QF’s siraj uses storytelling and animation to teach children about islamic values

This Ramadan, Qatar Foundation is screening a series of special episodes of Siraj, its 3D edutainment TV series, that are religiously significant and offer an engaging way for children to learn Islamic values and morals.

Sulaiman Timbo Bah, Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator at Minaretein Center (Education City Mosque), helped review the religious content of Siraj. “In this digital age, with technology and the internet being a big part of our lives, it is essential to have a program like Siraj for our children. It is a much-needed initiative that provides them with an opportunity to learn moral and ethical values.

“The program's series on the Prophets and their teachings provides an excellent opportunity to instill values that are essential for children's overall growth and development. Each episode focuses on a specific ethical or moral value, such as patience and courage, from an Islamic perspective. It is a great way to teach children about the attributes of the Prophets and how to emulate them in their lives. 

“Although Islam provides us with a wealth of resources, I believe that some of these resources lack the element of fun. That's where we come in. We aim to unpack these values and stories in a way that's both enjoyable and informative for children.” 

According to Bah, when the content was created, they focused on using language that is simple and accessible to young audiences, and also tried to imagine how viewers would perceive the stories, as some of them require certain background knowledge to fully appreciate and understand the lessons. 

“As these stories are so old, it's important to place them in a modern context that resonates with our time. That's why we start with a relatable scenario between Rashid and Noura – the two main characters – and then draw on the timeless wisdom of the Prophets. It's fascinating to see how much we can learn from the past and apply to the present.”

The stories of the Prophets are not just for children, but for adults, too, says Sulaiman. “When we learn about these stories, we should focus on the problem they face, the framework they use, and the solutions they find based on prophetic guidance. We can then apply the same method to similar situations that we encounter today.

“It's important to recognize that some concepts may be too complex for children to fully understand at first. However, we know that children are captivated by stories. By sharing the stories of the chosen people of the past and culminating with the final Prophet, we can help children see how he faced and overcame various struggles. Through these stories, we can demonstrate how he lived as a father, husband, leader, and judge, and how he remained patient and kind through both happy and difficult times. 

“In this way, we can encourage children to see the prophets as role models for their own lives.”

Bah believes that telling the stories of the Prophets is an integral part of Islam, saying: “We believe that all the Prophets came from Allah, and their stories teach us valuable lessons, from dealing with challenging family situations to overcoming personal obstacles, the stories of the Prophets offer guidance and inspiration.”

Bah stressed that parents should be careful about what their children are exposed to on the internet, saying: “In today's world, the battle for our children's minds is more challenging than ever. With a vast array of online content available, we need to be mindful of what our children are exposed to. 

“If we fail to provide content that is both enjoyable and aligned with our values, others will fill that void. Programs like Siraj, which tell Muslim stories in a language and style that appeals to children, are essential. We must take responsibility for telling our own stories in a way that resonates with our children.”

Bah emphasizes the importance of parents watching Siraj episodes with their children. "The importance of the program is not only understanding ethical values but also applying them to one's life. I encourage parents to have conversations with their children about how these ethical values can be applied to their own lives, making connections to their own experiences and circumstances, emphasizing the importance of Islamic morals and values.”

Siraj will continue to air through Ramadan, every Friday and Saturday, and can be watched on Qatar TV. Each episode will also be posted on the Siraj YouTube channel.