Raising Confident, Creative, and God-Conscious Muslims  

by Swaleha Arshad

In the chaos of the modern world, where distractions multiply and values are
diluted, the timeless wisdom of our pious predecessors must be anchored in
our lives to save ourselves from the flood of turmoil. Imām Mālik b. Anas ( رحمه
ا (beautifully said, “The Sunnah is like the Ark of Nuh. Whoever boards it
will be saved, and whoever does not board it will drown.” This timeless
reminder, paints a vivid metaphor: the path of the Sunnah is not merely a
guide but a sanctuary—one that shields us from the turbulent waves of Dunya
and ushers us to the shores of salvation.

In today’s digital era, the pressures of modern life: constant connectivity, endless entertainment, and the race for instant gratification, threaten to pull us
away from the Ark. The distractions of this Dunya can make it increasingly
difficult to prioritize faith and obedience to Allah. The challenge is clear: how
do we, as parents and educators, guide our children to board this Ark, equipping them with faith, confidence, and character to thrive in the world
without being swallowed by it?

 

Navigating the Digital Flood

One of the greatest challenges of the digital age is how it shapes a child’s
brain and behavior. When a child becomes accustomed to a premium
experience of non-stop gratification—whether through social media, gaming, or fast-paced content—it becomes difficult to wean them off that level of

engagement. The brain, craving constant stimulation, resists returning to real-
life interactions, slow learning, or purposeful living. This creates a dilemma: how can parents foster a love for slow, meaningful

growth when the digital world promises instant rewards? The solution begins
with re-centering parenting on three pivotal goals, as emphasized by Salman
Siddiqui (Founder ERDC):
1. Building Confidence
2. Nurturing Creativity
3. Developing Character

Confidence: The Foundation of Personality

In the construction of a child’s personality, confidence serves as the bedrock. Without it, the pillars of creativity and character would crumble. Confidence is
the belief that one’s values are worth upholding, that one’s voice is worth
raising, and that one’s actions can make a difference. To build this confidence in today’s Muslim:

• Anchor your child in faith through experiential learning. Engage them with Islamic stories that highlight the virtues of courage and trust in Allah, such as the stories of the prophet and pious ancestors.
• Equip them with tools that make faith tangible, such as journaling guides or educational binders that encourage reflection and understanding of Islamic teachings.

Creativity: Honoring Allah’s Gifts 

Creativity is not merely about artistic expression; it’s about problem-solving,
innovation, and finding beauty in the world Allah has created. Children are
naturally imaginative, and nurturing this creativity helps them navigate life with
optimism and resourcefulness.

• Provide hands-on resources like Islamic activity books, puzzles, or games, DIY Crafts etc. that combine learning with play. These tools allow children to explore their Deen while engaging their imagination.
• Encourage them to express their understanding of the Sunnah through art, storytelling, or building models, fostering a deeper connection to their faith. 

Character: The Legacy of the Prophets

Character is the crowning glory of a Muslim’s personality. It reflects the morals, patience, and resilience of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم(. However, character is not inherited—it is nurtured through consistent practice and
example.

• Use daily reminders like posters or stickers of Islamic values and role models to inspire your child.
• Incorporate structured family time to discuss hadith or reflect on stories of the Prophets, embedding these values into their hearts.
• Children see, children do. Teach virtue and character by being their role model—their hero. When you lead by example, embodying the values you wish to instill, good character naturally becomes part of their personality.

Faith in Action: Riding the Ark of the Sunnah

To succeed in this digital flood, children must see the Sunnah as more than a
set of rituals. They must experience it as a way of life: a guide that transforms
challenges into opportunities and distractions into moments of Remembrance
of Allah. This requires a collaborative effort:

• At Home: Create an environment that prioritizes faith and minimizes unnecessary distractions. For example, setting aside time for slow, purposeful activities like Quran journaling or engaging with Islamic storybooks.
• In Learning: Foster an approach to education that balances academic excellence with spiritual growth. Activity-based tools like Islamic puzzles or creative educational binders help instill this balance early on.

The Ark Awaits

The Ark of Nuh is not just a metaphor for salvation; it is a framework for living. Boarding it means embracing a life rooted in faith, guided by the Sunnah, and
propelled by confidence, creativity, and character. In a world flooded with
distractions, guiding our children onto this Ark ensures they don’t just survive
rather they thrive, becoming complete, spiritual, and happy human beings.

As parents, educators, and community members, we hold the oars that guide
our children to the Ark. Let us steer them with intention, equipping them with
the tools, stories, and values they need to weather the storms of this Dunya
and sail toward the everlasting shores of Jannah.