Canadian Islamic History Month: How to Make It the Start of Your Child's Love for Quranic Letters
October is Canadian Islamic History Month, proclaimed by Parliament in 2007, and its 2026 theme is Islamic calligraphy. Families can make it the start of a child's relationship with Quranic letters: writing their name in Arabic, a daily letter hunt, visiting library or mosque events, and ten minutes a day sounding out letters. The natural next step is learning to read those letters correctly in the Mushaf.
Looking for a way to help your child love Arabic and the Quran without it feeling like a chore? October in Canada offers a ready-made opportunity: it is Canadian Islamic History Month, and this year's theme is Islamic calligraphy.
Canada's Parliament proclaimed October as Islamic History Month in 2007 to celebrate the contributions of Muslims to Canadian society. Schools, libraries, mosques and museums host activities, exhibitions and workshops throughout the month, and many this year focus on the beauty and history of Arabic calligraphy.
Why does this matter to you as a parent? Because calligraphy isn't separate from the Quran: the letters your child admires in a beautiful artwork are the very letters in which the Book of Allah is read. When a child's first encounter with the letters is about beauty and curiosity rather than drills and tests, the relationship starts well.
A first simple idea: write your child's name in Arabic together. Let them colour each letter differently and ask: how many letters are in your name? Which one repeats? A ten-minute activity that makes the letters something personal.
A second idea: a daily 'letter hunt'. Pick one letter each day and look for it on an Arabic food label, a sign at the mosque or a printed copy of Al-Fatiha. The goal is for your child to recognise the letter in its different positions — the first step towards reading.
A third idea: attend at least one Islamic History Month event at your public library, mosque or your child's school. Seeing Arabic calligraphy displayed and celebrated in their Canadian community gives children pride in their identity and tells them the language of the Quran is a natural part of life here.
The natural next step after admiring the letters is learning to read them correctly, with their proper sounds and articulation. This is where structured foundations like the Noorani Qaida come in: the child moves from single letters to words and then to verses, with a teacher who listens and corrects on the spot.
From Rushd's own classes: when a child struggles to pronounce certain letters, we start with gentleness before correction — no harshness, plenty of encouragement, and reassurance that mistakes are a normal part of learning. We then break the problem down letter by letter and practise a lot, with varied examples, interactive activities and games where the letter appears, without rushing the result. We also teach the child to ask Allah for help before starting, so they learn that success comes from Allah and the effort is theirs.
At Rushd we begin this journey with a free trial lesson — no card required — where the teacher assesses your child's level and suggests the right starting point for their age, at times that suit your time zone anywhere in Canada. Make this October the start of your child's relationship with the letters of the Quran.
Frequently asked questions
What is Canadian Islamic History Month?
It is October each year, proclaimed by Canada's Parliament in 2007 to celebrate the contributions of Muslims to Canadian society, with activities and exhibitions in schools, libraries and mosques.
What is the theme of Islamic History Month in 2026?
This year's theme is Islamic calligraphy — its history, art and cultural influence — a great opportunity to connect children with the Arabic letters of the Quran.
How can I connect my child with Arabic letters at home?
Through short, fun activities: writing their name in Arabic and colouring it, a daily letter hunt in words and surahs, and ten minutes a day sounding out letters — without pressure or tests.
When can a child start learning to read the Quran?
Many children can start around age 5–6 with a structured foundation such as the Noorani Qaida; readiness signs like attention and distinguishing sounds matter more than the number alone.
Ready to start your children's journey?
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