be involved in haraam activities. If we are unable to change their heart by explaining, ordering, or even by being harsh, our only hope is to pray to Allah and continue our efforts. Among those efforts, can be playing the Qur'an, anasheed (Islamic songs), or even dhikr in cassettes, CDs, or T.V.

One of the proofs of Islamic parenting is, when we are in the wrong, our children correct us by encouraging and supporting us to do the right.

May Allah make us be better parents, and may He Guide us to raise them in His Cause. Aameen!


Contributor: Fathima Zahra Dawood is a 23-year-old homemaker and a stay at home mother to her 1 year-old-son. She has done her Bachelors in Psychology, and has attended quite a few short courses in Markaz al Huda in UAE, where she lives. She also completed a few courses in www.islamiconlineuniversity.com/opencampus, and is currently one of the Facilitators in the same. She is also a moderator in 2 Islamic sisters' forum online. She can be contacted in either fathimazahra@hotmail.com or fort.of.feeling@gmail.com
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Parenting: Few Points
by Muhammad Atiq

THE FIRST AND FOREMOST: GET READY!
Many parents have no proper practice, knowledge and spirit of Islam in their personal lives due to various rational or irrational reasons, but they want from their core of hearts that their offspring raise in Islamic way, based on the basic murals of Islam and practice Islam, believe and love Islam properly. However, this is not so easy unless the parents are culturing it and care about the basic of Islam at least. So one of the key concerns for a parent should be his eagerness and struggle to know Islam properly and practice at least the basics properly and honest to his or her religion Islam – so that they can convince and teach their children through their behavior. Also they should acquire adequate knowledge so that they can teach their kids when required or when they are asked. Do not remain ignorant and blind, while trying to teach others at the same time!

CREATE A READING-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT AT HOME:
Reader-friendly home is important. A family with full of excellent books for all ages, especially concentrating on child's various ages, can aid a lot to improve the mind and soul of the child. One should keep a varied selection of books, magazines, reading materials, CDs, etc. considering the age of the children. Story-telling, from book or from mind, by parents in early ages is important. Fortunately, we have more Islamic and moral materials than before and we can buy from bookstores or from Internet, or if some free materials are available online, then we can print those and make a nice format for the kids. Also, those who can write or make materials for children should try to disseminate through Internet, email groups so that others can use these.

RESPECT TO ELDERS AND GRANDPARENTS FROM PARENTS:
Respect to elders, especially parents' parents are important to teach indirectly that children should respect and love and care to their own parents. In some cases, a father or mother does not bother to take care and respect their own parents in their elderly ages. Therefore, the children of that father or mother can not get the lesson directly to respect, obey in good points and respect their own parents, as they notice the treatment of their parents towards their (children's) grandparents.

SPECIAL CARE FOR PHYSICALLY- OR MENTALLY-HANDICAPPED CHILDREN:
Though this is very unfortunate for any parent to have a child with some physical or psychological disability, but we can not avoid this and we should consider it as a test from Allah. And a family with a handicapped child should take special care through consultation with specialists around them on how to deal with them in the best manner. Also if one child is in problem but others are alright, on that case, distinctive measures should be taken so that all the kids can get a sound environment, share of love and care proportionately. Otherwise, that family might turn into some unknown problems from one of the children.

SCHOOLING ISSUES:
Schools in different ages encompass distinct natures. A school with good number of Muslim students (a common scenario in Muslim countries) and the contrary (i.e., less number of Muslim students or not at all in those places where Muslims are minority) are not the same. In the later case, a child may face various unusual problems or may face diverse reflections from other fellows in the school, even in some cases from the staffs. Therefore, unless a parent does not take notice carefully on what is going on in the schools, and discuss in a friendly manner, etc. then a lovely kid will face many untold and unexpressed psychological sufferings, lack of confidence on his or her religion or family values, food habit, etc.

Parents! Take special care on this issue from the beginning and train yourself first to handle the issues properly and smartly – not the ways you were taught in different environments in your own country with full of Muslims and different lifestyles.

SCHOOLING AND ‘ADHD' PROBLEM:
According to the definition of National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, NIH, USA), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is, “one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity)” [1]. It is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children [2]. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it's not yet understood why. Kids with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble on focusing. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or attend to details. Parents should commence treatment for this problem when it is noticed. Details on its symptoms, diagnose and treatment issues, etc. are detailed in the website of NIMH of Ref. [2].

PROBLEMS WITH SINGLE PARENTS:
Though this is very unfortunate for any family and a child to leave with one parent (whether the other parent is passed away, or the parents are divorced, or one parent is in overseas for a longer period due to business or other reason), we must withstand and plan carefully. Based on the situation, the only parent (father or mother) should study and discuss with experts on how to deal a child in this situation, otherwise, a child may be psychologically disturbed and remain unnoticed since a bigger problem (e.g., permanent behavioral changes in a bad manner, drug addictions, etc.) will be noticed suddenly when cure will be a daunting task. Every child will be disturbed without any proper care of one of his or her parents, let alone a total absence from one's love and care. I am not an expert on this regard, but the problem should not remain unattended in any way.

STEP-PARENT ISSUE:
Also, step-parent issue is another concern where some problems may harm the child, unless both parents are really sincere to Allah and to the child. One can re-marry and maintain a sound family with step-children and the step-parent will receive ample reward from Allah, if he or she takes proper care to them and nourish them, as Islam insists too much on the care of orphans (yatim) [3]. One of the exemplary attitudes believers meticulously adopt is “to do good” to orphans and “never to treat them harshly” [3].

PARENTAL DISPUTES AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
Though it is painful to have domestic violence in any society and must be stopped and avoided in any format, parental disputes and disagreements in running a family are sometimes understandable and unavoidable. None is perfect and hence one parent may make mistake or even be misunderstood by the other best-half. While discussing on an issue, they may fall in argument, even in fuming manner (though showing anger is not good and proper anger management is prerequisite for angry people). But some parents may forget that showing their disagreements and ‘ability' to disputes in front of their children can harm them too. So both parents must take care so that a child's mind can not be disturbed due to any parental disputes. A disturbed family usually produces a mentally-distressed child, and it may continue till longer.

TV AS A CHILDCARE MEANS:
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): two-thirds of infants and toddlers watch a screen an average of 2 hours a day; kids under age 6 watch an average of about 2 hours of screen media a day, primarily TV and videos or DVDs; kids and teens 8 to 18 years spend nearly 4 hours a day in front of a TV screen and almost 2 additional hours on the computer (outside of schoolwork) and playing video games! [2]. Moreover, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming.

Note that the first 2 years of life are considered a critical time for brain development [2]. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which encourages learning and healthy physical and social development. Therefore, why not parents care specially and smartly to deal TV or Internet issues? Moreover, for Muslims, it is an utmost task to control this TV mania. Now-a-days, in most of the places, through media, more bad things are disseminated than good (except a very few cases). Immoral acts, teaching, nudity, etc. in different formats are increasing. A parent should care about children programs on TV or through cartoons, or books, as in many cases, these show ladies or girls (e.g., lady mermaid, etc.) in non-modest dress code, or promote activities that are opposite to the principal of Islam.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM TO BE?
Most of the parents teach and nourish their children in such a way that they never feel that their role model in life should be our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAAW). Therefore, a kid dreams to be like and to follow another great personality, sportsman, actor or actress, politician, etc. We need to teach our kids through story-telling and by other means, that our Prophet is the best person in the world, the best teacher, the best lawyer, the best leader – overall the best human being to follow and try to be like him in this world. All parents must buy and present several biographies of our Prophet to their kids based on their ages and mindsets. And through several readings in different ages, they will feel easily about the greatest personality in this earth and try to dream to follow him. However, a parent should not be too crazy about a child's special love or care towards a specific cartoon character or sport's personality or a leader, if he or she cares too much. Unless it seems immoral and too much reactionary, a parent may tolerate and mould with the due course of time.

Finally, we can only try and rest is up to Allah to guide them. If we try with sincere hearts and pray to Allah for them, then inshallah, the path will be easier and smoother inshallah. May Allah guide us and help us.

Reference:

1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml
2. What is ADHD, http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/adhd.html
3. Harun Yahya, “Protection of orphans and the poor in the Qur'an”, http://us2.harunyahya.com/Detail/T/EDCRFV/productId/4322/PROTECTION_OF_ORPHANS_AND_THE_POOR_IN_THE_QUR_AN

Contributor: Muhammad Atiq is an academician and can be accessed through atq111@yahoo.com
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Necessary Tips for Raising Children Following Islam

Allah Almighty has entrusted parents with their children. Parents bear the responsibility to raise up their children in the Islamic way. If they do that they will be blessed in this life and in the Hereafter, and if they don't, they will get bad result during their life and in the Hereafter. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: “All of you are guardians and all of you are responsible for things under your guardianship; the ruler is a guardian (managing his state's affairs) and he is responsible for things under his care, the man is a guardian over his family and responsible for them, the woman is a guardian of her husband's house and she is responsible for it. All of you are guardians and responsible for things under your control.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) 

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not excuse any one from responsibility that Allah has put on every individual to build the Islamic society: the ruler is responsible: the man and woman are responsible.... all within their capabilities, domains, and authorities... and the loss of Islam from our Muslim Ummah these days is nothing but a result of the neglect of responsibility. 

Men and women, fathers and mothers share the responsibility to raise up, educate, and build the new generation in the correct method and the right way. 

Man has in him the good and bad tendencies, so parents must encourage and grow the good tendencies in the child so he can become a useful person that helps himself and his people. Referring to this, Allah Almighty says: (O' you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones. ) (At-Tahreem: 6) 

The protection of yourself and your family from Hell-Fire won't be with anything but good education, the practice of good morals, and the guidance to nobility. 

Islam does not distinguish between male and female with regard to the education requirements. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: “Whoever has a daughter, tutors her on good morals, educates her well and feeds her properly; she will be a protection for him from Hell-Fire.” 

What do we mean by good education? The good education means the physical, mental and moral preparation of the child so he can become a good individual in the good society. 

METHODS FOR MORAL UPBRINGING: 
1. Showing the values of good deeds and their effects on the individuals and society; also showing the effects of bad deeds, all within the child's capability of understanding. 

2. Parents should be a good example in their behavior because children like to imitate their parents in their sayings and their deeds. 

3. Teaching the child the religious principles and tutoring him in worship, taking into account the child's capability of understanding. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: “Order your children to pray at the age of seven.” 

4. Treating children nicely and kindly. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us that practically. When he was praying as an Imam with the people, his grandson Al-Hasan, son of his daughter Fatimah, may Allah be pleased with them rode his back while he was bowing. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, lengthened his bow. When he finished his prayer, some attending Companions said, “You lengthened your bow?” Then the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, answered, “My grandson rode my back and I hate hastening him” 

5. One of the important things that parents must teach their children is to choose the good company and to the avoid the bad one, because children are always influenced by the company they keep. The bad behavior can be easily transmitted through bad company. So the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned us by saying, “Man is inclined to get influenced by his friend's manners, so one must be careful in choosing friends.” (Reported by Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi) 

6. Encouraging the child's sense of belonging to the Muslim Ummah, by teaching him of the brotherhood between Muslims, teaching him to care for Muslims in any land, and that he is part of the Muslim body, to feel joy when Muslims are joyous, to feel sad for Muslims' sadness, and to do best to achieve the Muslim Ummah's goals. All of this can be done practically through: 

a. Taking children to Mosques and introducing them to their brother in Islam regardless of race, language, or origin. 

b. Teaching the children the history of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his Companions and the history of Islam, bearing in mind the child's capability of understanding. 

c. Encouraging children to sympathize with Muslim problems and to contribute to the solutions such as the poverty problem and to donate some money to the hungry Muslim children. 

d. Taking part in the celebrations and festivals with Muslims, and sharing picnics and creating ties with their Muslim brothers of the same age. 

7. Imbuing in children the feeling of love of Allah, His Prophet, Muslims, and all people. This love will lead to special behavior towards all those loved. 

These are general guidelines to raise our children Islamically, so every Muslim must take care of his children and know the correct path that must be followed. This will help us do the job we are entrusted to do as Allah proscribed, as well as the responsibility the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, has clarified, with aim of protecting the future generations of Muslims, as Allah Almighty says: (And Say Do deeds! Allah will see your deeds, and (so will) his Messenger and the believers. And you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. Then He will inform you of what you used to do.) (At-Tawbah: 105)

Source: www.Islamonline.net
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Book Review
Muslim Parents – Their Rights and Duties
by Akhlaq Husain

Society is built by sundry families, and it is these families that form the basic unit of a society. When a family has good morals, values, principles, and upbringing, only then can a society be trustworthy and have a positive outlook.

Islam being the one and only true religion of Allah, has provided elaborate methods for the establishment of a sound family system. The Qur'an and Sunnah provide ample sources for the betterment of family life.

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young”. (17: 23-24)

It is reported on the authority of 'Abdullah that the Apostle of Allah observed: The best of' the deeds or deed is the (observance of) prayer at its proper time and kindness to the parents. (Sahih Muslim, Book #001, Hadith #0155)

Akhlaq Husain has done justice in his book ‘Muslim Parents – Their Rights and Duties' by covering topics right from the rituals that are to be taken care of at the birth of a newborn, to the division of inheritance, to the marriage of the children, to the passing of the parents' into their old age. He talks not only about the parent's rights, but also about the children's rights. He has also sectioned out a part of the book dealing with behavior towards non-Muslim parents.

The book contains many touching anecdotes from the Prophet (SAAS)'s life, his Companions' and also of various scholars'. His placement of aayahs from the Qur'an and Hadith in the appropriate context is very well applauded.

In short, this much-needed book is a must in every home in this worldly-immersed and money-minded time of life.

May Allah Guide us to be better parents, and may He Bless us and our children here and in the Hereafter. Aameen!

Contributor: Fathima Zahra Dawood. She is a 23-year-old homemaker and a stay at home mother to her 1 year-old-son. She has done her Bachelors in Psychology, and has attended quite a few short courses in Markaz al Huda in UAE, where she lives. She also completed a few courses in www.islamiconlineuniversity.com/opencampus, and is currently one of the Facilitators in the same. She is also a moderator in 2 Islamic sisters' forum online. She can be contacted in either fathimazahra@hotmail.com or fort.of.feeling@gmail.com
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Book Review
Parenting Skills – Based on the Qur'an and Sunnah
by Dr. Ekram and Dr. Mohamed Rida Beshir

“Parenting Skills – Based on the Qur'an and Sunnah [with practical examples for various ages]” is an excellent guide for parents written by Dr. Ekram and Dr. Mohamed Rida Beshir. This book was published by Amana Publications (www.amana-publications.com) in 2004 A.C./1425 A.H. Thirty different chapters engulfed in 129 pages to cover various advices, concerns with practical examples and with references from Qur'an and Hadith. While reading this book, one may feel that this book is not only for parents on how to deal with their kids, but also the book contains plenty of issues that can directly guide oneself on how to deal with others, especially young generations, younger of the family members.

Originally, the book is written from the material of parenting skills workshops conducted by them. Therefore, the examples, rationalities, etc. are based on more practical examples and real-life sap. They stir parents by stating in the introduction that the Self-Search process should be performed by parents to change oneself as a parent. Parents should follow the following six steps to implement the Self-Search process: Search within ourselves and review all the actions and parental behaviors that we use with our children; Evaluate the actions and sayings we use in dealing with our children; Acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses is the first step in improving our parental behavior; Reinforce the positive parental behaviors and keep practicing them with our children; Change the negative parental behaviors and replace them with positive ones; and finally Hang on – not to give us right away and put trust in Allah and keep trying. In its first chapter, they gave some examples of positive and negative parental behaviors.

Understanding the psyche of a child and to know how the psychological mechanisms are involved to him or her is very crucial to deal with a child. Many parents put actions with prompt judgments of their children's activities. However, we must suspend our prompt judgment, rather listening to them attentively and sharing their feelings are prerequisite. Scholars identify the following three factors as the most important factors affecting the formation of a child's personality: family atmosphere as family is the child's first environment and it has a significant impact on the child's personality; position of the child within the family; and finally methods of training used by parents to bring their children up properly.

The authors pointed the importance of both husband and wife to share the responsibility of raising the children, in a well-planned and studied manner. Unfortunately, some parents deal their children in a very harsh way, especially when their children make mistakes. Importance of being gentle, polite, kind to a child and using a merciful but firm tone of voice when instructing a child has benefits rather to do the opposite. They referred several examples of Prophet (SAAW) that instructs us to deal with the children with love and compassion and with extra care.

Parents should encourage and emphasize positive actions. Parents should only ask children to do what they are able to do, and they should praise them for their achievements. They also should be gradual when trying to change any of their children's behaviors. They should not expect miracles as behavioral change does not come easily – it takes time and requires persistence, repetition and gradual gains. However, parents should never give up and they should try every possible means of training their children to do the right thing and adhere to Islamic values. Parents should not react out of anger too.

In Chapter 8, they pointed the significance of clear and effective communication so that a child can understand his/her mother or father clearly. Prophet (SAAW) was the most effective communicator and he used to repeat his words three times so that their meaning would be fully understood (Al-Bukhari). Accordingly, parents should explain any argument by using reason and logic in a convincing way. On the other hand, parents should allow their children to express their feelings and share their happiness and pain, so much so that no communication gap is created between children and parents. And in order to do that, one should learn to practice active listening as it is also a way of showing empathy, and empathy builds trust. The authors explained on active listening in Chapter 10.

Another important point they raised on a common negative parental behavior is to recall the past as soon as their children commit another mistake. Parents should remember what Allah mentioned: “Verily, the good deeds remove those that are evil” (11:114). Moreover, parents need to remember the saying of Prophet (SAAW): “Treat your children equally, treat your children equally, treat your children equally.” (Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, and Sunnan). The authors emphasized the fairness in dealing with children – fairness in gifts and material aspects of life, as well as in emotional and psychological feelings of children. Favoritism to one is not allowed.

Consulting with the child, always keeping promise and not making any false promise, taking them on trips that will enhance their spiritualities, not accusing directly for any mistake (advice should be given in private, not in public), providing an environment that allows and encourages dialogue, etc. are very important for proper parenting practice.

In this book, it is stressed that modeling is a good technique to use regardless of the child's age, because when children see their parents following certain rules or engaging in certain behaviors, it leaves a lasting effect on them. In this way, parents can lead by example. They should remember that Prophet (SAAW)'s behavior, as explained by A'isha (RAA), was like, “His manners were the Qur'an, which means that he practiced everything that he learned from the Qur'an” (Sahih Muslim).

Another extremely important approach is dialogue. Parents should avoid simply lecturing to their children about what is right and wrong. Instead, they should discuss the reasoning behind the rules and give their children a chance to ask questions in an open environment, especially with teenagers, as they usually prefer to follow after being convinced on it.

This excellent book has covered almost every aspect of important parenting issues with lots of examples of practical life, citation from Qur'an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAAW). It also emphasized several issues considering the society of North America. The book is easy to read, simple to grasp and one can easily follow the steps and concerns. It is a must read for parents, especially to those who are living in a non-Muslim environments where the challenges are much higher than in Muslim countries. However, proper parenting is vital in every place now-a-days due to the dynamisms and the effect of other immoral and non-Islamic components in the society. Therefore, it is a must read book for every parents, social counselors, leaders and trainers of the society, teachers, and elders so that we can try our best to raise our children, students, teenagers properly and guide them towards the way of life.

Contributor: Muhammad Atiq. He is an academician and can be accessed through atq111@yahoo.com
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Call for Articles/ Other Contributions for WPI Magazine

Invitation for October-December 2009 Issue:
Witness Pioneer International (www.witness-pioneer.org) requests you to submit your contribution for the next issue of its quarterly virtual magazine, the "Al-Baiyyinah". "Al Baiyyinah" is the e-magazine of Witness Pioneer International, which aims to present contemporary and fundamental issues to Muslim readers in an intriguing and thought provoking manner.

For our next issue, our preferred topic is 'Husband-Wife Relationships: Islamic Perspective'. We have discussed various dimensions of social relationships in this issue, and, as a continuation, we intend to focus on parenting in the next. We hope our magazine will provide some knowledge in this regard. The previous issues are available in the web: http://www.witness-pioneer.org/VMagazine/index.htm

  Theme for October-December 2009 Issue:
“Husband-Wife Relationships: Islamic Perspective”

Scope:
 Topics of interest include different aspects of the selected issue, including, but not limited to, the following areas:

· Duties and responsibilities of husband and wife in Islam
· Importance of family in Islam and society
· Problems in marriage and solution
· How to make a harmonized family
· Marriage in different cultures and how to manage differences
· Selection of spouses
· Theoretical rights of wife and the reality in different society
· Qualities of ideal Muslim parents, etc.

Contribution may include:
· Articles
· Book reviews
· Interviews of personalities
· Reflection and personal experiences, comments
· Translations of great work in English with proper referencing (please provide us the original manuscript if not in English for our reference), etc.  

Important Dates:
Contributed Articles Submission Deadline: August 30, 2009 
Comment on your writing (if required): September 15, 2009
Deadline for Publication on Web:  October 1, 2009

Submission of Contributions:
Authors are requested to submit their contributions electronically to wpi.magazine@ gmail.com, using the following layout:
Page limit: A4 size. We recommend that the article be within 4 full pages – including paper title, authors and affiliation, but this rule is flexible.
Font:  Times New Roman, Font size 12, with single-spacing, single column.

Style-sheet: It would be highly appreciated if you could follow the style-sheet based on http://www.witness- pioneer.org/ VMagazine/ SimpleGuideForAu thors.pdf

Note: One can submit his/her articles or comments, etc. - even though these are not related to the current topic. And the Editorial board may use these in the current or in future publication. Please submit!
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Some Links on Parenting

http://www.soundvision.com/info/parenting/
A good number of articles on various areas, e.g., Infants to 3 years old, Preschool age, Pre teens, Teen culture in America today, related to teenage, Sex education, Various activities in summer, outdoor activities, Prom things, Choosing a career, TV and you, etc.

http://www.islamic-world.net/parenting/parenting_page/main_index.htm
A nice pointed article on “Effective Islamic Parenting” is presented in http://www.islamic-world.net/papers/parent.htm
Apart from this, it covers various articles on Islamic parenting perspectives, Islam and children, parent-child relationship, parenting techniques and tips and parental education. This site also presents weekly tips on parenting by an expert.

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1109096072494&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Parent_Counsel/Page/ParentCounselingE
This covers more than 450 titles on various issues related to parenting from Parenting Counselors of IOL. It covers almost every important dimensions of issues related to parenting and one can search and check for more to get replies from experts.

http://www.islamawareness.net/Parenting/
This page is a collection of various links on important articles, tips, etc. on parenting.

http://islam4parents.com/
This website is solely on parenting issues. Various articles, free printable worksheets for children, printable duah, children's TV section (though it is mentioned to be careful, some e-books, recipes, and online free games for kids are covered in this website.

http://www.islamicparenting.org/forum/
In this forum, one can be a member and then discuss on different areas. This forum has 1462 members (as of June 2009).
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Some Books for Parents on Parenting

The Parents' Manual by The Woman's committee; The Muslim Students' Association of USA and Canada.
It is published by American Trust Publication. The Parent's manual of 152 pages, has been written in response to the needs of Muslim parents living in North America. Developed by the Women's Committee of the MSA this book is very helpful in providing suggestions of how to raise our children with the best and most correct Islamic standards while living in a jahiliyyah society.
http://www.noorart.com/Parents

Dear Beloved Son by Imam al-Ghazali
This book of 100 pages offers twenty four pieces of valuable advice to seekers of knowledge. NoorArt.com provides some free sample pages for readers. Imam al-Ghazali illustrates his ideas throughout with relevant quotations from the Qur'an and Hadith, as well as poetry and logical examples and clear analogies which demonstrates the need to cleanse ourselves of bad manners so that we can develop good characteristics.
http://www.noorart.com/dear_beloved_son?sc=19&category=768

A Parents' and Teachers' Guide to Bilingualism by Colin Baker
Published by Biddles Ltd. 240 pages
This important book is to pose those questions that parents, teachers and others most often ask about raising bilingual children. Straightforward answers follow, written in direct, plain language.
http://www.noorart.com/a_parents_and_teachers_guide_to_bilingualism?sc=19&category=768

Muslim Youth Speak by Yahiya Emerick
Published by International Books and Tapes Supply. 136 Pages
Muslim Youth Speak provides the opportunity for students to read what other children their own age feel about subject matters which include: "Living Islam Today," "Reaching Out With Islam" and "Being True to Allah."
http://www.noorart.com/muslim_youth_speak?sc=19&category=768

The Child in Islam: A Muslim Parent's Handbook by Norma Tarazi
Published by American Trust Publication. 301 Pages
Norma Tarazi offers a unique and all-inclusive guide to rearing a happy Muslim family. She tackles such subjects as the newborn child, developing awareness of Islam, relationship between parent and child, siblings, extended family, and community.
http://www.noorart.com/the_child_in_islam_a_muslim_parents_handbook?sc=19&category=768

Meeting the Challenge of Parenting in the West - An Islamic Perspective by Drs. Ekram and Mohamed Rida Beshir
160 Pages
As a minority group in North America, Muslims are preoccupied with how to preserve their Islamic identity in their children. With schools playing no role in instilling ethical norms and values in children, it becomes the responsibility of the family to undertake that role. The book is an excellent guide on how to take on that role in a holistic Islamic tarbiyyah.
http://www.amana-publications.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=ISBN-0-915957-87-6&Category_Code=best_sellers


Parenting Skills – Based on The Qur'an and Sunnah (With Practical Examples for various Ages) by Drs. Ekram & Mohamed Rida Beshir
144 Pages
This book contains a great portion of the material presented by the authors in one of the most successful parenting workshops in the world.
http://www.amana-publications.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=ISBN-1-59008-029-7&Category_Code=best_sellers


Everyday Struggles – The Stories of Muslim Teens Compiled by Sumaiya Beshir
112 Pages  
This book features a collection of short stories written by Muslim teenage girls for Muslim teens. Muslim teens face unique struggles as a result of their identity. In this book, real Muslim teens have shared their innermost thoughts and feelings about their teenage years. They have discussed issues like Hijab (Head cover), prom, peer pressure, going to movies, and identity search in high school.
http://www.amana-publications.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=ISBN-1-59008-030-0&Category_Code=best_sellers


Answers to Frequently Asked – Questions on Parenting (Part 1 & 2) by Drs. Ekram & Mohamed Rida Beshir
128 Pages 
This book, first and second in the series of Answers to FAQs on Parenting, provides the reader with answers to the most frequently asked questions on the subject of parenting in North America from an Islamic perspective. The answers cover a variety of topics such as building character and behavior, environment, young children, pre-teens, teenagers, and others.
http://www.amana-publications.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=ISBN-978-1-59008-049-8&Category_Code=


Muslim Teens - Today's Worry, Tomorrow's Hope (English Edition) by Drs. Ekram & Mohamed Rida Beshir
252 Pages
The book offers a practical guide for parents who wish to protect their teens from the dazzle of a superfluous western culture and help them lead a virtuous life as taught by Islam. There is an Arabic Edition for this book.
http://www.amana-publications.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=ISBN-1-59008-004-1&Category_Code=


Once Upon a Time… Parenting through Storytelling by Hoda Beshir
112 Pages
In this book, Muslim parents will find stories to correct common problem behaviors that will assist them in instilling Islamic concepts in their children. They will also discover how to story tell in a manner that will interest and influence their children in becoming better people.
http://www.amana-publications.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=ISBN-1-59008-038-6&Category_Code=


When Muslim Teens Rebel – Causes and Solutions by Dr. Mohamed R. Beshir
64 Pages
The objective of the book is to help parents save their teens from the negative impact of popular teen culture and succeed in raising them as strong, confident personalities who can contribute positively to their community and to the North American society at large.
http://www.amana-publications.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=ISBN-978-1-59008-055-9&Category_Code=
http://islamicbookstore.com/b10088.html
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Some Materials (Books/CD/DVD) for Children

We enlisted different books, CDs, etc. that are suitable for Children based on few Islamic sites. We hope that readers will get benefit from the information below. We humbly request you to provide us for any mistakes and any further recommendations – so that we can improve the lists. You may add your comments on a book or other material and send us. The Editorial Board may place your comment.


Some story books for children by Amana Publications
Few examples are –
Blueberries and other stories (44 Pages)  
Chicken Pox and other stories (56 Pages)
The Cave and other stories (46 Pages)
The New Kid and other stories (84 Pages)
In Anger and other stories (100 Pages)

http://www.noorart.com/shop_by_age
Books or other materials are categorized by different age groups (i.e., Baby to 3 years, 4~8 years, 9~12 years, Teen and young adults) by NoorArt.com. It also presents various text books.

All items of Children's DVD section
http://www.onlineislamicstore.com/children-children-s-videos.html?pg=1&show=all§ion_id=children-children-s-videos&sort=name

More than 80 items (as of June 2009) on documentaries, history, etc. are available in:
http://www.onlineislamicstore.com/video-documentaries--films--tv-programs---instructional.html
Children's Book section – http://islamicbookstore.com/children.html
Children's DVD/VHS section – http://islamicbookstore.com/chdv.html

Audio/Video Bowing of the Stars: The Story of Suratul Yusuf
Artist: Mehded Maryam Sinclair
Qur'anic narrative mention the main details, and the rest are left out; left for the readers to imagine the event that might have transpired in-between the lines, an imagining that is aided by the context, common sense and many subtle hints in the Quran. For one to fill in these gaps and contemplate on them is part of interacting with the Qur'anic stories and at times is essential to full understanding of the lessons that are to be learnt.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/bowing-stars-story-suratul-yusuf-p-595.html

Allah Helps You Grow (CD)
Artists: Satnam Mathura, Mustaqeem Sahir, Gerard Bilal
A collection of your favorite songs from the Adam's World video series! This recording contains back to back hits that will inspire, motivate and move you closer to Islam. It already is one of Sound Vision's all time best selling products.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/allah-helps-grow-p-587.html

Miraculous Happenings in the Year of the Elephant: spoken word audio CD
Artist: Mehded Maryam Sinclair
The greedy and power hungry vice-regent Abrahah intends to divert the world's pilgrims from the Kaaba, the House of Allah, in Mecca, to the cathedral his slaves have built for him. But when the cathedral's spires finally slice the brilliant Yemeni skies and the magnificent doors are opened, the throngs Abrahah has been boasting about do not arrive. In a rage, he vows to destroy the Kaaba, but Allah, the Causer of all causes, has other plans. True happenings, stranger by far than fiction, demonstrate that if He says, "Be!" it is, it surely is.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/miraculous-happenings-year-elephant-spoken-word-audio-p-594.html

The Prophet's Hands (CD)
by Dawud Wharnsby Ali
Bringing together the talents of Yusuf Islam, and Zain Bhikha, It maintains the simplicity of rhythms and clarity of voice listeners have come to enjoy consistently throughout previous albums.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/prophets-hands-dawud-wharnsby-p-581.html

Sunshine, Dust and the Messenger (CD)
by Dawud Wharnsby Ali
"Sunshine, Dust And The Messenger", the fifth collection of spiritual songs by Dawud Wharnsby-Ali, brings a new and mature style to his growing series of recordings. Aimed at adult and youth audiences, the 15-track production of narrative and song includes the recognizable Wharnsby-Ali traits which listeners have come to enjoy.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/sunshine-dust-messenger-dawud-wharnsby-p-584.html

Colors of Islam (CD)
by Dawud Wharnsby Ali
"Colors of Islam" is a beautiful collection of spiritual songs by Canadian artist and educator Dawud Wharnsby Ali, the composer of "A Whisper of Peace".
In this, his second recording, listeners will find a mix of songs that celebrate Allah's signs to mankind, the diversity of the believers around the world, and more.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/colors-islam-dawud-wharnsby-p-582.html

Light Upon Light (CD)
Artists: Dawud Wharnsby Ali, Frederick Qasim Khan, Irfan Makki and Mehrajudeen Khan
The light of hope from our Ummah is burning strong with this new compilation! An exciting new album introducing eight previously unreleased English Islamic songs written and sung by talented Muslim artists from across North America. It is aimed at mature audiences.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/light-upon-light-p-585.html

The Days of Eid (CD)
This is a new, bright array of songs and narratives reflecting the joy of the Eid Festivals - celebrated around the world in culturally diverse ways. Featuring Dawud Wharnsby, Irfan Makki, Zain Bhikha, Qatrunada and others.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/the-days-of-eid-cd-p-580.html

Road to Madina (CD)
by Dawud Wharnsby Ali
This recording is Muslim artist Dawud Wharnsby Ali's third CD release since embracing Islam in 1993. A potpourri of songs which illustrate the character of a Mumin (believer), "Road To Madinah" features complex vocal arrangements and strong percussion which underscore songs dealing with humility, patience during hardship and reflection on one's daily actions.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/road-madina-dawud-wharnsby-p-583.html

Whisper of Peace (CD)
by Dawud Wharnsby Ali
Songs have a powerful influence on the way we think. Sadly, most of the entertainment we find in our culture guides us towards escapism, rather than inspiring us to celebrate Allah's signs and hopefully carry on with life's tests and trials. For this reason, many of us, especially, our children, need an alternative to the aggressive and immodest styles of music which dominate the current airwaves and television music stations. A Whisper of Peace is that welcomed alternative.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/whisper-peace-dawud-wharnsby-p-586.html

We Love Muhammad (CD without Music)
"My kids were spellbound from beginning to end!" This is the first in the series of CDs that tells the story of Prophet Muhammad's (s) life in the most creative and appealing style for children. Through dramatic narration, sound effects and songs, sung by our talented "We Are Muslims Kids", parents, teachers and children alike will enjoy learning about the Prophet's life and applying his sunnah.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/love-muhammad-without-music-p-578.html

Qur'an for Little Muslims 2 (CD)
Discover the Treasures of the Qur'an! More great stories adapted from nine short suras. Qur'an for Little Muslims has become our hottest selling audio series. Through captivating stories The Qur'an for Little Muslims Series seeks to impart the spirit and themes of the short Suras and other verses of the Holy Qur'an. These imaginative stories provide tangible illustrations of how any child can apply the wisdom of the Qur'an throughout his day. Rather than by attempting to translate or explain the meaning of Allah's words, themes and morals of the suras are presented in story form, interwoven with drama, dialogue and sound effects. All suras are recited as part of the story and then repeated at the end of the tape for help in memorization.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/quran-little-muslims-p-573.html

We are Muslims 2 (CD)
Everyone loved We Are Muslims so much they begged for more! We Are Muslims 2 features more great songs in the style of the original but goes into more detail about each pillar of Islam. Great when your little ones are too big for Barney but still like to sing!
http://firdousbooks.com/store/we-are-muslims-2-cd-p-576.html

We Love Muhammad Life In Mecca: Volume 1 (DVD)
Noorart proudly presents Volume I of a new series available on DVD. We Love Muhammad – Life in Mecca, the life story of Muhammad, peace be upon him, most honored Prophet of Islam, beloved by all Muslims.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/love-muhammad-life-mecca-volume-p-579.html

Qur'an for Little Muslims 1 (CD)
This unique tape of Qur'an for children offers lively stories which help children learn how to apply the wisdom of the Holy Qur'an throughout their daily lives. Through narration and sound effects children will learn nine of the short surah and, more importantly, their meanings in relation to everyday situations and events.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/quran-little-muslims-p-572.html

Qur'an for Little Muslims 3 (CD)
Includes the Suras: Al Sharh, Al Takathur, Al Zilzaal, Al Kawthar, Al Qadr and Qur'an Recitation.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/quran-little-muslims-p-574.html

We Are Muslims 1 (CD)
The absolute best selling tape for Little Muslims worldwide! You'll be amazed how quickly your little ones will know the basics of Islam when they are set to these catchy tunes and popular Nursery Rhymes. You'll find yourself singing along! Written and produced by a professional musician and sung by real Muslim kids!
http://firdousbooks.com/store/we-are-muslims-1-cd-p-575.html

Adam's World 10: The Humble Muslim (DVD)
This is the tenth episode of the world famous Adam's World children's video series, This DVD is ideal for children between the ages of 2 and 9. It teaches Islamic values in a fun and lively way that is almost sure to keep kids watching. Adam is a friend to children, someone who they can relate to and learn from.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/adams-world-humble-muslim-p-532.html

Adam's World: Alif for Allah (DVD)
It's fun! It's educational! It's loaded with animation and special effects! Alif for Allah teaches how to read and pronounce the Arabic alphabet. It also builds a child's Islamic vocabulary. Three beautiful songs enhance and enliven the entire learning experience. Join your favorite characters from the Adam's World series as they entertain and educate us about the Arabic alphabet and related Islamic words. Adam and Aneesah really want to learn the Arabic Alphabets. After studying with some wierd teachers, Adam finally asks for help from Asad. He just has the right person (Br. Adnan) for this job. Finally Adam and Aneesah learn all the Arabic Alphabets with three beautiful songs and lots of candy for their hard work.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/adams-world-alif-allah-p-535.html
http://www.onlineislamicstore.com/a3936.html

More on this series are available at http://firdousbooks.com/store/kids-corner-videodvd-c-28_30.html

http://www.onlineislamicstore.com/children-children-s-videos.html

Alif is for Asad (DVD)
Publisher: Astrolabe LLC (2005)
A fun way to learn the Arabic alphabet! With catchy songs and colorful graphics Alif is for Asad teaches and reinforces the correct identification and pronunciation of the letters in the Arabic alphabet.

Arabian Sinbad Adventure Island CD-ROM Game
Publisher: Fine Media Group LLC, EmariToons (2005)
The CD-ROM consists of seven interactive games that take students on an adventure and challenges their understanding of the Arabic vocabulary. The game also features an interactive Word Glossary that helps students practice and pronounce the words correctly.

About the Arabian Sinbad Series:
Arabian Sinbad is an exciting and important addition for any library in any school our house that is interested in teaching Arabic. The series introduces more than 500 words, sentence structure, and basic grammar rules to any Arabic learner in a style that is both fun and exciting. More on this series are –
Arabian Sinbad Arabic Learning Treasure Chest
Arabian Sinbad DVD Pack
Arabian Sinbad Flashcards
Arabian Sinbad Puzzle
Arabian Sinbad Sing Along Songs CD
Arabian Sinbad Stickers Page (2 pages)
Arabian Sinbad Vocabulary Review DVD
http://www.onlineislamicstore.com/a4703.html

Asad al-Ayn Jaloot (the Lion of Ayn-Jaloot) Arabic
Taking you back in history to the 13th century, this remarkable true story recounts the saga of one man and one nation that overcame staggering odds to render a permanent mark both in the history of the world and the hearts of mankind! The story takes place in the Near East, where the notorious Mongol warriors threatened the peaceful Muslim Empire. This movie runs 60 minutes long and is available on VHS. Ages 6 to adult.
http://www.onlineislamicstore.com/asaljalliono.html


Books
Ayat Jamilah/Beautiful Signs: A Treasury of Islamic Wisdom for Children and Parents
Author: Sarah Conover/Freda Crane
Publishing House: Eastern Washington University Press
This is the second book in Eastern Washington University Press' This Little Light of Mine series. A young adult/adult crossover anthology, it draws from not only the core of Islamic spirituality and ethics, the Qur'an, and the traditions (hadiths), but also from the mystical verse, folk tales, and exemplary figures of the Islamic narrative. Unlike any other collection of Islamic stories, Beautiful Signs gathers traditional stories from the farthest reaches of the Muslim world, which stretches from Morocco in the west to Indonesia in the east, and from China in the north to Tanzania in the south. This unique anthology, with its rich and thorough explanatory notes, will be invaluable to anyone wishing to understand, or to teach, geography, world history, or world religions. It will also be treasured by Muslim families and by all parents committed to broadening the lives and values of their children and themselves.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/ayat-jamilahbeautiful-signs-treasury-islamic-wisdom-children-parents-p-593.html


Among top 100 items of this site,
Goodword Arabic Writing : Book 1
Author: Muhammad Imran Erfani
Publisher: Goodword Books (2006)
Perfect book for children to help them learn to write Arabic. Every letter is shown brightly and on every page children have the opportunity to trace the letter they have just learned. Some sample pages are provided in this site.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b9146.html


Goodword Arabic Writing Book 2 (M. Harun Rashid)
Publisher: Goodword Books (2007)
This series is perfect for your children to practice their Arabic writing skills. Every letter is shown brightly and on every page children have the opportunity to trace the letter they have just learned. Perfect book for children to help them learn to write Arabic.
Colorful teaching tool that allows children to trace the Arabic words as they learn to write them.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b9945.html


Iqra' Arabic Reader : Level 1 Textbook : Expanded & Revised Edition (Fadel Ibrahim Abdallah)
We are pleased to introduce this first textbook in IQRA' Second Generation of Arabic comprehensive program for teaching Arabic as a second language. This second generation is designed to be in twelve graded levels, to provide instructional books and related materials to learners from 1st through 12th grades. This first book in the new generation series is designed for the learners at the 1st grade level, who are going to start learning Arabic in a structured and systemic manner for at least 3-5 periods per week. Some advanced students at the kindergarten level might be able to work with the material of this book after being introduced, for a quarter or two, to the Arabic alphabet and sound system of the language.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b3627.html


Goodnight Stories from the Life of the Prophet Muhammad (sws) Hardcover (Saniyasnain Khan)
Goodnight Stories from the Life of the Prophet Muhammad is the answer to every child's longing to hear a good bedtime story. It contains a careful selection of twenty three magnificent tales from the life of the Prophet retold in age-appropriate language. A simple text and fabulous color illustrations, which bring the narratives vividly to life, make the message of the Prophet more meaningful for children. The book offers a special dimension to these wonderful goodnight stories, and acts as a foundation on which to build a growing knowledge of Islam.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b9060.html

My Prayer Book (Dar us Salam Staff)
A step by step guide to perfecting your child's obligatory prayers according to the Quran and the Sunnah.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b7369.html

My Wudu Book (Dar us Salam Staff)
Step by step guide to perfecting your child's Wudu.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b7371.html

20 Favorite Tales from the Qur'an (Box Set of 10 Hardcover Books) (Saniyasnain Khan) Pages: 290 Binding: Hardback (Gift Box Set)
Favorite Tales from the Quran are timeless, treasured stories, specially chosen for young children. These stories, which have proved the best loved from one generation to the next, can be clearly understood and are fun to read, share and enjoy. Their texts are the perfect gateway to your children's lifetime adventure of reading from the Quran.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b9147.html

My First Quran Storybook (Saniyasnain Khan)
Here for young readers and listeners, are all the best treasured stories of the Quran in one beautifully illustrated volume. The stirring and dramatic stories of the great prophets, peoples and nations are unfolded as a family saga, one event leading naturally to the next.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b9341.html

The Junior Encyclopaedia of Islam (Saniyasnain Khan, Mohammad Irfan Emrani)
It presents the young reader with a comprehensive, clear and stimulating guide to Islam.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b7301.html

Magnetic Arabic Letters and Numbers (Bag)
Play and learn with these magnetic alphabet letters covered with soft foam material. These colorful magnetic alphabets and numbers help children learn to spell and practice simple math. Numbers and letters are printed on soft, durable and washable foam squares. This toy will provide your child with hours of enjoyment and learning! Includes all the Arabic alphabet letters and Arabic numbers 1-10 as well as equation symbols (+,=). Attaches well to any metal surface such as the refrigerator. Ages 3 and up.
http://islamicbookstore.com/a3887.html

In the Footsteps of the Prophet : Lessons from the Life of Muhammad (Tariq Ramadan)
"Ramadan's book provides Muslims with a new understanding of the Prophets life. For non-Muslims, it is not just a story of the Prophet, but rather an introduction to Islam's spiritual and ethical riches." - Islamic Horizons
"For those interested in the life and times of Muhammad, Ramadan's readable In the Footsteps of the Prophet is a good beginning." – Vali Nasr, Washington Post
http://islamicbookstore.com/b9843.html

Parent's Love and Other Islamic Stories PB (Ishrat J Rumy)
Parent's Love is a collection of twenty-eight Islamic stories and Arabian legends. Some of them are from the life of the Prophet Muhammad and the pious caliphs. All these stories are based on moral and ethical values, and parents will enjoy sharing them with their loved ones. Exquisite color illustrations bring the stories to life, so that they make a lasting impression on the reader's mind.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b7509.html

Basic Duas for Children (Nafees Khan)
Children's book meant for those who are trying to teach their younger children basic duas, such as before you sleep and the dua for after the adhan.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b9211.html

Who is Allah? (Salma Umm Zainab)
Designed to help parents and teachers in their efforts to encourage young children to ask questions and to assist them in exploring answers together.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b9566.html

Incredible Islamic Scientists (Volumes 1 and 2) : 500 Multiple Choice, Short Answer, and True False Questions by Dr. K. Ajram
This 2 volume set is a great way to learn about notable Muslim scientists, their achievements, as well as the accomplishments in general of the Muslims and Arabs during their glorious years as a dominant civilization. With over 500 questions, this book set will teach you about Islamic history and science as well as Western science.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b3714.html

Quran Challenge Board Game (Box) Goodword Kidz
A fun way to learn about the Quran! This product is a unique game based on the Holy Quran. The idea behind the game is to provide children with both a fun and educational tool. All questions are taken directly from the Quran, and have been creatively worked into the play, which kids will enjoy answering. It can be played at school or at home, with friends and family members. Ages 8 to Adult
http://islamicbookstore.com/a4315.html

The Life and Sayings of Rasulullah (saw) : A Coloring Book for Children: Revised Edition with Stickers (Tasneema K. Ghazi)
Introduces some of the important events in the life of Rasulullah (s). An attempt is being made to bring the personality of Rasulullah (s) as close to the hearts of the children as possible, Insha Allah. The second part of the book presents selected Ahadith related to Islamic manners in a child friendly manner. Children will learn the meaning of each Hadith at their own level and memorize it and develop a further understanding by coloring the illustrations.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b2186.html

Islamic Coloring Book Pack (6 Book Set)
Nice, unique coloring book set for youngsters to learn and enjoy from.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b10150.html

Little Illustrated Series 10 Booklets (Set)
Publisher: American Trust Publications
Simple, black & white introduction to the life of the Prophet (pbuh) in multiple small booklets.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b10151.html

Invincible Abdullah Adventures (4 Book Set)
Favorite collection of story books for kids aged 8 to 12, by American Trust Publications.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b10149.html

Basics of Islam Part 1 - For Kids : A Textbook of Islamic Studies (Safia Iqbal)
Publisher: Al-Asr Publications (2007)
Teaches children age five to six common Islamic words, terms, basic concepts, and morals using big lettering and brilliant pictures.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b9930.html

Basics of Islam Part 2 - For Kids : A Textbook of Islamic Studies (Safia Iqbal)
Book 2 in a 7 part series that teaches children about Allah's gifts, good deeds, Dua, Prayer, how to eat, and many more topics in a fun manner for children of all ages.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b9931.html

My Quran Workbook : Puzzles, Crosswords, Wordsearches, Colouring, and Many Other Activities
Part of the Islamic Funbooks Series for ages 7 to 10.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b7779.html

Allah Made the Sun and the Moon Coloring Book (Color by Numbers, Fun to Color and Do Series) (Saniyasnain Khan)
Interesting journey into a world of fun, color, faith, and wisdom for little minds.

My "Tell Me About" Box (Gift Box of 5 "Tell Me" Hardbound Books) [Prophets Muhammed, Musa, Yusuf (peace be upon them), Hajj and Creation]
Great to give as a gift for instilling in Muslim children a desire to read and learn more about our tradition.

I Love Islam Level Two/Three (2/3) Textbook with Companion Audio CD : Islamic Studies Textbook Series
Covers iman in one's life, loving Muhammad (pbuh), worship, Islam in the world, and Muslim manners.

Finding a Soulmate : A Guide for Parents and Youth (Ayub A. Hamid)
An increasing number of Muslim youth are growing up in non-Muslim countries, under the influence of Western culture and its sexually promiscuous environment. As they come of age, the issues of sexuality and marriage are becoming increasingly worrisome for both the youth and their parents. This booklet has been written to present the Islamic approach to those issues and concerns.
http://islamicbookstore.com/b10166.html

Arabic Alphabet Floor Puzzle
Publisher/Manufacturer: Daamin, Little Big Kids LLC
2 x 3 feet floor puzzle, an excellent educational tool that makes learning fun while it reinforces memorization and sequencing of the Arabic alphabet.
http://firdousbooks.com/store/arabic-alphabet-floor-puzzle-p-517.html
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