Advice to Homeschooling Mothers – Get Out More

Asalaam ‘Alaikum:

Was reading this morning and found something really inspirational. I thought I would share:

By studying and appreciating the wonders of Allah’s creation, you will find peace. Allah, the Exalted, says:

“We cause to grow wonderful gardens full of beauty and delight.” (Qur’an 27:60)

“Say: Behold all that is in the heavens and the earth.” (Qur’an: 10:101)

“Our Lord is He Who gave to each thing its form and nature, then guided it aright.” (Qur’an 20:50)

Learn from the bright sun,

shining stars,

rivers,

streams,

mountains,

trees,

fruits,

air, and water.

“So blessed be Allah, the Best of creators.” (Qur’an 23:14)

“The One Who made everything. He has created good.” (Qur’an 32:7)

The meaning of these verses is that everything is planned and measured according to divine wisdom. And whoever studies the creation knows that there is One All-Powerful God Who sustains and manages everything.

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I have found it amazingly rewarding to try to realize the beauty all around you. You can find such beauty even in the simplest of things. As adults, it seems, we often forget to stop – slow down and take in all the beauty around us. Whether it is found in the playfulness of our children, in their laughter and amazing insight – or whether it is in the beauty of the sunrise or sunset – we are in such a hurry that we often don’t even notice. Having children – and homeschooling – has helped me to learn to slow down – to listen – to see – to feel more deeply than I ever have before, masha’Allah. This is something that my children taught me. I think I still step a little bit quicker than them – and sometimes I don’t always listen – but I try more earnestly now – and I have definitely enjoyed all its benefits, masha’Allah.

The world around you is filled with so much beauty, masha’Allah. If you take the time to discover it, it can calm you – amaze you – and help you realize the interconnectedness of every living thing around you. Think of something simple like a flower – how it reproduces – how it has nectar that bees turn into honey. Think of the many different types of flowers – so varied in color, size and where and how it grows best. Realize how – even in a very small area of land – you can find so many ecosystems – different plants – different animals – all dependent upon one another. There is beauty in that, masha’Allah.

I love taking nature photography (never learned specifically how, but definitely love it, masha’Allah) and I love just being outdoors. I have tried to instill this love in my children as well, alhumdulilah, and they really love being surrounded by nature. We have learned so much from nature – and continue to learn, alhumdulilah. In all of this is a lesson for us – it not only teaches us wonderful scientific principles – we not only learn about geography – we not only learn about the world around us – but we learn about how Allah has created the world around us – and how Allah sustains his creation, masha’Allah.

Some time – if you can find the time – take your child outdoors. Allow them to lay in the grass and gaze up at the starry sky. Allow them to watch the sunrise and the sunset. Allow them to climb a tree – to collect leaves – to watch ants as they search for food and carry it home again, to discover how spiders spin their webs – to listen as birds chirp in the trees above. After you have experienced nature – sit down with them and read a book related to the topic. Have them learn about how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Have them learn about how ants live in an ant colony. You cannot imagine the impact it can have on your child to experience it first hand – and then to learn about it more in-depth. This is such an wonderful way to increase their iman – to give them a better understanding of the world around them – and to see the work of Allah with their own eyes. It is amazing, masha’Allah – and yes, it is all a part of educating the Muslim child.

Asalaam ‘Alaikum,

Sumayyah Umm SAA