READING IN ISLAM ~ A PATH TO PARADISE

Assalamualaikum dear parents, teachers and readers,

As mentioned in one of my previous post, today I will share some insights on reading in Islam. For us Muslims, seeking knowledge is one of the ways to Jannah. And where does knowledge begin if not with the basic skills of reading. Being able to read sooner in our lives allows us to learn about our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) sooner and those who were close to him. It allows our children read and to begin instilling in themselves the vision of life and good attributes to follow. Here are some quotes according to the Quran and Hadith:

"Allah will exalt those who believe among you, and those who have been granted knowledge to high ranks." (Qur'an)

"Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male and female)." (Hadith)

"And say: My Lord increase me in knowledge." (Qur'an, Ta-Ha 20:114)

"It is only those who have knowledge among His servants that fear Allah." (Qur'an, Fatir 35:28)

The relationship between reading and faith is as basic as "Iqra," the first word of revelation in surah Al-Alaq.

In translation, Allah swt says in the surah,

Abdullah Yusuf Ali Translation

1. Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists),
2. Has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood).
3. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous,
4. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen [the first person to write was Prophet Idrees (Enoch)],
5. Has taught man that which he knew not.
6. Nay! Verily, man does transgress all bounds (in disbelief and evil deed, etc.).
7. Because he considers himself self-sufficient.
8. Surely! Unto your Lord is the return.
9. Have you (O Muhammad) seen him (i.e. Abu Jahl) who prevents,
10. A slave (Muhammad) when he prays?
11. Tell me, if he (Muhammad) is on the guidance (of Allah)?
12. Or enjoins piety?
13. Tell me if he (the disbeliever, Abu Jahl) denies (the truth, i.e. this Qur'an), and turns away?
14. Knows he not that Allah does see (what he does)?
15. Nay! If he (Abu Jahl) ceases not, We will catch him by the forelock,
16. A lying, sinful forelock!
17. Then, let him call upon his council (of helpers),
18. We will call the guards of Hell (to deal with him)!
19. Nay! (O Muhammad)! Do not obey him (Abu Jahl). Fall prostrate and draw near to Allah!

When a child reads a story his or her imagination is stimulated. It's not enough to tell a child that Du'a is powerful. Let them read the story of someone who made Du'a and was strengthened. It's not enough to teach a child that Islam can work in their life. Let them read about real life people who are also Muslims. 

Let them read and love every second of it! ^_^ Insyallah, we hope that you will also love every moment spent for knowledge in our Fast Reading Technique seminar in which we hope will benefit you and these little caliphs of the future.

Here is a picture summary of all that went on in Zon Utara during our Fast Reading Technique seminar travel over the weekend: