CONCEPTUALIZATION OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BASED ON ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Islam emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge through reading and this involves all Muslims including children. Thus, children must be exposed to the quality and useful reading materials. An abundance of children’s reading material in the market calls for an evaluation of its content to ensure that children read appropriate reading materials. In addition, Muslim children should be given reading material that is in line with Islamic teachings. At the same time, all elements that are contrary to the Islamic teachings should be avoided from becoming reading content for children. Based on these points of views, this paper will explain the need for research on the concept of Islamic Children’s Literature. Besides, this study refers to highlight the importance of Islamic Children’s Literature, so that literature for Muslim children can help them understand the Islamic teachings. This study was conducted using a content analysis approach involving the views expressed by several scholars in the field of Islamic Children’s Literature. The results of the discussion in this paper outline several important things that need to be worked on such as correcting misunderstandings about the concept of Islamic Children’s Literature and intensifying the discourse on it in Malaysia. In addition, efforts to examine the content of reading materials for children should always be done to ensure its accuracy with the Islamic worldview. The priority of al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah as a reading material for Muslim children should also be given attention because of its content that brings useful lessons for human life.