[WordsAplenty]

I know we have a Homeschool forum and a Homeschool blog, but Islamic homeschooling is different. Muslim families face different challenges in educating at home. For one thing, there is just not a large amount of Islamic material available for homeschoolers. There is also not (yet) an organized Muslim Homeschool movement. Hopefully, that will change soon.

For you Muslims, how do you keep Islam alive in the home? Are you using a set curriculum or making your own?

[Muslim Mom]

It is important for the newly converted mother to remember that it is she who has embraced Islam. If she pushes the daughter too hard towards Islam her efforts will have the opposite effect. I embraced Islam when my son from previous marriage was about ten years old. I never pushed him towards Islam, but I always framed our conversations about life around what Islam said about the particular topics. I'd tell him interesting or inspiring things about the miracle of the Qur'an. I'd share the beautiful words and teachings of the Prophet, pbuh, but never as a lesson and never so to make him feel I was trying to convert him, but really, I wasn't trying to convert him. I was a new Muslim and was so excited and happy that I had found the right path for my life that I had to share my experiences with my beloved son.
When he was twelve, almost thirteen, he asked me while we were driving in the car, "Mom, if you know something is the truth, then I guess you can't deny it." I said, of course, that's true about anything. He then said, "Well I know that Islam is the truth and I can't pretend I don't believe it. I want to be a Muslim." Al hamdoulillah, he embraced Islam that summer. It has not been easy, and he is not what I would call a seriously practicing Muslim, yet. He has been living with his non-Muslim dad for all these years and it even took him a few years to tell his dad that he was a Muslim, but now he's in college and is finding access to a MSA and I feel confident he is on his way to the straight path, insha'Allah. It was not from me, it was and still is all from Allah.

[WordsAplenty]

Originally Posted by Muslim Mom

It is important for the newly converted mother to remember that it is she who has embraced Islam. If she pushes the daughter too hard towards Islam her efforts will have the opposite effect.

I agree with you 100%! Although the new Muslims are understandably excited to share their new religion, it's important to realize that teenagers have their own minds. Trying to push a teenager to do anything is quite likely to backfire. It would be different if the daughter were a preschooler, but this is a difficult age. Moderation is key; subtlety is also important.

Gufran, forgive me if my question is out of line, but here goes... you seem quite active in your sister-in-law and her daughter's life. What is your brother's role in this? Please be careful in your dealings with these girls. I know your intentions are honorable, but caution is still needed. May Allah guide your niece as He wills.

[Barb09]

It is easy to tell Mothers not to push too hard their daughters....try telling that to Muslim fathers with closed ears!!

[WordsAplenty]

Originally Posted by Barb09

It is easy to tell Mothers not to push too hard their daughters....try telling that to Muslim fathers with closed ears!!

Don't I know it! We have three daughters. I think it's human nature for a lot of men to be very protective of their daughters, but Muslim men seem much worse. They are sooooooo protective of all "their" women/girls.

[Barb09]

Homeschooling. Oh my! My husband mentioned it a couple times....but it is not me. I know myself enough to know that I am not disciplined enough to keep to a scheduled school day. I also know that while I love and protect and nurture my children...a 24 hour a day everyday forever and ever with them would drive us ALL crazy.

I respect and look up to the women that can do it....I can't!!