The latest National Assessment of Education Progress (also known as the “Nation’s Report Card”) report confirms what most educators and parents already knew: The achievement levels of students in Maryland and around the U.S. have shown steady declines since 2013. This is no surprise.

There was once a time when Muslim scientists and inventors were ahead of their counterparts, in the European Middle Ages. Amongst some of these were Abu Nasr Al Farabi, Ibn Sina, Al Battani, and Ibn Al Haytham.

When we discuss preparing our children for the future, we think about their careers, their potential spouses, and their financial stability. Rarely do we focus on their spiritual health, and the impending trials that may shake their faith in times ahead.

When children are very young, it might seem unnecessary to teach them about financial matters. In fact, the majority of people don’t learn about saving, budgeting, banking, or investing money until they are young adults earning their first real paycheck.

One of the most interesting things about planning for our children’s future is that there isn’t any sure way of knowing what to prepare for. We cannot see the future or what it will hold, therefore, it is impossible to know which career path will be the best choice for our children.

When we imagine the future, many of us try to envision the technological advances that the next decades will produce. It is almost certain that computers, robots, self-driving cars, and artificial intelligence will be part of our daily routine.

With the holiday season approaching, many Muslims look forward to using their free time to get together with family and friends.