🧒 Raising children (tarbiyah) · #53

Is telling the stories of the prophets an effective way of raising children?

Yes, storytelling is a method the Quran itself uses, and children remember stories far longer than advice.
Allah says: We relate to you the best of stories (Yusuf 12:3), and in their stories there is a lesson for people of understanding (Yusuf 12:111). The story of Yusuf teaches patience and forgiving one's siblings; Musa and his mother teach trust in Allah; Ibrahim and Ismaʿil teach obedience and discussion; the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ teaches honesty and compassion. Tips: choose one story a week, tell it with an engaging voice and gestures, ask "what would you do if you were him?", and avoid fabricated or overly frightening tales without sources. Read from books that refer to the Quran and authentic hadith. See Educating the family.

Sources

Surah Yusuf 12:3Surah Yusuf 12:111Surah al-A'raf 7:176

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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