Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu. Based on my analysis of various Islamic Studies textbooks and courses, I think that Muslim children should acquire a foundational understanding of the following Islamic topics and values by the age of 10.
This is the minimum a Muslim child must have. Based on the capacity of the child to absorb and the facilities and time available to the parents, the parents can give in more InshaAllah.
[For a previous note on ‘Islamic Studies Syllabus For 3-5 year olds’. See here.]
1. Fundamentals of Faith (Aqidah)
*Allah
– Understanding Allah as the One and Only Creator.
– Learning about Allah’s main attributes (Most Merciful, Most Kind, All-Knowing, etc.)
– Understanding that Allah sees and knows everything.
– Basic concept of Allah’s love and care for His creation.
– Worship is for Allah Alone.
*Angels
– Introduction to important angels: Jibreel, Mikael, Israfil.
– Understanding that angels are Allah’s special creation
– Basic roles of angels in our daily lives.
– Angels who record our good and bad deeds.
* Prophets and Messengers
– Stories of main prophets: Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa and Isa (May Allah be pleased with them all).
– Special focus on Prophet Muhammad’s life [Seerah]: (Salallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam)
– His childhood and early life.
– Basic events of his prophethood.
– His character and kindness, sacrifices to spread the Deen.
– Simple Hadiths about good manners.
* The Quran
– Understanding what the Quran is.
– Basic etiquettes of handling the Quran.
– Learning short surahs with meaning (at least those below):
– Surah Al-Fatiha
– Surah Al-Ikhlas
– Surah Al-Falaq
– Surah An-Nas
– Surah Al-Asr
– All the short Suwar (Surahs) from Juzz 30.
– (Give them more to memorize if they’re capable.)
2. Islamic Practices (Ibadah)
* Salah (Prayer)
– Learning the five daily prayers, their names and approximate times.
– Steps of Wudu (ablution).
– Basic movements of Salah.
– Simple Duas for prayer.
– Understanding the importance of prayer.
– Getting them used to pray on time, and for boys in the congregation at the Masjid.
*Fasting
– Basic concept of Ramadan.
– Train them at fasting if possible.
– Simple rules of fasting.
– The blessings of Ramadan.
– Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr.
* Zakat and Charity
– Understanding the importance of sharing.
– Basic concept of helping others.
– Stories about giving charity.
– Distribute food and other charity with your children witnessing you.
3. Islamic Character (Akhlaq)
*Personal Conduct
– Respect for parents and elders.
– Being kind to siblings and friends, being humble.
– Honesty and truthfulness.
– Cleanliness and personal hygiene.
– Islamic greetings and responses.
– Table manners and eating etiquettes.
* Social Behavior
– Being helpful to others.
– Sharing with friends.
– Speaking kindly.
– Being thankful to Allah and people.
– Respecting teachers and classmates.
– Being kind to animals.
4. Islamic History
– (As stated before, teaching them about Prophets and Messengers must include a lot of this.)
– Stories of the Prophets
– Brief biography of Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam)
– Brief and repeated references to names of the Prophet’s wives, Sahabah and Sahabiyyat, memorable stories.
– Mention famous inspirational stories of some heroes of Islam that you’re aware of.
5. Daily Islamic Practices
* Duas (Supplications)
– Before and after eating.
– Before sleeping and after waking up.
– When entering and leaving home.
– When entering and leaving the bathroom.
– Morning and evening Adhkaar.
– Duas during Wudhu and Salah.
* Basic Islamic Phrases
– Bismillah
– Alhamdulillah
– SubhanAllah
– Jazakallahukhairan, Wa iyyak
– Insha’Allah
– Allahu Akbar etc.
6. Arabic Language
– Learn Arabic alphabets.
– Learn basic Qaidah Nooraniyyah.
– Be able to read The Quran with some assistance.
– Imbibe basic Arabic vocabulary.
– Basic Arabic sentences, phrases and commands.
7. Understanding Prohibitions (Muharramat)
*Personal Don’ts
– Understand Halal and Haram concepts.
– Avoid lying, deception, backbiting, and gossip.
– Respect others, their property, and privacy.
– Avoid wasteful behavior (Israaf) and bad language.
– Respect people who serve us (teachers, hospital staff, cleaners, other servicemen etc.).
– Treat animals kindly.
– (Mobile phone if given to the child must be under strict adult supervision.)
*Social Don’ts
– Listen without interrupting.
– Avoid showing off (Riya).
– Obey parents, grandparents, relatives, and teachers.
– Practice patience and avoid fights.
– Avoid copying homework or cheating in tests.
– Respect others’ belongings and learn keeping your word.
*Personal Safety and Protection
– Understand private parts (‘awrah) and their sanctity.
– Learn about safe and unsafe touch.
– Identify private body parts and maintain physical boundaries.
– Understand the importance of digital safety and online etiquette.
– Do not venture out unattended in public spaces.
– Build trust with parents and trusted adults.
– Know when to seek help and report inappropriate behavior to parents.
📍Learning Outcomes
By age 10, children should be able to:
1. Understand the value of Islam and Imaan, particularly Tawheed.
2. Perform Wudu and Salah correctly.
3. Recite and understand basic Surahs and Duas.
4. Have a foundation (even a little) to the Arabic language.
5. Demonstrate good Islamic manners.
6. Understand basic Islamic boundaries and prohibitions.
7. Be learned of simple Islamic stories.
8. Be aware of the evil around him/her.
9. Show respect for Islamic values.
10. Be prepared to take on Islamic science subjects of a higher knowledge value.
*Teaching Methods
– Use of stories and illustrations, using morning walks and bedtime stories as the time for nurturing and speaking to the child.
– Interactive activities, Halal cartoons and games.
– Regular practice of daily Duas.
– Hands-on learning for Wudu and Salah.
– Taking the child to children-friendly Masajid, if possible enrolling the child in an Islamic school.
– Participation in Islamic summer camps for children (even if they repeatedly do the same topics).
– Regular revision of learned concepts.
– Positive reinforcement of good behavior.
– Connection of Islamic teachings to daily life.
I hope this was beneficial. May Allah accept this from us and guide all of our children to be practicing Muslims, who are beneficial for Islam and the Ummah, and are responsible and fruitful citizens of their communities. Aameen.
***
-by Mohammed bin Thajammul Hussain Manna (B.E (Aeronautical Engineering), B.A (Islamic Studies), Advanced Diploma in Islamic Studies, Currently a student of Masters in Social Work (2024))
Books by Mohammed bin Thajammul Hussain Manna
1. The Biography of The Prophet Muhammad [Salallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam] From Reliable And Credibly Established Narrations (3 Volumes).
2. The Authentic Biography of Bilal bin Rabah (Radi Allahu Anhu).
3. Mukhtasar Sahih Seeratun Nabi (Summarized Seerah).
4. Famous But Unauthentic Stories From The Biography of The Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam).
5. Actions That Are Equivalent To Hajj In Rewards.
6. Uncovering The Falsehood That Was Propagated In ‘The Kerala Story’
7. Various others articles, Fatawa and translated works here (authenticseerah.com).
Saheehus-Seerah 