(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:
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Listen, don’t ask.
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Repeat, don’t explore.
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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:
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Being asked what they think.
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Being allowed to make mistakes.
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Being challenged, stretched, inspired.
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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:
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Raise big questions
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Include real emotions
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Teach values through meaningful choices
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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.