Families across the globe are heading into summer and the heat is on - that is the heat for parents to find ways to ensure their children are busy and productive!
As parents, we are constantly seeking ways to teach our children about the world we live in. As Muslim parents, added to that responsibility is ensuring that they also see the world and their purpose in it from an Islamic lens.
There are all different ways that parents teach their children about religious principles and concepts. Books are one of those go-to resources. And when it comes to teaching fundamentals of Islam with both detail and creativity, prize-winning author Zanib Mian is a favorite.
First a disclosure. We are a huge soccer family. We have all played, coached, refereed, and even run a local Muslim youth soccer league. So, it will surprise no one that this homeschooling family used the biggest soccer tournament on the world stage for a teachable moment.
Just about every Muslim girl or woman who has worn a hijab or head scarf, has encountered someone who either curiosly or condescendingly asks “what is underneath”? Author Hena Khan has a beautiful response in her book Under My Hijab.
Negotiating the public school system in the U.S. can be a challenge for every Muslim child. There is likely to be differences in diets, dress, holidays celebrated, and general ignorance of the fundamentals of our faith ranging from naïve misunderstanding to blatant Islamophobia.