September 2024 marks a significant milestone in the realm of Islamic education with the launch of the much-anticipated Iman Phonics Integrated Reading Series, authored by Rukshana Hassen and beautifully illustrated by Raaidah Riaz. This innovative series aims to transform the way children learn to read, by merging essential phonics skills with the spiritual and moral teachings found in Islam.

A New Approach to Literacy and Values

The Iman Phonics Reading Series is not just another phonics program. It has been carefully designed to help young learners navigate the landscape of language acquisition while being immersed in Islamic values and divine virtues. Rukshana Hassen, a dedicated educator and the creative force behind the series, believes that reading should not only empower children to unlock the world of literacy but also provide them with a moral compass rooted in Islamic principles.

Each story in the series is crafted to teach phoneme recognition, decoding skills, and language fluency while simultaneously weaving in the attributes and names of Allah. By doing so, children can learn to read while also gaining a deeper understanding of concepts like mercy, wisdom, and compassion in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

The Art Behind the Words

Raaidah Riaz, a talented illustrator known for her work in children's literature, brings each story to life with vibrant, thoughtful illustrations that captivate young readers. Her work beautifully complements Hassen’s storytelling, creating a seamless experience where words and images work together to convey both educational content and spiritual values. Riaz's illustrations reflect a careful balance of playfulness and reverence, ensuring that the visual elements resonate with the themes of goodness and divine virtues central to each story.

The Importance of Phonics and Divine Virtues

At the heart of this series is the idea that learning should not be limited to academic skills alone. As Rukshana Hassen explains: "When children learn to read, they should also be learning about the world around them and how to navigate it with kindness, empathy, and a sense of purpose. By integrating phonics with the teachings of Allah's attributes, we are giving children not only the tools to read but also the tools to live well and contribute meaningfully to society."

This dual focus on phonics and divine virtues is what sets the Iman Phonics Reading Series apart. Through these stories, children will encounter names likeAl-Wali (The Protecting Friend) or Ar-Raqib (The Watchful One) and see these attributes illustrated in stories they can relate to. In this way, they come to embody the qualities they read about, making their reading journey a holistic experience of both the mind and the soul.

A New Resource for Parents and Educators

With the launch of this series, Iman Academy and other Islamic schools now have a powerful tool to introduce literacy in a way that is meaningful and deeply aligned with Islamic teachings. Parents and educators alike can feel confident that the Iman Phonics Reading Series will provide children with an educational foundation that is academically sound and spiritually enriching.

Looking Forward

As this series begins its journey into homes and classrooms across the globe, it holds the promise of reshaping how young learners are introduced to literacy. With a focus on nurturing both the intellectual and spiritual development of children, the Iman Phonics Reading Series is poised to make a lasting impact on the next generation.

The Iman Phonics Reading Series is now available for purchase, with plans for further expansions and supplementary resources to follow. The launch marks a new era in Islamic early childhood education, one where language learning and divine virtues walk hand in hand.