5 Creative Ways to Help Children Connect With Their Islamic Heritage
(and How ADAMS is Nurturing the Next Generation of Faithful Leaders)
Why It Matters
Children today spend 4 to 6 hours a day on screens, often disconnected from hands-on learning and faith experiences. Research from Pew shows that those active in religious communities report higher happiness and civic engagement, a reminder that faith strengthens both the heart and the community.
That’s why ADAMS continues to make faith not just learned but lived. In 2024, ADAMS programs reached over 1,500 youth through the Youth Education Program, Children’s Education Program, Radiant Hearts Academy, and various scouting and arts initiatives. These programs feature fun educational activities, early childhood education activities, and workshops that help children learn through play, creativity, and reflection.
Here are five creative and practical ways you can help your children connect with their Islamic heritage, inspired by the programs ADAMS youth experience every week.
1. Bring Qur’anic Art to Life
Art connects hearts to faith. Encourage your children to explore Islamic childhood activities such as calligraphy or mosaic art that blend creativity and faith.
At ADAMS, youth participate in educational activities such as calligraphy projects inspired by Qur’anic verses in the Faith Through Art program, where creativity and reflection go hand in hand. Parents often report stronger focus and pride in faith when children create something meaningful.
Tip: Print a short verse such as Surah Al-Ikhlas for tracing and let kids decorate the border using repeating geometric shapes.
- Storytelling That Builds Faith and Character
Children remember stories long after lessons fade. Revive the Sunnah of storytelling through weekly “Prophets’ Nights” or ADAMS’ Youth Story Circles.
Trained mentors guide children through stories of the Prophets, connecting timeless lessons of patience, courage, and honesty to modern life. Hundreds of youth join fun learning activities for students such as storytelling sessions, open mic nights, and other creative programs organized by the ADAMS Youth team. These experiences help children see Islamic values come alive in an enjoyable, memorable way.
Tip: Ask your child to share one story from Islamic history at family dinner. Reflection builds confidence and understanding.
- Explore Local Islamic History
Show your children that Islam’s story includes their own community. Visit local mosques, Islamic schools, or cemeteries that honor early Muslim pioneers.
ADAMS organizes Heritage Walks and mosque open houses that teach youth how Islam grew in Northern Virginia over the past 30 years. These educational activities give families a stronger sense of identity, pride, and belonging.
Tip: After each visit, let your child draw or write about their favorite moment to create a “My Islamic Heritage” scrapbook.
- Faith Journals and Creative Writing
Writing nurtures mindfulness and gratitude. Encourage children to keep a faith journal or join ADAMS’ Youth Writing Circles, where students explore patience, compassion, and purpose through poetry and short stories.
These creative childhood activities and faith-based childhood activities help children think deeply about what they learn in Qur’an classes or community events. Early writing and reflection strengthen confidence and spiritual growth.
Tip: Start a “Ramadan Reflection Journal” where your child notes one blessing each day.
- Service Projects That Inspire Purpose
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The most beloved people to Allah are those who bring the most benefit to others.”
Service builds empathy and gratitude. Hundreds of ADAMS youth and adults volunteer every year through fun educational activities like food drives, charity packaging, and environmental clean-ups. These fun learning activities for students turn kindness into action and teach compassion through real community service.
Tip: Let your child design a flyer or write thank-you cards for donors and volunteers.
Faith That Lasts, Built by a Community That Cares
Every art kit, storytelling session, and weekend class at ADAMS exists because of community support. Your donation keeps these youth programs running and expands access for more families.
As the year ends, your gift can:
- Sustain youth enrichment programs that reach hundreds of students each month.
- Fund educational and creative workshops for families in need.
- Provide tax-deductible rewards for you and Sadaqah Jariyah for generations to come.
Give before December 31. Help ADAMS continue shaping future leaders through creativity, community, and faith.