What are the best Islamic books for children?
It depends on your child's age, but there is a good Islamic book for every stage. Picture books and board books suit toddlers, short stories about manners and festivals suit the early years, and prophet stories and Companion biographies suit older children. Choose accurate, kind books that your child actually enjoys.
Books by age
- Ages 0 to 3: sturdy board books on Arabic letters, colors and numbers, the names of Allah, and short duas. Look for big pictures and very few words.
- Ages 3 to 6: picture books about Ramadan, Eid, prayer, wudu, kindness and sharing. These help a child see Muslim life reflected in a story.
- Ages 6 to 9: simple books on the prophets, short stories from the Quran, and early chapter books with Muslim characters.
- Ages 9 to 12: longer prophet stories, biographies of the Companions, and simple books on the life of the Prophet ﷺ. Fiction with Muslim heroes is a popular choice here too.
- Teens: Islamic history, the seerah (the Prophet's ﷺ life story), books on faith and identity, and good fiction written for young adults.
Why stories work
The Quran is full of stories, and it says that they are there to teach us:
At the start of Surah Yusuf, Allah says He relates "the best of stories" (Quran 12:3). A bedtime story about a prophet teaches patience, honesty and trust in Allah far more gently than a lecture. For ideas on how to share these stories, see How do I teach my kids about the prophets?
What to check before you buy
- Accuracy. Good books stick to the Quran and authentic reports, and say when a story is from tradition. Be careful with books that add dramatic details not found in the sources.
- Pictures. Many Muslim publishers avoid drawing the faces of the prophets and Companions. Check how a book does it.
- Tone. Choose books that build love of Allah, not just fear of punishment.
- Age match. A book that is too hard or too babyish gets ignored. Let your child flip through it first.
- Quality. Clear print, good paper and a decent translation are worth a few extra dollars.
Where to find them
Check your local library first, since many now carry books by Muslim authors. Mosque libraries, Islamic bookshops, online booksellers and second-hand sales are also good sources. Ask your local imam or other Muslim parents which publishers they trust.
The first command revealed to the Prophet ﷺ was "Read!" (Quran 96:1), so a home with books is a good home for faith. Reading also gives children an alternative to screens. See How much screen time should Muslim kids have?
- Match books to age, from board books to prophet stories and biographies.
- Stories are a gentle way to teach faith and character.
- Check accuracy, tone and how the prophets are shown.
- Use libraries, mosques and second-hand sales to save money.
People also ask
What do I say when my child asks where Allah is?
Say that Allah is the Most High, nothing is like Him, and He hears, sees and is near when we call. Avoid the picture of a man in the sky.
Read the full answer →What do I do if my child lies?
Usually it is a normal stage. Stay calm, make the truth feel safe, praise honesty and model it yourself, following the Prophet's gentle example.
Read the full answer →What are good Islamic cartoons and shows for kids?
Yes, there are many good Islamic shows for kids. Look for accurate stories, a loving tone and suitable music, and preview before they watch.
Read the full answer →Should Muslim parents opt out of sex education?
It depends on what is taught. Many parents attend factual and safety lessons, opt out of conflicting content where allowed, and teach values at home.
Read the full answer →Should Muslim parents apologize to their children?
Yes, Muslim parents should apologize to their children when they are wrong. It models honesty and humility, and it does not weaken respect.
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