You’re Their First Teacher, But What Are You Really Teaching?

As homeschooling mothers we often carry a deep sense of responsibility in raising our children upon the Qur’an and Sunnah, with the understanding of the Salaf as Salih. While we strive to gather the best books, plan lessons, and follow curricula, it is crucial that we pause and reflect: Are we only teaching with our words, or are we also teaching with our actions?

Knowledge Begins With Us

Our children’s first school is not a textbook, it is us. As mothers, we are their first teachers, role models, and the ones they look to for what is normal and important in life. When we talk about seeking knowledge as Muslim women, it goes far beyond reading Islamic books or attending classes, although those are vital too. It includes learning how to embody good character, sincerity, patience, and love for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ

They Watch More Than They Listen

Your child may not remember every story you read aloud from a seerah book but they will remember watching you do your morning adhkar. They will notice how you rush to pray as soon as the adhan is called. They will hear the way you speak when you are angry, and how you handle your anger. They will mirror the way you show mercy to others and how you forgive.

We often forget: our behaviour is part of our teaching.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

Mothers are shepherds in the home, and this responsibility is not fulfilled only through academic education, but through example.

Make Your Home a Living Lesson

Let your child see you making dhikr quietly throughout the day, reciting the morning and evening adhkar, and saying “Bismillah” before eating or starting tasks.

Show them that seeking knowledge is a lifelong journey by including them when you read the Qur’an together or listen to authentic reminders. Let them witness your love for the deen through your actions and your sincere effort to understand and apply it.

Your dedication to learning, whether reading tafsir, studying hadith or learning Arabic grammar, this lays a strong foundation for your children’s own relationship with Islam.

Practical Ways to Teach Through Example

• Pray on time and openly: Let your children see your commitment to salah, even in busy moments.

• Make adhkar aloud: Especially morning and evening, so they grow up knowing them by heart naturally.

• Apologise and forgive: Teach them humility and repentance through your own actions.

• Speak of Allah often: Not just in lessons, but in daily conversation.

• Make Qur’an a daily routine: Whether by reading a few verses together, reflecting on its meanings, memorising or just listening to it often.

• Show love for the Sunnah: Show enthusiasm in following the Sunnah. Let them see this love lived out.

In Conclusion

Yes, mothers must seek knowledge. This is not optional. But we should not limit that knowledge to books and lessons. Let it shape our character, behaviour, speech, and priorities. When we do, we teach our children what it means to be a true student of knowledge, one who acts upon what they learn.

May Allah make us mothers who embody beneficial knowledge and raise children who love the truth and follow it.

Ameen.