Who we are.

As parents, blessed with two beautiful children, we understand the challenges of raising children in the Western world while striving to maintain strong Islamic values. This personal journey inspired us to create a resource that makes the early introduction to the teachings of Islamic material both meaningful and accessible for young minds.

Our unique collection of meaning-translated Islamic books for children is designed with the utmost care and respect for our faith. These board books are crafted to embody the essence of the Qur'an, Hadith and islamic knowledge offering a gentle and age-sensitive introduction. We focus on conveying the meaning rather than a direct translation, ensuring that young children can grasp the profound lessons in a way that resonates with their growing understanding.

Children make mistakes and cannot give the utmost of respect to our Holy books, therefore our child-friendly versions are intentionally free of Arabic text. This approach allows families to use the books without the same level of upkeep required by traditional Islamic texts, while still fostering a deep reverence for Islamic books and their teachings from a young age. Additionally, by avoiding pictures, we remain aligned with the traditional presentation of Islamic books.

We believe that these books not only serve as an educational tool but also as a way for parents to gently introduce their children to the concept of holy books and the etiquette that surrounds them. Whether you are looking to start your child's spiritual journey or seeking to deepen their connection with Islamic teachings, our books provide a thoughtful and engaging way to bring the timeless wisdom of the Qur'an and other holy knowledge into your home.

Join us in this journey to empower the next generation with the values and knowledge that will guide them throughout their lives. The Little Ones’ ilm is more than just a store; it's a step towards nurturing faith, understanding, and respect in the hearts of our children.

Why we started.

The Growing Disconnect:

Recent insights and studies have revealed a troubling trend: Muslim youth in the West are increasingly disengaged with their religion. As a result, many young Muslims are struggling to maintain a connection to God and the high moral standards that form the foundation of their faith.

However, the good news is that most young Muslims are eager to learn more about Islam. They are searching for knowledge, but often feel that traditional religious education doesn’t speak to their real-life challenges or offer the engaging, accessible learning they need.

Key Trends:

  1. Decline in Daily Prayer and Mosque Attendance: Across multiple studies, a consistent decline in the frequency of daily prayer and mosque attendance among young Muslims in the UK has been observed. Where earlier generations of Muslim youth might have attended mosque regularly, only 25-40% of young Muslims today attend the mosque weekly, and fewer pray five times a day.

  2. Shift Toward Alternative Forms of Religious Engagement: Many young Muslims, although still identifying strongly with their faith, are moving away from traditional institutions and embracing digital content, social media, and informal study groups as their primary sources of religious learning and spiritual guidance.

  3. Generational Gap: The gap between the religious practices of young Muslims and their parents has become more pronounced over the last decade. While older generations maintain strong ties to mosque life and regular prayer, young Muslims are less engaged in traditional forms of worship, with more prioritizing their individual relationship with faith rather than community-based practices.

  4. Desire for Islamic Knowledge: Despite declining religious observance, there is still a strong desire for Islamic knowledge among young Muslims. Approximately 60-70% of young Muslims report an interest in learning more about Islam, but often feel that formal religious education does not meet their needs or address their concerns in a modern, relatable way.

The Solution:

Introducing an Islamic Connection at the Earliest Ages.

As parents, it’s natural to feel a sense of urgency about this growing disconnect between our children and their relationship with Islam. Traditional methods of religious education and engagement are no longer enough to meet the needs of today’s youth. The solution is to introduce islamic material during the foundational years of children’s lives.

At The Little Ones ‘ilm, we understand these challenges. That’s why we are committed to providing accessible, engaging, and relevant Islamic educational materials for children creating an emotional, spiritual and intellectual connection during the foundational years of their lives. Through translating classical texts in an engaging way we aim to bridge the gap, ensuring that the next generation remains connected to Islam in a meaningful way.

The time to act is now—investing in early, engaging Islamic education is more important than ever so that our children grow up with a strong, lasting connection to their faith. The stories that children hear in the first decade of their life are crucial in shaping their understanding of the world, their sense of self, and their emotional and social development. This period, often referred to as the "critical period" for brain development, is when children's cognitive, emotional, and social foundations are being formed. The stories they hear—whether from parents, books, or other sources—play a key role in shaping these foundations, especially in terms of their religious identity, values, and worldview.

Studies:

  • The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) Report on Muslim Youth (2015)

  • The Young Muslims in the UK Report (2017) – The Young Foundation and British Future

  • Pew Research Center - The Future of the Muslim World (2017)

  • The State of the Muslim Youth (2019) – Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU)

  • British Social Attitudes Survey (2020)

  • The Changing Face of British Islam (2021) – The University of Birmingham

FAQs

  • We don’t simply put verses, hadiths, or stories in our own words. Instead, we deeply analyze the original Arabic meaning behind each verse, hadith, or story and present it in a language that is engaging and easy for children to understand whilst capturing the original meaning found in the classical text. This ensures that the core meaning and context of Islamic teachings are preserved, while making the content accessible for young readers.

    Children’s comprehension is still developing, and it’s crucial to make Islamic teachings accessible to them in a manner that makes sense to their understanding. By focusing on the meaning and not just the words, we give children a deeper connection to the teachings of Islam. This approach encourages reflection and engagement, helping them internalize values and lessons in a way that’s meaningful for them.

  • Our books are unique because they are meaning-translated, created by parents, free of micro-plastics, eco-friendly, picture-free, low stimulating, have an islamic aesthetic and are a stepping stone for the youngest of minds towards having a connection with islamic material.

  • Yes, each book is carefully tailored to the developmental stage and understanding of the child. The stories, verses, and hadiths are presented in a way that is not only age-appropriate but also engaging for young minds. Our goal is to spark curiosity and inspire a love for Islamic knowledge, regardless of age.

  • Our books are designed to be flexible for a wide range of ages. They are suitable for young children (ages 3-6) for read-aloud sessions, while older children (ages 7-12) can engage with the stories and lessons independently. The language and content are simple, but the depth of meaning makes the books beneficial for older children as well.

  • Our books are printed on sustainable materials, with non-toxic inks, non-toxic adhesive, and no harmful coating ensuring that they are eco-friendly from production to disposal. This aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility and creating a better future for the next generation.

Contact us.

Thoughts. Ideas. Suggestions.

We’d love to hear from you.