Islamic Movies For Kids: If you are a parent who is always on the lookout for quality Islamic content for your children to watch and enjoy while getting enlightened about religion, the following list of films provides you with a compilation of different stories that are not only entertaining but also informative.
During an age when youngsters are surrounded with technology day in and day out, with all kinds of content, it is essential as a parent to regulate what their children ultimately watch. Building the interest of their children in religion from a young age, specifically through such wholesome and full of meaning Islamic movies, is critical.
Kids Islamic Movies
Below is a list of great and quality Islamic content centered around the character building of young Islamic minds.
Islamic Entertainment for Kids
↓ 10 – Muhammad (PBUH): The Last Prophet (2002)
From an ancient dessert came a timeless story of rebirth, set 1400 years ago, revolving around the initial years of Islam. The film encompasses the arrival of the truth – Islam – in the reign of injustice and darkness and the early struggles of the first Muslims. It aims to portray the story of Islam and Prophet to the new generation. Keeping well within the Islamic teachings, The Prophet (PBUH) has not been personified, though the tools of cinematography and sound are employed to tell the story. You should also have a look at these Everyday Duas That Muslim Parents Should Teach Their Kids.
↓ 9 – Stories of the Prophets – Yusuf Estes
Peace Tv aired a series consisting of stories of various prophets from the Quran and the Bible, narrated by Mr. Yusuf Estes, a grandfather like a warm soul who set an aim to inspire the minds of young Muslim children to dwell more on their religion. His narrations are gripping and relatively simple for the keen bunch of children avidly holding on to his every word. He uses his skill of masterful storytelling to captivate his young audience to ponder over the history and virtues of Islam.
↓ 8 – The Boy and The King (1992) – Islam-related animated films
This animated film is based on the story of the boy and the king, narrated in a hadith in Sahih Muslim and linked to the People of the Ditch mentioned in Surah Al-Buruj. A young boy is sent to learn from a sorcerer, but he meets a righteous monk who guides him to faith in Allah alone, even at the cost of great hardship. The film brings together the concepts of morality and accountability in Islam.
↓ 7- Joseph: The King of Dreams (2000)
The film is an American animated musical drama based on the story of Prophet Joseph, the youngest and the most favourite of Jacob’s sons. Driven by jealousy, Josephs’ brothers sell him off as a slave, rounding him up in Egypt, where after years of jail eventually rises to a respectful position in the of the King. Years later, he is reacquainted with his brothers, and the story for forgiveness, truth, and regret further unfolds. The film stresses mercy and trust in Allah. Note that it is a Western telling of the story and differs in details from the Quranic account (Surah Yusuf), and that scholars differ on films that depict a prophet, so parents should watch it first.
↓ 6 – Bilal: A New Breed of Hero (2015)
Bilal is an American animated adventure action film that puts in the spotlight the life of Bilal ibn Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet’s Companion and first muezzin, known for his beautiful voice. Parents should note that it takes creative liberties and depicts Companions, which some scholars discourage, and it has battle scenes. It is a film based on a real-time Islamic Hero, who rose to significance, after being freed as a slave and earned his remembrance in Islamic History. It is set in the early 7th century (about 1400 years ago), and the story follows a boy who longs to become the greatest warrior thrown into the world of darkness, evil and utter injustice. He takes it upon himself to raise his voice and bring a change.
↓ 5 – The Jar: A tale From the East (2001)
It is a Syrian animated feature film based on a story with some historical elements from over 1400 years ago. The Jar brings about a war between the good and the evil and highlights the accepted values and virtues in Islam. Set in a Middle Eastern village, the story of the jar begins when a poor yet virtuous family discovers a lost treasure buried in a jar under their new home. In their quest to return the jar to its rightful owner, a jealous and greedy neighbor who has his eye on the jar attempts to sabotage their effort. The film reiterates the righteous virtues of Islam in the young minds watching it.
↓ 4 – God’s Faithful Servant: Barla (2011)
It is a Turkish live-action biographical drama about the life of the scholar Bediuzzaman Said Nursi during his exile in Barla. It is slow-paced and may suit older children better. We also recommend that you go through these Ideas On How To Make Kids Excited For Eid.
↓ 3 – Koran By Heart (2011)
This documentary follows young Muslim children from different countries as they compete in an international Quran recitation competition in Cairo. It shows the dedication of young huffaz.
↓ 2 – Children of Heaven (1997)
It is an Iranian drama film, not overtly religious, that highlights values Islam encourages: compassion, kindness, love, responsibility towards family, and honest livelihood. The story revolves around the quest of a brother trying to replace his sister’s lost shoes. During the pursuit, he is caring towards his overworked mother and helpful for his bread earning father. The sincerity of these actions is the glue of the entire film.
Here are the Best Islamic Apps & Games For Muslim Children Of Any Age.
↓ 1 – The Message (1976)
The Message is an epic drama film based on the life and times of Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) through the perspective of his uncle Hamza and other Companions, such as Bilal. The Prophet himself is never shown or heard. Although the film has not been made specifically for children, it is a must-watch. Parental guidance throughout the film is a great way to not only engage the young minds of children towards Islam but also develop a bond with them that is based on understanding the religion together. The film begins when, In the 7th century, Mohammed, Peace Be Upon Him, is visited by Angel Gabriel, who urges him to lead the people of Mecca and worship God. The Muslims face persecution, migrate to Medina, and later return to Makkah. The film contains battle scenes, so parental discretion is advised. You can also read about the character of the Prophet.
For more ideas, see our guide on raising good Muslim kids. In conclusion, the list of Islamic content provided above can play a significant role in building morals and the character of our youth, all the while attracting them towards their beautiful religion of Islam and strengthing their bonds with their families as they huddle around a television to watch it together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it permissible to watch films that depict the Prophets or Companions?
Scholars differ. Many contemporary scholars discourage or prohibit visually depicting prophets and often the Companions, while others permit it with safeguards. Films such as The Message avoid showing the Prophet at all. Consult a qualified scholar for your household.
Are these films suitable for young children?
Not all. The Message, Bilal and The Boy and the King include battle scenes or persecution, so they suit older children, and parents should preview them first.
Are all the films on this list strictly Islamic?
No. Some, like Joseph: King of Dreams and Children of Heaven, are not explicitly Islamic productions and contain a different telling or no religious framing, so use them as discussion starters rather than sources of religious knowledge.
What is the best way to use films for teaching?
Watch together, pause to discuss the lessons, and connect each story to the Quran and authentic hadith. Our lessons from the Battle of Badr can follow a film on early Islam.