Parenting Perspective 

A Helpful Supplement, Not a Replacement 

Audiobooks can be a helpful tool to support your child’s language skills, especially when used alongside regular reading together. Listening to stories read by different voices exposes your child to new vocabulary, correct pronunciation, and an expressive tone. This is particularly useful for children learning a second language or for those who get tired easily when reading long texts on their own. 

To get the best from audiobooks, choose age-appropriate stories with clear narration. You can play them during calm times, like car journeys or quiet afternoons, and talk about the story afterwards. Ask simple questions like, ‘What did you like best?’ or ‘Why did the boy feel sad?’ to make sure your child is truly absorbing what they hear. However, audiobooks should not fully replace reading aloud with you. Your voice, warmth, and reactions are irreplaceable for building your child’s confidence to use new words. Think of audiobooks as a supplement that adds variety and fun to your child’s daily language diet, not the main meal. 

Spiritual Insight 

Listening with Care 

Listening with care and reflection is a valuable habit in Islam. Just as reading teaches us to think deeply, hearing good words can open the heart to wisdom and comfort. Allah Almighty reminds us of the power of hearing and reflection. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Zumar (39), Verse 18: 

‘Those people that listen attentively to a saying, and then follow what is the best (content) from it; those are the people who have been guided by Allah (Almighty); and those are the people of rational understanding.’ 

This verse shows that simply hearing is not enough; true benefit comes when we process what we hear and let it guide our actions. 

A Modern Way to Make Stories Accessible 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ often shared stories and lessons in spoken form, teaching his companions through clear words and gentle repetition. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 69, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Facilitate things to people and do not make it hard for them.’ 

Audiobooks can be a modern way to make stories more accessible and enjoyable, especially for busy families or children who need a fresh spark of interest. Choose stories that hold good morals and encourage your child to ask questions about what they hear. Use these moments to remind them that good words, whether read or heard, shape the heart and can be a source of Sabr, knowledge, and faith.