How can families use documentaries to spark curiosity about Islamic history and global cultures? 

Parenting Perspective 

Thoughtfully chosen documentaries can be a fantastic way to transform passive screen time into an active and enriching learning experience, especially for teenagers who value their autonomy. 

Choose Thoughtful and Engaging Content 

The key is to select documentaries that are not only accurate but also visually compelling and well-paced. For Islamic history, you could explore the lives of great Muslim scholars or the architectural wonders of the Muslim world. For global cultures, choose films that celebrate our shared humanity. This helps to make learning feel like an adventure, not a lecture. 

Make the Viewing Experience Interactive 

Turn passive watching into active engagement. Pause the film occasionally to discuss a key moment, asking questions like, ‘What do you think was the biggest challenge they faced?’ or ‘Does that remind you of anything we have learned in the Quran?’ This encourages critical thinking and helps them connect the content to their own life. 

Connect the Lessons to Real Life and Faith 

After the documentary, help your teen draw parallels between what they have learned and their own experiences. A story about a historical figure’s perseverance can become a source of inspiration for their own studies. This practice of linking knowledge to personal growth makes the content feel relevant and meaningful. 

Encourage Exploration Beyond the Screen 

Use the documentary as a launchpad for further discovery. If you watch a film about a particular culture, you could then try cooking a dish from that region together. If you learn about ancient civilization, you could visit a local museum that has relevant artefacts. These hands-on experiences deepen curiosity and make learning last. 

By curating and discussing documentaries as a family, you can turn screen time into an exciting, faith-aligned journey of discovery. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places the pursuit of beneficial knowledge among the highest forms of worship, encouraging us to learn about history and the diversity of human culture to gain wisdom. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mujadilah (58), Verse 11: 

‘…(And in return) Allah (Almighty) shall elevate those who are believers amongst you, and those people who are given the knowledge (of existential reality) in various stages…’ 

This verse is a beautiful reminder that seeking knowledge is a path to elevation. It teaches a teenager that learning about history, science, and different cultures is not just for school; it is an act that raises their status and honour in the sight of Allah. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned about the danger of knowledge being lost. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, 2673a, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people but He takes away knowledge by taking away the scholars, when He leaves no learned person, people turn to the ignorant as their leaders they go astray, and lead others astray.‘ 

This hadith highlights our responsibility to seek out authentic knowledge. In an age of widespread online misinformation, watching well-researched documentaries about our history and faith is a valuable way to protect ourselves from falsehood and honour the legacy of our scholars.