How can I help my child enjoy reading for fun and for knowledge? 

Parenting Perspective 

Start with Their Interests 

Fostering a love for reading in your child is one of the most valuable gifts you can offer. Reading not only strengthens academic skills but also nourishes imagination, empathy, and emotional insight. To spark this love, begin with your child’s interests. Whether it is stories about animals, adventures in faraway lands, or picture books with Islamic morals, let their passions guide the book choices. When children see themselves reflected in the material, they are far more likely to engage. 

Create a Warm and Interactive Reading Environment 

Create a warm, cosy reading nook, a small corner with soft lighting, a few cushions, and an easy-access bookshelf. This signals that reading is not just a task, but a treasured part of home life. Make regular time to read together. You could use expressive voices for characters or pause to discuss the plot: ‘What do you think will happen next?’ or ‘How would you feel if you were that character?’ This transforms reading into a shared experience, deepening connection and comprehension. 

Empower Through Choice and Variety 

Empower your child by allowing them to choose what they want to read, even if it is the same book over and over. Repetition builds fluency, and autonomy builds confidence. Rotate between fiction and non-fiction, storybooks and biographies, Islamic literature and science texts. This gentle variety exposes them to different styles, tones, and ideas while keeping the experience fresh. 

Avoid Turning Reading into a Chore 

Above all, avoid turning reading into a chore. Do not make it solely performance-based, where only reading aloud correctly is rewarded. Instead, celebrate their curiosity, effort, and the joy of discovery. Ask reflective questions and listen closely, this shows that their thoughts matter and that reading is about engagement, not perfection. 

When reading becomes a part of your family rhythm, it shifts from being just educational to being deeply relational and joyful. 

Spiritual Insight 

Reading holds a sacred place in Islamic tradition. The very first command revealed in the noble Quran was not to pray, fast, or give charity, but to read. 

Allah Almighty declares in Surah Al Alaq (96), Verse 1: 

“Read in the name of your Sustainer, Who has created you. “

This divine instruction highlights reading as a gateway to faith, knowledge, and deeper understanding of the world around us. It is an invitation to explore with purpose, not just gather information. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1376, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

“When a person dies, all their deeds come to an end except three: Sadaqah Jariyah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them. “

This Hadith underscores the enduring value of knowledge, positioning it as a form of Sadaqah Jariyah that continues to benefit even after death. 

Encouraging your child to read for joy and learning becomes more than a parental goal, it becomes an act of worship and legacy. When your child picks up a book, especially one rooted in values and wisdom, they engage with something spiritually enriching. 

In Islam, seeking knowledge is a lifelong duty. When reading is nurtured early with love, joy, and connection, it becomes a tool through which your child learns about the world and their role within it, not just academically, but ethically and spiritually.