How can parents explain why Islamic learning deserves more focus than constant entertainment streams? 

Parenting Perspective 

Frame Learning as Nourishment for the Soul 

Children naturally see entertainment as exciting and learning as a chore. Parents can reframe this by using a simple analogy: ‘Entertainment is like dessert enjoyable in small amounts, but too much is unhealthy. Islamic learning is like nutritious food it strengthens your heart and gives you guidance.’ This helps children to understand that while entertainment has its place, knowledge of our deen builds true character and purpose. 

Show Its Relevance in Daily Life 

Parents should also demonstrate how Islamic knowledge has direct, practical benefits. For example, knowing specific du’as can bring comfort when a child feels afraid, while understanding a hadith can inspire kindness towards a sibling. When children see that this knowledge helps them to navigate life’s challenges, they will naturally begin to value it more than passive entertainment. 

Balance Learning with Halal Enjoyment 

To avoid creating resentment, it is important to still allow for permissible entertainment in moderation. The goal is to gently guide more time towards learning. By making Islamic learning engaging through storytelling, family discussions, or interesting podcasts parents can show that the aim is not to remove joy, but to provide the soul with richer, more lasting nourishment. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Honour of Those Who Have Knowledge 

The Quran draws a clear distinction between those who have knowledge and those who do not, elevating the status of the knowledgeable. This reminds us that seeking knowledge is an act of honour and worship, far more valuable than idle pastimes. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Zumar (39), Verse 9: 

‘…Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ): “Can there ever be parity between those people that have knowledge and those people that do not have knowledge?”; indeed, this is a source of realisation for those who seek a rational understanding.’ 

The Path to Paradise is Through Knowledge 

The prophetic tradition teaches that the pursuit of Islamic knowledge is a direct path to Paradise. Every moment spent learning about our faith is an investment in our Hereafter, unlike the temporary amusement of entertainment. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, 2699, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.’ 

Finding Fulfilment in Guidance 

By framing learning as nourishment, showing its daily relevance, and balancing it with permissible enjoyment, parents can guide their children to value Islamic knowledge over constant entertainment. Over time, children can learn for themselves that true fulfilment is found not in endless streaming, but in the beautiful guidance that leads them closer to Allah Almighty.