Laying the Foundations: The Islamic Imperative of Early Childhood Education

As Muslim parents and caregivers, we carry the tremendous responsibility of providing our children with the best possible upbringing and education during their precious early years. What guidance does our faith offer on nurturing and teaching little ones? How can we help lay strong foundations that will reap benefits in this life and the next?

Islam places great emphasis on proper tarbiyah (ethical and spiritual nurturing) and ta’lim (instruction and education) of children from infancy through the early childhood years. This enables young minds to absorb knowledge rapidly and develop their faith, intellect, and character during the most formative stage of life.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “No gift from parents to their child is better than good manners and ethical training.” This and other traditions highlight the importance Islam gives to early moral and spiritual instruction.

Likewise, the Qur’an points to Allah’s teaching of humankind as an example for us to follow with children. Referencing the creation of Adam Alay-hi ‘s-salām, the verse states: “And He taught Adam the names of all things…” (Quran 2:31). From birth, babies begin acquiring language, motor skills, emotions, and more. Our Lord shows that we should help uncover children’s God-given abilities through active nurturing from the start.

Modern psychological and educational research confirms that around 85% of the brain’s core structure is formed by age three. The preschool years are a period of rapid cognitive, emotional, and social development, as young children start interpreting and interacting with the world in increasingly complex ways. These early experiences literally shape brain architecture.

By engaging toddlers and preschoolers through play, stories, hands-on activities, and conversation, we can foster curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Children need stimulating environments with opportunities to gain knowledge, practice emerging skills, and form positive relationships. Through their explorations, we can guide them towards what is beneficial and praiseworthy.

Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) was himself known to engage affectionately with children. Anas ibn Malik, who served the Prophet for ten years from the age of ten, reported: “I have never seen anyone who was more compassionate towards children than Allah’s Messenger.” When young ones make mistakes, the Prophet responded with gentleness, patience and wisdom rather than anger.

This sunnah of loving care and understanding is essential as we nurture little ones on their faith journey. They will model the example we set. By establishing limits with kindness, encouraging good manners, telling stories with morals, and praising when they remember Allah, we plant seeds that will bloom into righteous character, insha’Allah.

Of course, the home environment is central, as parents live Islam and interact lovingly with their children. Masjids, madrassah classes and other community institutions also play key roles in religious and moral upbringing. But while modern schooling is clearly different than the maktab tradition, the core Islamic emphasis on early education remains relevant.

Quality preschools expose young minds to diversity, language, and new concepts within an ethical framework – helping strengthen identity, knowledge and social skills. If we build strong Islamic foundations at home, our children can navigate any environment with insight and resilience, illuminating their world with faith. The blessed Prophet (PBUH) was sent as a “mercy to all the worlds” (Quran 21:107); the earliest seeds we plant shape the fruits of mercy our little ones will bear.

There are several sunnahs and recommended acts we can implement, as advised by scholars:

• Reciting the adhan and iqamah in the ears of newborns
• Gentle tahneek by placing softened dates on the palate
• Announcing the name on the 7th day; choosing beautiful, meaningful names
• Completing aqiqah.
• it is recommended that one shave the head of the newborn and give an amount in charity approximately equal to the weight of that hair shaved in gold and silver.

These practices all have spiritual and community significance. We should also frequently recite du’a for our children and instill in them the love of the Qur’an through listening to its melodies. Even before formal instruction, their fitrah recognises and delights in the Book of Guidance.

Seeking beneficial knowledge is an obligation and blessing for every Muslim. As guardians, we can open the doors of learning for children early on, kindling curiosity, faith and intellect. By laying solid foundations in the precious early years, our little ones will flourish into happy, faithful adults and constructive members of society, God willing.