Author Urges Use of Modern Technology to Revitalize Islamic Storytelling for Children
Speaking to IQNA, Basiri — author of “Firoozeh of Paradise: Fascinating Narratives from the Life of Lady Fatimah (SA)” — discussed how storytelling in religious literature needs to evolve alongside rapid technological and cultural changes.
She noted that while modern technology offers advanced visual tools, many Islamic books still rely on outdated and simplistic imagery. “Most religious or historical books still use repetitive pictures — such as camels or palm trees — which, though historically accurate, are not appealing to children. Today, with digital and AI-based techniques, we can create modern and attractive visuals that capture a child’s attention even before they start reading,” she said.
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Basiri emphasized that the first step toward modernization is improving a book’s visual appeal — including its cover design, layout, and illustrations — to make it look “elegant, engaging, and up-to-date.”
She also stressed the need to adapt the language of religious stories. “Writers should avoid using difficult or archaic terms. Many children — and even young adults — cannot understand certain old Arabic words used in these stories,” she said, adding that stories must match the vocabulary and psychology of today’s children.
Basiri believes authors should study the mindset and interests of modern readers. “Writers must understand the world children live in today, then present Islamic teachings in relatable and inspiring ways,” she noted.
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She suggested using hadiths and religious narratives to address contemporary challenges faced by children, such as laziness or lack of focus, turning them into meaningful moral lessons.
“To connect with the new generation, we need both modern visual storytelling and language that resonates with them. This not only makes the stories more attractive but helps children better understand their history, culture, and faith,” Basiri noted.
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