What role does the kitchen play in early learning?

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al An’aam (6), Verse 141: ‘…Eat of its harvest when it bears fruit, and donate the due (portion to the poor) on the day of its harvest…’ This Ayah speaks to the blessings found in sustenance and the responsibility of sharing what we receive. The kitchen is a daily reflection of this spiritual truth. It is the place where provision becomes nourishment, where gratitude is acted upon, and where blessings are made visible. Teaching children to handle food with care, to avoid waste, and to recognise the journey from creation to consumption encourages deep thankfulness and mindfulness.
It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2612, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: ‘The best of you is the one who is best to his family.’ This Hadith Shareef reminds us that acts of service within the home are not minor or mundane. When a parent invites a child to participate in the kitchen, it is an act of love and dignity. The kitchen, then, becomes a site of both learning and character development. Through shared meals, laughter, and teamwork, families not only teach practical skills but also plant the seeds of compassion, humility, and responsibility. In this light, even peeling a carrot or passing a spoon can become an act of Ibadah.