Dear Kisa,
I’m a mom of two young children who have a tough time being at the masjid. Since there are no children’s programs for them, how can I best impart the message of Imām Ḥusayn (ʿa) to them?
Signed,
Struggling Mom
Dear Struggling Mom,
Being a mom on a regular day to two young ones can be challenging – never mind when you want to teach and share the significance of an important occasion. The month of Muḥarram is a yearly blessing for the followers of Ahlul Bayt (ʿa) to awaken our hearts. As parents, it is also an excellent opportunity to impart knowledge to the children and plant the seed of the love of truth and many other lessons that Karbalāʾ teaches us. And so it is commendable that you’re eager to capitalize on this blessing for your children. Here are a few ways in which you can impart the message of Imām Ḥusayn (ʿa) to your children inshāʾAllāh:
- Visual Changes at Home
Children spend a significant amount of time at home when they’re small, and the environment at home plays a crucial role in their learning. Children are naturally curious and observant; when they see a change in their home environment, they will question why these changes are being made, giving you a chance to converse with them. Designating a small mourning space at home, hanging up Muḥarram banners, using the color black to signify mourning, not wearing very colorful clothes, etc., should do the trick. These visual and hands-on changes will help the children connect to the event.
- Speak About Imām Ḥusayn (ʿa) and the other martyrs of Karbalāʾ
Children may not pay attention to everything you say, but repetition of names and certain words does impact them. Tell them about what you may have learned from a lecture or something you know about the Imām (ʿa). These efforts will not only increase their familiarity with the event of Karbalāʾ but also plant the seeds of understanding and empathy, thereby helping them develop a stronger bond with it.
- Utilize Islamic Resources
There are many resources available online to download or to purchase related to the month of Muḥarram. You can use them based on the ages of your children. Kisa Publications offers the Hakima & Hadi Boardbook series titled ‘Hakima and Hadi Remember Imam Hussain (S)’, The Muharram Booklet , and the Arbaeen Booklet, which offers activities that can be done with the kids. Books that specifically talk about the Imāms (ʿa) who were present in Karbalāʾ would also interest the children. Videos available online, such as Little Pigeon’s Arbaʿīn Adventure by Kisa Kids, are a great interactive way of engaging the children. A Muharram playlist of videos is also available on YouTube for children, providing an interactive learning experience.
- Form a Mothers Support Group
Gather mothers with children of similar ages and take turns watching the children so other moms canattend a lecture or event. Doing so will also allow the children to bond with each other and build a sense of community within their age group.
- Take Activities To Keep Them Busy
Simple things like a tasbīḥ, a few crayons, and a coloring sheet can go a long way. While you’re in a lecture, children can be made busy with related activities if there’s space. We recommend the Majlis activity book by MarziasRedTray and this Muharram Workbook by Sun Behind The Cloud. These resources not only keep the children busy but also help them understand the significance of mourning and how to behave in a majlis, giving you the confidence that they are learning and growing.
Remember to give yourself grace and ask Allah (swt) to help you. Children learn by observing their parents. A parent who utilizes this blessed month to build stronger connections with the Ahlul Bayt (ʿa) will serve as a role model for their children. Do your best and leave the rest to Allah (swt).
With duʿās,
Kisa