Mayous Parenting Blog

Author: Mayous Publishing

  • Reflection in Islam: Laziness or the Source of True Creativity?

    Reflection in Islam: Laziness or the Source of True Creativity?

    Today’s world is in a strange in-between era. Schools are still designed for the industrial age, while we’re already at the end of the information age—with AI and robotics rising on the horizon.

    So where does reflection fit in? Is taking time to do “nothing” wasteful—or is it actually central to our humanity?

    So is taking time to reflect a waste of time in Islam?

    To answer that, we need to define what reflection really means.

    On the surface, it looks like nothing. You’re not scrolling, you’re not watching TV, you’re not chatting on your phone. You sit. You stop. You seem unproductive.

    But in reality, your mind is working. It’s sorting through thoughts, connecting patterns, and updating itself—much like a computer downloading software updates in the background.

    In Islam, this stillness is not a waste. It is an act of deep value.

    Every single prophet and messenger was a shepherd

    What did shepherds have in common? Picture their daily life:

    They took their animals out to graze—sheep, cows, goats, camels. And then… they waited. Hours passed with nothing to do but watch the animals and the sky.

    At first glance, it looks like wasted time. But in reality, this space allowed reflection. Watching life unfold in silence, their minds opened to what truly mattered.

    They weren’t chasing productivity. They weren’t racing the clock. They simply existed—and in that stillness, they received guidance, clarity, and wisdom.

    Is stillness the core of human existence in Islam?

    So, is Islam about stillness? Not entirely—but it does recognize it as essential.

    When we look at what Allah asks of us, so much of it centers around reflection:

    • Prayer (salah) — pausing five times a day.
    • Dhikr and tasbih — slowing down to remember.
    • Dua — turning inward, asking, listening.

    This rhythm of stillness is the opposite of what the industrial era drilled into us—the fast eats the slow, inefficiency is a sin.

    But now, with AI and machines outpacing us in speed, it’s clearer than ever:
    Humans were never designed to compete with robots in efficiency. Our strength lies in something machines can’t imitate—empathy, creativity, and the depth of reflection.

    That’s what we were truly made for.

    Conclusion

    Stillness is not laziness. Reflection is not wasted time. It is the foundation of creativity, clarity, and connection with Allah. Every prophet’s life shows us that slowing down is not weakness—it is strength.

    And that is exactly the mindset we try to pass on through our books at Mayous. Our stories aren’t just “entertaining” or “educational.” They are designed to instill values, nurture reflection, and engineer a mindset that will help children grow into adults who are not only smart and successful, but also content and truly happy.

    You can explore our catalog of fully illustrated storybooks here:
    👉 Muslim Kids Storybook Catalog

    Or you can access our free digital library and find your next favourite bedtime story here:

    👉 Read islamic stories for free

    FAQ

    What does reflection mean in Islam?

    In Islam, reflection means pausing from distractions and allowing the mind to think deeply about life, faith, and creation. It may look like “doing nothing,” but in reality, it is a form of worship and self-awareness that connects us to Allah.

    Is reflection in Islam considered laziness?

    No, reflection in Islam is not laziness. The Qur’an and Sunnah encourage moments of stillness and thought. Many prophets, including Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, spent long hours in solitude reflecting before receiving revelation.

    Why were prophets shepherds and how does that relate to reflection?

    Every prophet was a shepherd at some point in life. Shepherding allowed them to spend quiet hours in nature, observing, reflecting, and connecting with creation. This practice trained them in patience, mindfulness, and leadership.

    How does Islam view stillness and reflection compared to modern productivity culture?

    While modern culture often values constant busyness, Islam teaches that slowing down has spiritual and creative value. Reflection in Islam nurtures clarity, empathy, and wisdom—qualities that machines and fast-paced systems can never replace.

    How can parents teach children the value of reflection in Islam?

    Parents can encourage quiet moments, storytelling, and discussions about nature and life. Our Mayous books are designed with this in mind—helping children not only gain knowledge but also learn to pause, reflect, and grow with strong values.

  • Salat Times and Natural Human Rhythm

    Salat Times and Natural Human Rhythm

    For millennia, human life followed the rhythm of the sun — not the clock. In rural, agrarian societies, people rose with the dawn, worked during the mild hours, rested when the sun was high, and returned to their tasks when the light softened again. This cycle wasn’t just about comfort — it was about health, productivity, and alignment with the natural world.

    Islam’s five daily prayers (salat) reflect that same rhythm. Each prayer is anchored to the sun’s position, gently guiding believers into a lifestyle that respects both body and soul — the true harmony between salat times and natural human rhythm.

    How Salat Times Reflect the Natural Human Rhythm

    Fajr – Starting the Day Before Sunrise

    The day begins early, before the sun’s rays break the horizon. This is when the mind is clear, the air is fresh, and focus is at its peak. For centuries, people used these hours for the most important tasks — tending to crops, preparing for journeys, or making key decisions.

    Dhuhr – Resting After the Sun’s Peak

    Around midday, the sun is at its strongest. In traditional life, this was the time to pause — eat, pray, and rest. Villages would grow quiet. Labor paused not out of laziness, but wisdom. The body conserves energy and avoids the harshest heat.

    Asr – Returning to Work in the Late Afternoon

    As the sun softens, people return to their work. Whether it was harvesting, trading, or tending animals, the cooler hours allowed sustained effort without exhaustion.

    Maghrib – Sunset and Winding Down

    Work winds down and families gather. In pre-electricity life, sunset marked a natural transition into the evening meal and rest.

    Isha – Nightfall and Complete Rest

    The final prayer closes the day. In rural societies, this was the time to sleep early, preparing to rise again before dawn.

    Fajr to Isha: A Prayer Schedule Aligned With Human Energy Cycles

    Salat times aren’t arbitrary — they align perfectly with the body’s natural energy flow. Early morning is when focus is highest. Midday is for pausing, eating, and recharging. Late afternoon is ideal for a second round of work. Evenings and nights are for family, reflection, and rest.

    This pattern isn’t less productive — it’s smarter. It keeps work within the windows when human energy is naturally high and allows for genuine rest in between.

    The Industrial Shift Away From Nature’s Rhythm

    This balance began to break with the Industrial Revolution. The new factory system demanded uniformity — eight (or more) continuous hours of work, regardless of light, heat, or human energy cycles. Artificial lighting extended the day, and the natural breaks that once punctuated life disappeared.

    The result? We became detached from our own biology. Productivity was measured in uninterrupted hours, not in harmony with the body’s peaks and rests. The wisdom of pausing at midday or working in shorter, focused blocks was dismissed as inefficient — even though humanity thrived on it for millennia.

    Why Following Salat Times Boosts Productivity and Well-Being

    Modern research on ultradian rhythms and circadian biology confirms what our ancestors knew:

    • Human focus and energy peak in cycles, not in a flat 8-hour stretch.
    • Breaks and rest periods restore productivity and mental clarity.
    • Early morning work (a l’aube) is especially high in quality output.

    Salat times embody this wisdom. They remind us to pause, recalibrate, and move with the sun — not against it.

    Bringing Daily Life Back in Tune With the Sun and Prayer

    We may live in a world of timecards and commutes, but aligning life closer to salat times and natural human rhythm can restore balance:

    • Start your most important work after Fajr.
    • Take a real break at Dhuhr — step outside, eat slowly, rest briefly.
    • Return to focused tasks in the cooler afternoon.
    • Protect your evenings for family, reflection, and winding down.

    This isn’t about working less — it’s about working as humans are designed to work. For thousands of years, our days rose and fell with the sun. Salat keeps us anchored to that design, even in a world that often forgets it.

    Raising Curious, Kind, and Confident Muslim Kids

    Our books don’t merely entertain or preach — they are designed to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and build a deep understanding of Islam in young minds. Each story blends faith, morals, and real-world knowledge so you can raise children who are both smart and kind, rooted in their Muslim identity.

    You can explore our catalog of fully illustrated storybooks here:
    👉 Muslim Kids Storybook Catalog

    Or you can access our free digital library and find your next favourite bedtime story here:

    👉 Read islamic stories for free

    Why do Islamic prayer times change every day?

    Islamic prayer times are based on the sun’s position, not fixed hours on a clock. Because the sun rises and sets at slightly different times each day — and more noticeably across the seasons — prayer times shift accordingly.

    How do Islamic prayer times follow the natural human rhythm?

    The five daily prayers align with the body’s natural energy cycles: early morning focus at Fajr, midday pause at Dhuhr, renewed effort in the late afternoon at Asr, winding down at Maghrib, and full rest after Isha. This mirrors the rural lifestyle humans followed for thousands of years.

    Did people always live around prayer-like times before industrial work schedules?

    Yes. For most of human history, work followed daylight patterns: starting early, pausing during peak sun, and resuming in the cooler hours. This rhythm is still embedded in prayer timings but was disrupted by industrial 8-hour shifts.

    Can following prayer times improve productivity?

    Yes. Modern research on circadian and ultradian rhythms shows that the human body functions best in cycles of focused work and rest. Prayer times naturally encourage breaks and mental resets, which can improve overall efficiency.

    What’s the difference between Islamic prayer times and the standard workday?

    The standard workday is fixed (often 9–5) regardless of daylight or body cycles. Prayer times shift with the sun, encouraging a lifestyle that adapts to natural light, climate, and human energy peaks.

  • The Moon Calendar in Islam: Why Ramadan Changes Dates & Seasons

    The Moon Calendar in Islam: Why Ramadan Changes Dates & Seasons

    Lunar calendar vs solar calendar — it’s more than just a way to tell time; it’s a window into how civilizations view reality.

    Humanity’s First Calendar

    For thousands of years, the moon was humanity’s universal timekeeper. Ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Chinese dynasties, and Arab tribes all marked the passage of months by watching the moon’s cycle — from the slim crescent to the full glowing disc, then back to darkness.

    This lunar system was simple, elegant, and shared by civilizations across the globe: a new moon meant a new month.

    Lunar Calendar vs Solar Calendar: Key Differences

    It was only relatively recently, with the spread of Western and Roman influence, that much of the world shifted to a solar calendar — the Gregorian calendar we use today.

    Here’s the catch: the solar year doesn’t divide neatly into twelve months. The Romans and later Europeans had to patch the mismatch with leap years (also called bissextile years) and other adjustments to keep the calendar aligned with the seasons.

    While the solar calendar is highly precise for agriculture and seasonal planning, it reflects a human attempt to make time fit a fixed framework — even if that means reshaping reality to suit our needs.

    Why Ramadan Moves Through the Seasons

    Islam follows a pure lunar calendar — 12 months, each beginning with the sighting of the new moon, totaling about 354 days. This is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, meaning that Islamic months drift through the seasons over time.

    Ramadan may arrive in the long, warm days of summer for several years, then slowly shift until it falls in the short, cool nights of winter — and eventually circle back again.

    This cycle means that over a lifetime, Muslims will experience Ramadan under many different conditions: fasting in the heat, fasting in the cold, breaking fast in early evenings, breaking fast late at night.

    Islam’s Wisdom: Adapting to Reality, Not Changing It

    Instead of “fixing” the lunar calendar to match the solar one, Islam leaves it as it is. This teaches an important spiritual lesson: time belongs to Allah, and our role is to adjust ourselves to His order, not the other way around.

    In a world that often seeks to control and standardize everything, the Islamic lunar calendar calls us to adapt, not resist.

    Flexibility is a Sign of Life

    In nature, stiffness belongs to what is dying or already dead — like an old, brittle branch that snaps under pressure. Flexibility belongs to the living — like a young, supple branch that bends with the wind.

    By keeping to the lunar calendar, Islam trains us to be like that living branch: ready to bend, to change, to adjust, and to thrive no matter what season life places us in.

    Living by the Moon: A Timeless Lesson in Faith and Flexibility

    The moon calendar in Islam is not just a way to mark dates — it is a way to live. It connects us to the ancient rhythm of time, reminds us of our place in the natural order, and shapes our character through adaptability and patience.

    Ramadan’s movement through the seasons is not an inconvenience. It’s a living lesson: true faith doesn’t demand that reality change for us — it calls us to grow until we can meet reality as it is.

    If you’d like to know more, you can read:

    Want Your Kids to Understand the “Why” Behind Islam?
    At Mayous Publishing, our children’s books don’t just tell stories — they explain the why behind Islamic beliefs and practices in a way kids love. Each book weaves real Islamic wisdom into fun, engaging stories so your child learns while enjoying the adventure.

    You can explore our catalog of fully illustrated storybooks here:
    👉 Muslim Kids Storybook Catalog

    Or you can access our free digital library and find your next favourite bedtime story here:

    👉 Read islamic stories for free

  • Summer Is a Sunnah Too: Finding Barakah in Unstructured Days

    Summer Is a Sunnah Too: Finding Barakah in Unstructured Days

    “Summer is a sunnah.”
    Not officially, of course. But in spirit—yes.

    In Islam, spirituality is not a side activity—it’s the purpose. But the heart doesn’t connect with Allah in a rush. It connects when there’s space to reflect. And reflection requires… time. Stillness. The kind of unstructured, quiet time that modern life has almost entirely erased.

    But what better season than summer to reclaim it?

    Slowness is Sunnah

    The Prophet ﷺ didn’t rush through life. He walked with intention, paused when he spoke, and spent hours in the night simply being—with his Lord, with the world around him, and with himself.

    Compare that to today’s pace: achievement, productivity, entertainment. Every moment must be “used.” Every silence, filled. The modern world defines happiness as excitement. But real joy? It’s far more subtle. It’s what we feel when we’re fully present.

    And ironically, it’s through our children that we get to taste it again.

    Through Their Eyes, We Remember

    There’s a kind of barakah in a child’s gaze. When we’re not rushing, we start to see what they see:
    A bumblebee lazily hopping from one flower to the next.
    A mama duck gliding across the river, her babies trailing behind like beads on a string.
    The hush of a beach as a flock of birds pauses on its migration.

    They are not bored. Not when we’re present with them. Not when we slow down enough to notice what they already see.

    But… the Kids Say They’re Bored!

    Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Boredom isn’t a problem.

    For most of human history, boredom was a part of life. Shepherds spent days under the open sky watching sheep and clouds. Merchants waited at their stalls. Mothers rocked babies to sleep with nothing but their thoughts for company.

    It’s only recently that we’ve come to fear boredom—as if it were a failure of parenting or a threat to happiness.

    But maybe, just maybe, boredom is the gateway to deeper presence.

    Let the Water Settle

    If the mind is like a lake, it only becomes clear when it stops moving. The ripples of constant stimulation—TV, tablets, even “educational” content—keep it murky.

    A rested mind sees more clearly. A brain, like a muscle, needs downtime—not just sleep, but real rest: quiet moments with no agenda.

    And yes, even if the content is “good,” it can still be too much. You wouldn’t eat 10,000 calories of broccoli a day. So why feed your child 10,000 mental calories, even of the “educational” kind?

    The Low-Information Diet

    This summer, try cutting back. Just a little.

    No, you don’t need a perfectly curated Montessori schedule or a screen-free Pinterest life. But maybe for one hour a day, just… stop.

    Let your child sit under a tree. Let them lie on the floor. Let them be bored.

    And then wait.

    Soon, they’ll pick up a stick. Or ask you why the clouds move. Or start humming a tune they just made up.

    And you’ll realize: this is learning. This is presence. This is the kind of summer that nurtures the soul.

    Finally…

    Let your kids taste the slowness we’ve lost. Let them discover the rhythm of a day without rush. Let them experience what it feels like to just be.

    After all, summer is a sunnah too.

    And for those other moments, where you want to keep them entertained with high value material (that good old broccoli). We’ve got you.

    At Mayous, we create children’s books that slow things down—stories rooted in faith, filled with wonder, and designed to spark meaningful reflection.

    You can explore our catalog of fully illustrated storybooks here:
    👉 Muslim Kids Storybook Catalog

    Or you can access our free digital library and find your next favourite bedtime story here:

    👉 Read islamic stories for free

  • Moderate Muslim Parenting: 7 Powerful Habits for Raising Confident Kids

    Moderate Muslim Parenting: 7 Powerful Habits for Raising Confident Kids

    Moderate Muslim parenting doesn’t mean compromising on faith or values. It means raising children who understand Islam through empathy, routine, and real-life experiences. As Muslim parents living in the West, many of us find ourselves balancing tradition with modern parenting practices. This guide shares 7 powerful habits that can help you raise confident, faith-driven children without extremes.

    Why Moderate Muslim Parenting Matters

    The world our kids are growing up in is full of contradictions. Muslim values can feel out of sync with modern media and school culture. But becoming overly strict or completely disengaged are not the only options. Moderate Muslim parenting offers a path that is spiritually grounded and emotionally intelligent. It meets children where they are while guiding them toward where they can grow.

    1. Lead with Conversations, Not Commands

    Children today respond better to dialogue than dogma. Instead of saying “because I said so,” explain the why behind Islamic actions. For example, when teaching about prayer, talk about gratitude and mindfulness. This builds trust and deeper understanding.

    2. Make Faith a Daily Habit, Not a Weekly Event

    Islam isn’t just for Friday prayers. Moderate Muslim parenting means weaving faith into daily routines:

    • Bedtime du’a and storytime
    • Saying Bismillah before meals
    • Talking about the Prophet’s character in everyday moments

    These small acts create spiritual rhythm without rigidity.

    3. Use Storybooks to Teach Moral Lessons

    Children learn best through stories. Books like Adam Learns About Tawakkul or Nora’s Snowy Sadaqah show how kids can live their faith with kindness, resilience, and joy. If you’re a moderate Muslim parent, these books provide relatable, faith-centered content that doesn’t preach—it inspires.

    You can explore our catalog of fully illustrated storybooks here:
    👉 Muslim Kids Storybook Catalog

    Or you can access our free digital library and find your next favourite bedtime story here:

    👉 Read islamic stories for free

    4. Let Your Children See You Struggle and Grow

    Parents often hide their own challenges. But your growth is part of their education. When you admit you don’t know something or that you’re working on your patience, you show them that being Muslim is a journey—not a checklist.

    5. Create Safe Spaces for Hard Questions

    Moderate Muslim parenting encourages children to ask, even when the questions are difficult: “Why do we fast?” or “What if I don’t feel like praying?” Your openness helps prevent confusion or rebellion later. Instead of shame, lead with curiosity.

    6. Encourage Islamic Identity Through Joy

    Joy is a powerful vehicle for belonging. Celebrate Ramadan with crafts and treats. Let them decorate their prayer space. Make Eid about more than food and clothes—tell stories, start traditions. Your joy becomes theirs.

    moderate Muslim parenting bedtime routine with father and child

    7. Connect Islamic Values with Everyday Life

    Show them how Islam applies to school, friendships, and even online behavior:

    • Honesty in group projects
    • Respect for teachers
    • Kindness to siblings and animals

    This teaches children that Islam isn’t something separate—it’s something they live.

    Free Resources for Moderate Muslim Parents

    Final Reflection

    You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present. Moderate Muslim parenting is about finding strength in softness, guidance in imperfection, and faith in your everyday actions. Keep going. You’re not alone.

    This article is part of our ongoing series on parenting, faith, and modern Muslim family life. Subscribe to our newsletter for more reflections and resources.

  • 10 Muslim-Friendly Summer Activities in Montreal

    10 Muslim-Friendly Summer Activities in Montreal

    Because Faith, Fun, and Family Can Coexist

    Explore these 10 Muslim-friendly summer activities in Montreal for a fun and fulfilling season.

    Summer is here.

    And for Muslim parents in Montreal, that often means one thing:

    Kids. At home. All. Day. Long.

    They’re bored.

    They want entertainment.

    And if we’re not careful, that means hours of screen time, snacks, and a glazed-over expression.

    But here’s the truth:

    You don’t need a packed schedule or Pinterest-perfect plans to have a meaningful summer.

    You just need intention, simplicity, and a little faith-based creativity.

    Here are 10 screen-free activities that bring fun and value to your child’s summer — right here in Montreal.

    1. Go on a “Signs of Allah” Nature Walk at Mount Royal Park

    Take a slow walk through Parc du Mont-Royal and challenge your child to find signs of Allah in creation:

    🌿 The design of a maple leaf
    🦆 Ducks by Beaver Lake
    🌥️ The way clouds roll over the hilltop
    🪵 A fallen tree still giving life

    Let them look, wonder, and ask questions.

    “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.”
    — Surah Aal-Imran (3:190)

    Nature becomes a quiet form of remembrance — a reminder that Allah’s signs are all around us.

    2. Make a Gratitude Jar on Rainy Days

    Montreal weather loves to surprise. Use cloudy days to create a family shukr jar.

    Every day, write one thing you’re thankful for.

    At the end of summer, read them all aloud.

    It’s a quiet, screen-free way to build gratitude — and God-consciousness — one moment at a time.

    3. Visit a Local Farm & Learn About Halal Animals

    Plan a day trip to Ferme Guyon in Chambly or La Ferme Quinn.

    Ask:

    • “Which animals are halal?”
    • “Which are not, and why?”
    • “What’s the wisdom in how Allah guides us to eat?”

    Let your child see animals up close and connect the rules of zabiha to everyday life.

    4. Read One Storybook a Day — But Add Reflection

    Make storytime intentional.

    Choose books that weave in faith, morals, or science.

    Ask questions like:

    • “What lesson did this character learn?”
    • “What does the Qur’an say about this?”
    • “Would you have done the same?”

    📚 Start with free Islamic stories:

    You can explore our catalog of fully illustrated storybooks here:
    👉 Muslim Kids Storybook Catalog

    Or you can access our free digital library and find your next favourite bedtime story here:

    👉 Read islamic stories for free

    5. Have a Weekly Sadaqah Challenge in Your Neighbourhood

    Every Sunday, give your child a new mission:

    📝 Write a card to an elderly neighbour
    🍪 Bake cookies for a family going through hardship
    🧸 Donate old toys at Renaissance

    Label it clearly: “This is sadaqah — a gift for Allah.”

    Not just kindness. Worship.

    6. Visit Parc Jean-Drapeau for Water + Reflection

    Spend a morning by the lake at Jean-Drapeau. Bring water balloons or just play by the fountains.

    Then sit in the shade and talk about water as mercy:

    • “Water can help or harm — like our actions.”
    • “Allah gave us balance in everything.”

    Let fun become reflection.

    7. Build a Blanket Fort and Make It a Story Cave

    Turn your living room into a cozy space filled with books, string lights, and pillows.

    At night, turn it into a quiet retreat for reading stories, having deep conversations, or simply winding down together — a gentle way to nurture stillness and imagination.

    8. Make DIY Islamic Crafts on Plateau Market Days

    Pick up supplies from the Avenue Duluth Sunday Market and let your child create:

    • A mini prayer mat from felt
    • A tasbih with wooden beads
    • Du’a cards to hang by their bed

    Montreal’s creative vibe makes this an easy (and affordable) win.

    9. Bake with Barakah

    Whether it’s date bars or banana bread, turn baking into an act of worship.

    Ask:

    • “Who will we share this with?”
    • “What du’a can we say while baking?”
    • “How is this small act a source of barakah?”

    Connect your kitchen to the heart.

    10. Let Them Tell Their Own Stories — With a Moral

    Give them a prompt and let them write or act out a tale.

    Ideas:

    • “A beaver who shares his dam”
    • “A girl who forgives her friend”
    • “A boy who learns to pray on his own…”

    Their imagination is where values come to life.

    Your Montreal Summer — Made Meaningful

    The best summer days don’t need tickets, screens, or packed itineraries.

    They just need attention, presence, and a sense of purpose.

    Montreal already has the beauty.

    You just bring the barakah.

  • Islam and Delayed Gratification: Building Resilient Kids

    Islam and Delayed Gratification: Building Resilient Kids

    From Farmers, to Factory Workers, to Sedentary Office Workers… in Less Than 100 Years

    islam and delayed gratification shortening over the ages

    Many of us have heard the hadith that, in the end of times, time will accelerate.
    But is time just time? Or is it the events that happen within it that truly define what time is?

    When we look back at the last century, the growth of our lifestyle has been unprecedented.
    Our great-grandfathers worked the land. Our grandfathers were simple merchants or held straightforward jobs during the height of the industrial era.
    And we… make our living sitting in front of screens, working alongside AI, in a deeply connected, digital world.

    However… this article isn’t about AI doomsday predictions, nor is it a nostalgic plea to return to the “good old days.”

    Let’s talk about something that hasn’t changed, no matter the era, technology, or lifestyle:

    The Time It Takes for Things to Grow

    Whether we’re talking about planting a seed that becomes food, training muscles through physical effort, or developing our minds to gain new skills or strengthen character—things take time.

    And nothing changes that.

    The fact that our attention span has shrunk to just 3 seconds, thanks to the lightning pace of information, has completely reshaped what we expect from the world.
    But it shouldn’t.

    Good things take time to build—just as they take time to grow.

    Kids Living in the 3-Second Age

    This is especially important for our kids, who are growing up in a world where everything is instantly available.
    Bored? Tap a screen. Need something? It appears in seconds.
    Even parents rush to help or provide, unknowingly feeding this expectation of speed and ease.

    But this sets children up for struggle when faced with reality: learning takes time, homework can feel endless, and progress often feels slow.
    If they’re not taught to wait, to trust the process, and to persevere—they’ll see effort as failure and slowness as punishment.

    So How Do We Teach Sabr?

    One of the gentlest and most powerful ways to teach sabr (patience) is through storytelling.

    Our storybook With Sabr, What Allah Plans Always Grows is a fully illustrated tale that captures this exact lesson. It blends heart, moral, and science—explaining how patience is not just a virtue, but a universal truth.

    📖 Inside the story, your child will discover:

    • A simple fable inspired by nature
    • The Quran concept of sabr
    • Scientific facts about how plants grow over time

    You can explore our catalog of fully illustrated storybooks here:
    👉 Muslim Kids Storybook Catalog

    Or you can access our free digital library and find your next favourite bedtime story here:

    👉 Read islamic stories for free

    Let them grow with the stories you plant. 🌱

  • Why Summer Is the Best Time to Build a Daily Storytime Ritual

    Why Summer Is the Best Time to Build a Daily Storytime Ritual

    (And How It Can Transform Your Child’s Faith + Emotional Bonding)

    Summer brings long days, slower evenings, and fewer rigid schedules.

    And while that might mean more popsicles and later bedtimes — it also means a rare opportunity to build a gentle, lasting habit:

    Daily storytime.

    Not just any storytime.

    Not passive screen time or “read something so you’ll sleep.”

    We’re talking about stories with meaning.

    Stories that open the heart.

    Stories that make space for questions — not just compliance.

    And yes, stories that weave in faith without sounding like a sermon.

    Why Storytime Matters More Than You Think

    Kids don’t just absorb lessons when they’re told what to do.

    They absorb them when they feel safe.

    When they feel close.

    When they feel heard.

    Bedtime is one of the few moments in the day when stillness meets softness.

    And that makes it the perfect time for:

    • Reflection

    • Connection

    • Gentle guidance

    • And quiet questions about right, wrong, and everything in between

    Sample Summer Storytime Schedule (Simple + Sustainable)

    Here’s a low-pressure rhythm you can try:

    🌙 Monday: Read a Mayous storybook + ask 1 reflection question

    📖 Tuesday: Let your child choose a story + discuss the character’s choice

    🕯 Wednesday: “Cave night” — storytime in a fort or under a blanket with flashlight

    📿 Thursday: Story with a spiritual theme (e.g., kindness, tawakkul, gratitude)

    💭 Friday: Make up your own moral story together

    🎉 Weekend: No rules — just curl up and read whatever you both enjoy

    This is not a curriculum.

    It’s a habit. A rhythm. A ritual.

    It makes storytime something kids look forward to — not just endure.

    How Storytelling Beats Lecturing (Especially in Summer)

    It’s hot.

    Everyone’s off routine.

    And let’s be honest — long lectures aren’t landing right now.

    But stories?

    They sneak past the defenses.

    They invite reflection without pressure.

    They let your child see themselves in the characters — and wonder:

    “What would I have done?”

    Storytelling builds moral muscles — gently and naturally.

    Why We Created the Mayous Storybook Library

    At Mayous, we know Muslim parents want more than rulebooks and rhyming “be good” poems.

    You want:

    • Emotionally intelligent characters

    • Qur’anic values woven into real stories

    • A chance to teach without preaching

    That’s exactly why we built our free Islamic storybook library — so you can build habits rooted in bonding, reflection, and heart-centered faith.

    📚 Start your storytime ritual tonight.
    Read a free story and let your child feel the difference between memorizing morals and meeting them in a story.

    👉 Visit mayous.org/read

  • How to Spark Your Child’s Curiosity About Islam This Summer

    How to Spark Your Child’s Curiosity About Islam This Summer

    (Without Pressure, Lectures, or Endless Reminders)

    Summer is full of open time, open skies, and — if you’re not careful — open-ended boredom.

    It’s also a golden opportunity.

    Not for more rules.

    Not for drilling information.

    But for something softer, deeper, and longer lasting:

    Curiosity.

    Because if your child becomes curious about Islam — truly curious —

    they’ll explore it on their own,

    ask questions on their own,

    and build a relationship with God that isn’t dependent on you always initiating.

    So how do we spark that kind of curiosity?

    Here are simple, flexible ways you can plant the seed — without ever sounding like a sermon.

    1. Take a “Signs of Allah” Walk

    Go outside.

    That’s it. No worksheets. No long du’a lists.

    Just walk and observe.

    Ask:

    “What does this remind you of in the Qur’an?”

    “Why do you think Allah made clouds like this?”

    “Do you think animals remember Allah too?”

    Then share a verse like:

    “And on the earth are signs for those who have certainty.” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:20)

    You’re not giving a lesson — you’re building awareness.

    That’s curiosity in action.

    2. Create a “Question of the Week” Board

    At the start of each week, let your child write or decorate a big question:

    • Why did Allah make us?

    • Where is Jannah?

    • Why do we fast?

    • How does Allah hear everyone?

    Then spend the week wondering together.

    Look up answers. Ask grandparents. Read stories that touch the theme.

    Let the search become part of the memory.

    3. Tell Stories That Plant Questions (Not Just Answers)

    Kids don’t need lectures.

    They need stories that make them think.

    That’s why at Mayous, our Islamic storybooks are designed to gently embed Qur’anic values inside real stories with:

    • Emotionally relatable characters

    • Moral tension and curiosity

    • A soft verse woven into the journey

    Because when stories reflect your child’s inner world — they naturally start asking more.

    📚 Explore free stories here

    4. Let Them Teach You What They Know

    Reversal is powerful.

    Instead of always being the one to explain, ask your child:

    “Can you teach me something you know about Islam?”

    “What’s your favorite ayah — and why?”

    “If you could write a story with a lesson in it, what would it be?”

    Let them take the lead.

    When kids are invited to own what they know, they get curious about what they don’t know — and that’s where motivation begins.

    5. Use Art, Science, and Play as Gateways to Faith

    Don’t separate Islam from “school subjects.”

    Blend them.

    • Let science spark Qur’an discussions (e.g., rain, animals, stars)

    • Let painting lead to a discussion about divine beauty

    • Let a trip to the beach become a conversation about tides, time, and trust in Allah

    Faith isn’t limited to salah time.

    Show them it’s woven into everything.

    Curiosity Is the Beginning of Every Real Relationship

    And faith is no different.

    When you stop trying to push — and start planting wonder — your child begins to explore on their own.

    They ask. They reflect.

    And inshaAllah, they build a connection to Allah that feels personal, peaceful, and strong.

    📚 Want help starting those conversations?
    Read a free Mayous storybook — and let your child’s curiosity take root.

    👉 Visit mayous.org/read

  • Between the Parents With the 4-Year-Old in Hijab — and the Ones Who Pour Wine at Eid

    Between the Parents With the 4-Year-Old in Hijab — and the Ones Who Pour Wine at Eid

    There’s a split happening.

    And it’s not small.

    On one side:

    You’ve got the hyper-strict crowd —

    The parents who dress their 4-year-old daughters in full hijab, ban Disney movies, avoid playgrounds with music, and throw around words like haram and kufr like confetti.

    On the other:

    You’ve got the hyper-assimilated crowd —

    The ones who pour wine at Eid dinner, say things like “I’m spiritual, not religious,” let their kids joke about fasting with bacon, and call anyone trying to teach prayer a “fundamentalist.”

    And then…

    There’s you.

    Somewhere in the middle.

    Tired of pretending to belong to either side.

    Trying to raise your kids with faith, compassion, and common sense — without turning them into either robots or rebels.

    You’re Not Extreme. You’re Just Trying to Be Intentional.

    You don’t want to raise kids who wear Islam like a costume.

    But you also don’t want them to grow up seeing faith as optional, shallow, or embarrassing.

    You believe in God.

    You believe in raising kids who know why they believe.

    You want them to:

    • Feel spiritually grounded

    • Be emotionally secure

    • Ask questions

    • Make mistakes

    • Learn values, not just rules

    But most of what’s out there is either too preachy or too watered down.

    So where do you go?

    This Is the No Man’s Land Most Muslim Parents Are In

    We don’t relate to the loudest voices online.

    We’re not halal-police.

    We’re not progressive-without-boundaries.

    We’re in the middle.

    We love our faith. We also love nuance.

    And we want to raise kids who are spiritually connected and emotionally well.

    Not just “good Muslims.”

    Whole Muslims.

    That’s Why We Built Mayous.

    We write children’s storybooks for Muslim parents like you — the quiet majority who are done with extremes.

    • Stories rooted in Qur’anic values

    • Morals that actually mean something

    • Characters who reflect real feelings, real questions, and real growth

    • No fear tactics. No fluff. Just faith with depth.

    Because we believe the middle path isn’t boring — it’s brave.

    Want to Raise Spiritually Conscious, Emotionally Smart Muslim Kids?

    📚 Visit our free eBook library to start reading storybooks designed for families like yours — where God is part of the story, but guilt isn’t.

    👉 Read now at mayous.org/read

    You’re not alone.

    And you don’t have to choose between hijab-at-four and wine-at-Eid.

    There’s a third way.

    And it starts with the stories we tell our kids.

  • The Mindset = The Program in Your Child’s Brain

    The Mindset = The Program in Your Child’s Brain

    (And You’re Writing It Every Single Day)

    Think of your child’s brain like a computer.

    Every belief, every word, every routine you give them?

    It’s programming.

    And like any program, it will run on autopilot for years… even decades.

    Mindset = the mental operating system.

    The question is: what software are you installing?

    “I’m only loved when I’m good.”

    “I can’t ask questions.”

    “If I fail, I’m a disappointment.”

    “My job is to obey, not think.”

    These aren’t things you say directly.

    But they’re things kids absorb from how we respond to them.

    The tone we use.

    The expectations we set.

    The stories we tell.

    Want Better Behavior? Build a Better Belief System

    Kids who believe they’re trusted become responsible.

    Kids who believe they’re valued become confident.

    Kids who believe God is merciful — not just punishing — develop true spirituality.

    It starts with what you put in their minds.

    Our Storybooks Are Soft Programs for the Soul

    At Mayous, every story plants a mindset:

    • That failure is a step, not an end

    • That faith is intelligent, not blind

    • That kindness is strength

    • That God sees your heart, not your checklist

    📚 Browse our free eBook library and start shaping the software that runs your child’s life — gently, beautifully, and with purpose.

  • Why Your Perfectly Behaved Kid May Become a Wild Teenager

    Why Your Perfectly Behaved Kid May Become a Wild Teenager

    You’ve got a “good kid.”

    They always do what they’re told.

    They don’t talk back.

    They follow the rules.

    Everyone compliments you on how “well-raised” they are.

    And yet… you have a gut feeling.

    They’re too quiet.

    They’re too good.

    Here’s why that matters.

    Perfect behavior can sometimes be a red flag.

    They’re Performing, Not Processing

    Some kids don’t want to disappoint you — so they become what they think you want.

    They suppress their questions. Their needs. Their feelings.

    They say yes when they want to say why?

    But all that pressure builds.

    And when the hormones hit, or they taste independence…

    It all unravels.

    Rebellion Is Often Just Suppressed Selfhood

    Teens who suddenly “change” are often just revealing the person they were never allowed to be.

    That’s not defiance. That’s recovery.

    The goal isn’t to raise obedient children.

    It’s to raise emotionally healthy ones.

    That’s Why Our Stories Don’t Demand Perfection

    At Mayous, our characters aren’t perfect.

    They struggle.

    They mess up.

    They grow.

    Because we want kids to feel safe being real — not just “good.”

    We want them to see that Islam welcomes growth, not performance.

    📚 Start reading with your child today, for FREE — and plant the seeds of self-awareness and spiritual grounding before the teen years hit.

  • Why Kids “Go Astray”

    Why Kids “Go Astray”

    (Hint: It’s Not Because They Stopped Listening — It’s Because They Were Never Heard)

    You raise your kids with rules.

    You teach them right from wrong.

    You send them to Qur’an class. You limit their screen time. You do your best.

    But one day… they pull away.

    They stop sharing.

    They stop listening.

    They drift.

    And you wonder:

    “What happened? They were so good. So obedient. Why are they going astray?”

    Here’s a hard truth:

    Kids don’t usually go astray because you didn’t teach them enough.

    They go astray because you didn’t reach them deep enough.

    You Focused on Control, Not Connection

    We spent years telling them what to do — but not why.

    We filled their schedules with rules and rituals — but not reflection.

    We shut down their emotions with phrases like:

    “Don’t be dramatic.”

    “Just pray and it’ll be fine.”

    But a child who is never heard will eventually find someone else who listens.

    If You Don’t Give Them Belonging, The World Will

    And the world’s version of belonging?

    It’s louder.

    It’s shinier.

    It feels free — even if it leads to emptiness.

    This doesn’t mean your child is rebellious.

    It means they’re human. And they want more than rules.

    They want love, depth, meaning.

    This Is Why We Tell Stories

    At Mayous, we write storybooks that speak to the heart — not just the behavior.

    • Characters make mistakes

    • Emotions are real

    • Lessons are subtle but powerful

    • Quranic values are woven in without pressure

    Because kids don’t need more control — they need more connection.

    Don’t wait until they drift.

    Build the bridge now.

    📚 Explore our free eBook library — and start building a relationship rooted in faith and emotional intelligence.

  • Why Muslim Kids Need More Science and Less Shame

    Why Muslim Kids Need More Science and Less Shame

    (And How That Starts at Home)

    Muslim kids are full of questions.

    Why does it rain?

    How do fish breathe?

    Where does the sun go when it sets?

    But too often, instead of answers… they get silence. Or worse — shame.

    “Stop asking so much.”

    “That’s not important right now.”

    “Just say Alhamdulillah and move on.”

    We think we’re teaching humility.

    What we’re really doing is shutting down curiosity — one question at a time.

    Curiosity Is a Mercy, Not a Threat

    Islam gave the world its first true scientists.

    Astronomers, engineers, doctors, and mathematicians emerged from a culture that encouraged asking why.

    It wasn’t seen as arrogance. It was seen as worship.

    Because the more you study the world, the more you see the hand of the Creator in it.

    So why are we raising kids who think science is “just a school subject”…

    instead of something sacred?

    The Problem Isn’t Religion — It’s the Way We Use It

    Somehow, our community drifted into a version of Islam where:

    • Faith meant following blindly

    • Knowledge meant memorizing, not discovering

    • Science became “secular,” and questions became “disrespectful”

    And when our kids ask things like:

    “How did the mountains get so big?”

    “Why do goats live on cliffs?”

    “What does halal even mean in nature?”

    They’re not rejecting Islam.

    They’re reaching for it — through creation.

    And we should meet them there.

    Less Shame, More Discovery

    When a child asks how cliffs were formed…

    That’s a door to talk about rain, erosion, time, and divine design.

    When they ask why pigs aren’t halal…

    That’s a moment to talk about ecosystems, cleanliness, and ethics.

    When they wonder how animals survive in the wild…

    That’s a lesson in both science and God’s wisdom in every creature.

    We don’t have to pick between facts and faith.

    We can raise kids who hold both.

    That’s What We Built Our Storybooks Around

    At Mayous, we don’t write shallow “Islamic” stories.

    We write books that blend:

    • Quranic verses

    • Real scientific knowledge

    • Emotionally intelligent storytelling

    • And natural wonder that sparks deep questions

    Like our halal animals book, where kids don’t just learn what is halal — they discover the world those animals live in.

    From how wind and rain shaped their cliffs, to why certain creatures survive in certain environments.

    No shame.

    No fear.

    Just beauty, awe, and meaning.

    Want to Raise Spiritually Grounded, Intellectually Curious Kids?

    📚 Visit our free eBook library and discover storybooks that celebrate both the natural world and the Creator behind it.

    👉 Start reading at mayous.org/read

  • Understanding Over Obedience

    Understanding Over Obedience

    (What We Got Wrong About Raising Good Muslims)

    For a long time, Muslim parents have been told that a “good” child is one who listens.

    Who obeys.

    Who doesn’t question.

    Who says “yes” to rules, rituals, and routines — even when they don’t make sense to them.

    And somewhere along the way, we convinced ourselves that obedience equals success.

    But here’s the uncomfortable truth:

    Obedience without understanding doesn’t raise strong Muslims. It raises silent ones.

    Fear Doesn’t Lead to Faith

    When we teach our kids to “do as they’re told” without explaining why…

    When we say “because it’s haram” instead of “let’s talk about it”…

    When we react with guilt, shame, or “what will people think?” instead of patience…

    What we’re really doing is teaching survival, not submission to Allah.

    We’re raising kids who pray to avoid punishment — not to feel peace.

    Kids who fast because they “have to” — not because they understand the value of sacrifice.

    Kids who memorize verses they’ve never reflected on — and call that success.

    Islam Isn’t a Checklist

    The Prophet ﷺ didn’t go door to door with a list of do’s and don’ts.

    He taught with stories. With conversations. With patience.

    He met people where they were.

    He asked questions.

    He gave time.

    He explained — because he knew obedience meant nothing without heart.

    The Difference Between “Good Kids” and “Grounded Kids”

    Good kids are quiet.

    They keep the fast. They wear the right clothes. They say all the right words.

    Grounded kids?

    They ask.

    They reflect.

    They do things because they’ve been given room to understand.

    That’s what builds spiritual confidence.

    That’s what creates Muslims who don’t just follow the rules — they embody the values.

    What This Has to Do With Storybooks

    At Mayous, we don’t just write stories to pass on Islamic knowledge.

    We write to spark conversations.

    Every book we create is designed to:

    • Invite your child into a lesson, not push it on them

    • Tie emotions to morals so they feel the meaning, not just memorize it

    • Let kids reflect on characters who make mistakes — and learn from them

    We believe in storytelling that nurtures understanding, not just compliance.

    Because Islam deserves better than surface-level obedience.

    It deserves thoughtful, feeling, spiritually alive believers — and it starts in childhood.

    Start Raising Thoughtful Kids Today

    📚 Visit our free eBook library for storybooks that help your child explore their faith with heart and curiosity — not just pressure.

    👉 Read now at mayous.org/read

  • Why Muslim Kids Aren’t Smart

    Why Muslim Kids Aren’t Smart

    (And What That Really Says About Us)

    Let’s talk about the uncomfortable thought we’ve all had at some point:

    “Why do other kids seem so much smarter?”

    They speak confidently. They ask deep questions. They seem curious, engaged, driven.

    Meanwhile, our kids?

    They’re memorizing facts they don’t understand.

    They’re praised for sitting quietly, not for thinking critically.

    And we wonder why they’re not shining.

    Here’s the truth: Muslim kids aren’t lacking intelligence.

    They’re lacking the space to grow it.

    We Reward Obedience Over Curiosity

    From a young age, many Muslim children are taught to:

    • Listen, don’t ask.

    • Repeat, don’t explore.

    • Follow, don’t question.

    But what does that do to a child’s brain?

    It shrinks it.

    It turns potential into performance.

    It produces rule-followers, not thinkers.

    And then we wonder why, in school or in life, they hesitate.

    They’ve been conditioned to wait for permission instead of seeking knowledge.

    Intelligence Isn’t Just About IQ — It’s About Environment

    Kids become smart by being allowed to be smart.

    That means:

    • Being asked what they think.

    • Being allowed to make mistakes.

    • Being challenged, stretched, inspired.

    • Being told that questions are not dangerous — they’re divine.

    But if every “why” is met with a glare or a guilt trip… that fire dies.

    What Our Books Should Do (But Usually Don’t)

    Too many “Islamic” storybooks today are just sermons in disguise.

    They tell kids what to do, but never show them how to think.

    At Mayous, we believe in books that respect children’s minds.

    Stories that:

    • Raise big questions

    • Include real emotions

    • Teach values through meaningful choices

    • Spark wonder about both faith and the world

    Because a smart child isn’t one who simply knows what’s halal.

    A smart child is one who knows why — and chooses it for themselves.

    Let’s Raise the Next Generation of Thoughtful Muslims

    Not just compliant.

    Not just well-behaved.

    But thoughtful, curious, and confident in both their faith and their intellect.

    Ready to Start That Journey?

    📚 Visit our free eBook library and discover storybooks designed to stretch your child’s heart and their mind — all rooted in Islamic values, without the preaching.

    👉 Start reading at mayous.org/read