Quran Journaling is a great way to get kids interested in the Holy Book. Growing up, many of us were probably taught how to recite the Quran either by a teacher or at the Madrasah (Islamic School). A lot of emphasis was put on recitation with the proper tajweed and Qira’at but not much on understanding God’s words. Alhamdulillah, today we have a plethora of resources. With the month of Ramadan around the corner, it is the perfect time to get our kids to connect deeper with the Holy Book. In this post, I will be sharing how to do Quran Journaling with Kids. I will also be offering a special Quran Journaling workbook for kids that you can use to get started!
When you mention the word ‘Quran’ to your child, what is their first reaction? I have noticed many times that some children see reading the Quran as a chore, as it is something they do not understand or connect with. Quran Journaling for Kids can hopefully reverse that. The Quran should be something exciting and fulfilling for your child. It is their moment of seeing God talk directly to them.
Quran Journaling for Kids – what is it?
I have a brief description on what Quran Journaling is in one of my earlier posts on Quran Journaling for beginners.
Quran Journaling is an exciting way to engage and connect with our holy book. It can transform the way that you understand the Quran. With Quran journaling, you will find a creative approach to the traditional method of just reading the Quran without understanding the meaning.
There are many different styles of Quran Journaling – I have an entire post dedicated to that on Quran Journaling Layout Ideas. However, I want to make it clear that Quran Journaling is not complicated. It does not need to be a work of art or a deep dive into Tafsir work. Everyone has their style and way of learning, which is why Quran Journaling is ideal for kids.
Quran Journaling for kids can be a child’s way to understand the creator in their own private way, as an act of worship, or even as a creative outlet! They need to be able to apply it to their daily lives and see that the Quran is a living book, with so many lessons to take. It is not only something that sits on our shelves to be recited occasionally but a manual that we use to live our life by.
Why they should be doing it
As an Islamic School teacher, I have noticed that parents take a lot of effort in making sure that their child can recite the Quran beautifully. Children may be practicing with a Qari every single day. They may be able to recite fluently with the proper qira’at (recitation) and tajweed (recitation rules). However, when it comes to knowing the meaning or understanding of even basic ayaat (verses), the children are unaware. They do not feel a connection as they do not understand what they are saying.
Even though there is SO much reward in simply just reading the Quran, Allah tells us in the Quran to PONDER over the Ayaat. We need to read but ALSO reflect on the verses and understand them.
QURAN – 38:29
(It is) a Book We have revealed to you abounding in good that they may ponder over its verses and that those endowed with understanding may be mindful.
As Muslim parents and educators, one of the BEST decisions that we can take is to guide our children in connecting with the Quran.
This can easily be done through Quran Journaling for Kids as it is a fun and creative way to get them contemplating over God’s words.
By having kids Journal about the Quran, they will be developing a direct connection with Allah and His words. They will be reading His instructions daily and inshaA, this will have a positive impact on their life.
Learn the Qur’an for it is the best of narrations, and understand it thoroughly for it is the best blossoming of hearts.
IMAM ALI – SERMON 110, NAHJUL BALAGHA
I don’t know much about the Quran so how can I teach it to my kids?
The most beautiful thing about Quran Journaling is that it is SO simple! Even though images online can seem overwhelming, in reality, ANYONE can do it. You do not need to go deeply into Tafsir (explanation) or look up the exact meaning or connotations of the ayah or its context.
It is our own understanding of the Ayah, something Allah has commanded each and every one of us to do – which is Tadabbur (reflecting over His words).
Whatever your purpose is for Quran Journaling, just remember that it does not require any skills – and that is why it is perfect for ANY age! All that matters is that you are taking the time to understand the words of Allah and to contemplate over them in a creative way.
In a nutshell, we want to create dialogue about Allah’s words and have the children put their thoughts down. Putting pen to paper helps to reinforce their learning and understanding of the ayah more.
How to start Quran Journaling for Kids:
1. Quran should be accessible
The Quran should NOT be displayed on a shelf like a showpiece item. It should be somewhere visible and central. It could be where the family frequently gathers, like on the dining table, so that it can be picked up and referred to.
2. Make sure they know the benefits
Before you begin Quran Journaling with Kids, make sure they know the benefits of understanding the Quran. This way, they will be more likely to engage with the content. For younger kids, you could use the approach that Allah has hidden powers in His book and we need to understand these Ayaat to uncover these powers.
3. Explain it to them in their language
Some ayaat are difficult to understand, even in English. If you come across such abstract words, try to find a synonym or an alternative word that they can comprehend at their level.
4. Choose simple and relatable verses
Start by reciting a simple ayah (verse) that the children know or can apply to their daily life. Something easy to understand, such as :
Remember Me and I will remember you, and thank Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.
QURAN – 2:152
We can ask them:
‘How do you remember Allah?’
‘What is the benefit of remembering Allah?’
‘How can we remember Allah?’
‘When should we remember Allah?’
Have them jot down or draw out their responses. This will get them thinking and pondering over the verse.
5. Let them get creative!
Allow the children to get creative when journaling about the Quran. Even if the drawing or colors have NOTHING to do with the ayah being studied, they will be forming a connection in their way. For example, I had a student who colored the entire worksheet in purple. Even though this had nothing to do with ayah, this was her way to express her connection to the verse and after this, the color purple reminded her of the ayah.
6. Organize their Quran with them
I have a post on Quran Journaling – Indexing and Tabbing. This simple Quran tabbing exercise can be done by all ages and it is especially fun with kids! You can download our tabs for FREE from our shop. A cartoon-type image has been used for each Sura that the kids will enjoy making and connecting images to Suwar.
7. Get the Quran Journaling Workbook!
If you are not sure how to start, I highly recommend downloading our Quran Journaling Workbook. They have been designed in a simple way for kids aged 10+, however, they can be used by adults too or younger kids accompanied by a parent. The ayaat (verses) used are specifically chosen for children to understand easily.
Quran Journaling Workbook – Ramadan Edition
I hope this post has inspired and helped you in getting your kids interested in Quran Journaling. May our children remain steadfast in their faith and hold on to the teachings of the Holy Book, inshaAllah.
If you used our Quran Journaling Workbook, we would LOVE to see your beautiful work! Please share them with us over on our Instagram page @BalancedBayt, and we will be sure to feature you!
Related Posts:
How to Start Quran Journaling for Beginners
Quran Journaling – Indexing and Tabbing
Quran Journaling Layout Ideas
Salams, do you have the Juz tabs typed to also print and stick?
Wa alaykum salaam. Sure, they can be downloaded from our shop here.