Applying Islamic Examples of Critical Thinking at Home
Islamic tradition is rich with critical thinking.
From the Quran calling us to ponder and reflect on the world around us, to the many stories of Prophets engaging in discourse and debate with their peoples, to examples of the Prophet Muhammad himself, peace and blessings be upon him, teaching the companions through lines of inquiry, our religion encourages us to think critically so that we can draw nearer to Allah, the Most High.
But what is critical thinking and why is it important?
Critical thinking is the ability to process, reason, and evaluate information in order to form judgments and make informed decisions.
When individuals can think critically, they can better:
consider different perspectives and viewpoints
question and evaluate the validity of information and ideas
weigh the pros and cons of possible paths before making decisions
navigate their own biases and assumptions
posit solutions and test new ideas
intentionally align decisions with their values
Now you know the benefits that can come from thinking critically, how do you help do more of it with your children?
Ask Questions
The Qur'an is full of questions presented to inspire people to pause, think and reflect.
"Have you considered the seeds you sow in the ground? Is it you who make them grow or We?..." (Quran, 56: 63-64).
"And how many a sign within the heavens and earth do they pass over while they are turning away from it?” (Quran 12:105).
"Do they not travel through the land, so that they may have hearts with which to understand or ears with which to listen?” (Quran 22:46).
Next time you want your child to pay attention and take notice of something, instead of just directing them to it, ask them a question that makes them pause and think about it! This works well when your child asks you a question, too. Even if you already know the answer, instead of jsut giving it to them, ask your child a question in return to help them think through the answer themselves.
Draw Comparisons
One common tool of the Prophets, peace be upon them, to help their people think critically was to make comparisons and parables to things their people understood to help them further their understanding.
Once, the Prophet Muhammad, pbuh, was explaining his status among the other Prophets sent by Allah, swt.
He said: "My similitude in comparison with the other prophets before me, is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: 'Would that this brick be put in its place!' So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets." (Sahih Bukhari)
In another example, the Prophet, pbuh, used a parable to explain to his companions the virtues of good companions.
He taught, “Verily, the parable of good and bad company is that of a seller of musk and a blacksmith. The seller of musk will give you perfume, you will buy some, or you will notice a pleasant smell. As for the blacksmith, he will burn your clothes, or you will notice a bad smell.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Next time you want to help your child deepen their understanding of a concept, try using a parable or a comparison to something they know well and can reflect on. Can you explain the concept through Lego? How about a sports reference? Maybe your child is a nature lover and would respond to a parable involving one of their favorite animals.
Share Stories
The Qur'an is full of stories that contain deep lessons and meanings to live by.
Some of these stories include:
Khidr and Musa (pbuh)
The People of the Cave
Prophet Eesa (pbuh) and Maryam
Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and his family
Luqman's wisdom and advice to his children
Prophet Yunus' (pbuh) journey in the belly of the whale
Make learning from the stories of the Quran a staple in your homeschool. Younger children can read and discuss them at bedtime while older chidlren can study them in more detail through podcasts, lectures, and YouTube series.