Parenting Perspective 

Keep Stories Relatable and Engaging 

As children grow older, they naturally look for stories that feel more relevant to their everyday lives. To keep an older child engaged in Islamic stories, start by choosing books that match their age and curiosity. Stories about the prophets, companions, and inspiring Muslims throughout history can feel alive when they show relatable struggles, bravery, and moral choices. Look for books that are well-written with rich language but are still easy to follow. 

Try to read together sometimes and then invite your child to share their thoughts: ‘What would you have done in that situation?’ or ‘What did you like most about this story?’ This helps your child to connect the lessons to their own feelings and choices. You can encourage them to retell parts of the story to younger siblings or to act out scenes during family time. If your child loves visuals, use comic-style Seerah books or short videos to spark their interest. Keep the tone warm and free from lectures; the goal is to build a love for these stories, so they see them as a source of wisdom and pride, not just another lesson. 

Spiritual Insight 

A Lesson for Those with Understanding 

Stories hold a special place in Islam because they guide our hearts with lessons wrapped in real-life struggles and triumphs. The noble Quran itself uses stories to awaken reflection and understanding. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Yusuf (12), Verse 111: 

‘Without any doubt, there is in their narratives (of the perished nations) a lesson for the people endowed with understanding; this (Quran) is not a narration which is invented (by any man), however it is confirmation of (the previous Revelations) which have been sent before the (Quran); and an explanation of everything (that is in existence) and comprehensive guidance and infinite mercy for those nations that are believers.’ 

This shows us that storytelling is not about dry facts but about nurturing hearts that see meaning in life’s events. 

Make it Easy and Relatable 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ shared stories with people of all ages, using examples to draw them closer to Allah Almighty’s mercy and wisdom. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6125, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Make things easy and do not make things difficult.’ 

When you share Islamic stories with your older child in a relatable way, you are planting seeds of identity and connection that will last beyond childhood. Let them ask questions, share their doubts, or make connections to modern life. Praise their reflections and remind them that remembering the lives of the prophets and the righteous is a source of hope in our own struggles.