Islamic Heritage Month: Honoring a Rich Legacy of Culture and Wisdom
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do”. -Rumi
Islamic Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of the Muslim community worldwide. From the poetic words of Rumi to the stunning geometric art, Islamic heritage offers us a wealth of beauty, wisdom, and creativity to explore with our children. This month, we can dive into activities that teach our kids about the vibrant traditions and cultural practices that have shaped Islamic history and continue to inspire the world today.
One meaningful way to celebrate is through books and films that portray Muslim lives with depth and authenticity, as well as through traditional foods that bring families together in the kitchen. These activities give us a chance to connect, learn, and appreciate the values of community, creativity, and reflection at the heart of Islamic heritage.
Preschool:
Preschoolers are naturally drawn to bright colors, music, and stories. Introducing Islamic culture through fun and creative activities helps them appreciate diversity from an early age.
Activity: Islamic Music and Movement
Introduce your preschooler to the mesmerizing movements of the whirling dervishes, inspired by the Sufi practice of dance as a form of meditation. Put on some gentle Sufi music, and let them twirl and dance! You can explain that this dance is a way to express love and devotion, much like the famous poet Rumi’s words. Let them explore the joy of movement while learning about different forms of expression.
Lower Elementary:
Children at this stage are eager to learn through stories Exploring Islamic culture through stories offers a fun and meaningful way to connect.
Activity: Read a Book Featuring Muslim Characters
Read a book that portrays the lives of Muslim characters, such as "The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family”
Ibtihaj Muhammad (Author) or “The Gift of Ramadan”
Rabiah York Lumbard (Author), which introduces children to Muslim perspectives and experiences. These books offer meaningful ways to discuss faith, culture, and resilience with your child.
Upper Elementary:
Children at this stage are eager to learn through hands-on activities. Exploring Islamic culture through art and food offers a fun and meaningful way to connect.
Activity: Create Islamic Calligraphy & Cook a Traditional Dish
Introduce your child to the beauty of Islamic calligraphy by showing them examples of how letters and words are transformed into art. Give them pens and paper to create their own calligraphy or simply experiment with artistic designs inspired by Arabic script.
For a hands-on experience in the kitchen, cook a simple traditional dish together, such as hummus or falafel. These popular Middle Eastern foods are not only delicious but also help introduce your child to the culinary traditions of the Islamic world. As you cook, talk about how sharing food brings people together in every culture.
Middle School:
Middle schoolers are ready to explore the intersection of faith, art, and history in greater depth. Sufi poetry and dance offer profound cultural experiences to reflect on.
Activity: Discover the Poetry of Rumi & Sufi Dance
Introduce your middle schooler to the inspiring poetry of Rumi, a famous Sufi poet whose words have transcended time and borders. Read a few of his poems together, and discuss the themes of love, spirituality, and unity that run through his work.
Take it a step further by exploring the practice of Sufi whirling, where dervishes spin as a form of devotion. Watch a short video of whirling dervishes performing, and talk about how different cultures express their spirituality. This can be a powerful way to reflect on mindfulness and connection.
High School:
High schoolers are ready for deeper explorations into literature and culture. By reading books or watching films that portray the Muslim experience, they gain insight into the diversity and richness of Islamic heritage.
Activity: Watch a Movie or Read a Book Portraying Muslim Lives
Watch a film like "Wadjda", a Saudi Arabian movie that tells the story of a young girl determined to break norms and follow her dreams, or "The Kite Runner", a film based on the novel by Khaled Hosseini, which portrays friendship, loyalty, and redemption in the context of Afghan culture.
After watching, reflect on the themes in the story with your teen, encouraging them to explore how films and books help us understand different perspectives.
Feel free to explore these activities in a way that suits your family’s rhythm—adapt them, mix them up, or create something entirely new! The beauty lies in making them your own. If you try something different, we’d love to hear your story and share in the journey!
Parent Reflection:
As parents, Islamic Heritage Month offers a chance to explore the beauty and depth of a culture that has shaped so many aspects of our world. By reading stories, cooking traditional foods, and embracing the art, music, and wisdom of Islamic heritage, we help our children develop empathy and respect for diversity. Let’s take this month to slow down, learn, and connect as a family, while celebrating the creativity and spirituality that are at the heart of Islamic culture.
