Assalamualaikum. Muslim parents keep asking me what are the ideal books to be covered for a child from ages 3-4 or 4-5. The below are some of my suggestions based on my experience.
[Islamic Knowledge That Children Of Ages 7-10 Must Have. Read here.]
There is no one perfect size that can be given to all kids alike. But in general the for children (from ages 3 to 5) the following things have to be taught and covered at minimum:
1. Importance of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah), meaning of Tawheed (without going into technical details). Showing examples of Shirk and explaining what is Shirk.
2. Explaining what foods are Halal and Haraam based on what they see and eat.
3. Teaching, ‘What is Islam?’ and ‘Who is Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)?’ (With a lot of repetition.)
4. Memorization of the last six Surahs of The Qur’an, plus Suratul-Fatiha. (And if the child has a good memory extend add more Surahs from the end.)
5. Should be able to read Arabic alphabets, and start with Noorani Qaidah. (Try to complete the Noorani Qaidah by the time he reaches his 5th or 6th year.)
6. You’ve to sit with the child and tell him/her stories of the Prophets. (You may have to read or watch lectures on the same and tailor a bed time story for your child.)
7. The child should learn short essential duas with daily repetition. Dua while waking up, sleeping, going to toilet, coming out, Adhkaar of morning and evening (especially the ones to protect oneself from harm), etc.
8. What are the five prayers, method of prayer (Salah) and ablution (Wudhu), and all acts of worship that we do- we’ve to try to get the child involved in it.
9. Remember to take it slow and not pressurize the child. All children are different, if your child is slow, set his speed according to his level, if you see him quick to learn things, give him more, In-Sha-Allah.
10. Take the child on outings and spend time talking to the child, ask him questions about nature, and try to make him realise the blessings of Allah, and the creations of Allah as and when he sees something scenic. Remind him of Allah’s favors whenever you see someone who’s poor or ill or disabled.
May Allah guide all of us to be good parents and forgive our shortcomings. Aameen.
-Mohammed Manna.
Saheehus-Seerah 