At Learning with Busy Brains, we are on a mission to raise lifelong learners, and one of the core skills we aim to cultivate is critical thinking. Critical thinking allows children to question, explore, and understand the world around them—not just accept information at face value. This approach echoes teachings from the Quran, such as in Quran 17:36, which advises:
“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.”
Additionally, Quran 8:22 reminds us of the consequences of neglecting reason:
“Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.”
These profound verses emphasize the importance of using our senses, intellect, and reason to evaluate and understand the world, rather than blindly accepting information at face value.

I recently purchased Julie Bogart’s book Raising Critical Thinkers: A guide for parents to help children of all ages process the onslaught of unfiltered information in the digital age, and after reading reviews, I noticed that she incorporates not only critical thinking but also emotional and imaginative elements into her approach. This blend encourages children to engage both their analytical minds and their creativity. It allows them to reflect on different perspectives and explore empathy in their thinking process.

As a Muslim, in shaa Allah, I’m filtering this approach through an Islamic lens. While emotional and imaginative exploration is valuable, I will ensure that my children’s thinking is aligned with Islamic values. Critical thinking in Islam emphasizes using reason, but always within the framework of moral and ethical guidance from the Quran and Sunnah. I’ll encourage my children to reflect on emotions and creativity, but in a way that remains rooted in Islamic principles of truth, ethics, and self-awareness. This way, they can learn to evaluate ideas thoughtfully while maintaining spiritual consciousness.

Why Critical Thinking Matters in Homeschooling

  1. Preparing Our Children for a Complex World
    Our children will face a future filled with information overload, differing opinions, and complex global issues. By teaching them to think critically, we equip them with the tools to sift through information, evaluate different perspectives, and make well-informed decisions. This is in line with the Islamic principle of reflecting deeply before accepting or rejecting information. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an:
    “And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.” (Qur’an 17:36)
    Critical thinking isn’t just for schoolwork—it’s a life skill they’ll carry with them into adulthood, helping them fulfill their responsibilities as Muslims navigating an ever-changing world.
  2. Fostering Confidence in Thought and Expression
    Critical thinking encourages children to form their own opinions and express them confidently while adhering to the truth. As Allah encourages us in the Qur’an, we must speak justly and thoughtfully. I want to nurture my children’s ability to question and communicate in a way that aligns with the Islamic values of seeking truth and wisdom, without fear of making mistakes, as learning is a continuous journey.
  3. Encouraging Curiosity and Exploration
    Islam values knowledge and curiosity as a means to better understand the world Allah created. Critical thinking is more than finding the right answer; it’s about asking the right questions. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that the pursuit of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim. I hope to create an environment where my children feel free to explore, experiment, and think deeply about everything, from literature to science, and also relate their knowledge to their understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

How We Plan to Apply Critical Thinking at Home

While I haven’t yet implemented all the strategies from Raising Critical Thinkers, here’s how I envision integrating critical thinking into our homeschool while staying grounded in our Islamic values:

  • Discussion-Based Learning:
    Conversations are going to be central to our approach, just as the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used dialogue to understand matters of religion and life. We will encourage open-ended discussions about books, real-life situations, and our everyday experiences, allowing my children to practice articulating their thoughts while being mindful of the truth. This way, they can challenge assumptions and engage in critical thought while maintaining adab (Islamic etiquette).
  • Project-Based Exploration:
    Inspired by the flexibility of homeschooling and the Islamic principle of ihsan (excellence), I plan to introduce project-based learning that encourages my children to apply critical thinking skills creatively. Whether through building something, conducting a science experiment, or working on an art project, I want to see them think critically about their approach and solutions while remembering the importance of intention (niyyah) in all actions.
  • Literature and Critical Thinking:
    Literature offers a window into human behavior and ethics, both of which are important in Islam. We’ll be reading stories together and discussing questions like, “What do you think the character’s intentions were?” or “How does this align with or differ from Islamic values?” This approach not only engages their imagination but also helps them develop analytical skills with a moral framework.
  • Freewriting for Self-Expression:
    Freewriting is a Brave Writer activity we’ve already started using, and it’s been great for creative expression. Moving forward, I want to encourage my children to use freewriting not just to express ideas, but to reflect on their own thinking process. What are they curious about? What questions do they have? This practice can be a space for them to explore their thoughts and even journal their reflections on the Qur’an, Islamic history, or other learning areas, all while reinforcing that seeking knowledge and self-reflection is a form of worship.
  • Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities:
    One of the key aspects of critical thinking is resilience, something Islam also teaches us through the concept of tawakkul (trust in Allah) and the idea that every mistake is a chance for learning and improvement. I want my children to feel comfortable making mistakes, knowing that it’s part of the learning process and that through trial and error, they can approach problems from different angles and develop creative solutions, always trusting in Allah’s plan.

A Journey Ahead

We are just beginning to apply the principles from Raising Critical Thinkers, but I’m excited about the path ahead. The beauty of homeschooling is that it allows us to learn alongside our children and grow spiritually. As Muslims, our aim is to raise children who are not only curious and confident but also grounded in Islamic values, capable of navigating a complex world with wisdom and understanding.

In the coming months, I’ll be sharing more about how we implement these critical thinking strategies, and how we tailor them to align with our faith and learning journey.

What’s Next?

If you’ve read Raising Critical Thinkers or use critical thinking strategies in your homeschool, I’d love to hear your thoughts! How have you incorporated critical thinking within an Islamic framework in your learning journey? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.