Arabic Roots Every Muslim Child Should Learn This Week

Understanding Arabic root words (جُذُور) opens up the world of the Quran for children and builds a strong foundation in language. At Roots Muslim School, we believe in making learning interactive, meaningful, and Quran-connected—especially for non-native speakers. Here are 5 Arabic roots your child can explore this week through fun family activities and simple explanations.

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✍️ 1. كَتَبَ (K-T-B) – To Write

• Related Words:
  كِتَاب (book), مَكْتُوب (written), كَاتِب (writer), مَكْتَب (office)
• Why It’s Great:
  Children naturally connect with writing. Whether it’s jotting down notes or flipping through a storybook, this root shows up everywhere—and even in the Quran as الْكِتَاب (The Book).
• Mini Activity:
  Ask your child to find 3 items at home related to writing. Pens? Books? A whiteboard?

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📚 2. عَلِمَ (ʿA-L-M) – To Know / Knowledge

• Related Words:
  عِلْم (knowledge), عَالِم (scholar), تَعَلُّم (learning)
• Why It’s Great:
  ʿIlm is at the heart of Islamic values. It empowers kids to seek truth and grow as Muslims.
• Quran Connection:

“وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا”
“My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (Surah Ta-Ha, 20:114)

Encourage kids to memorize this dua and say it before their study time!

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💞 3. رَحِمَ (R-Ḥ-M) – Mercy

• Related Words:
  رَحْمَة (mercy), رَحِيم (merciful), الرَّحْمَـٰن (The Most Merciful)
• Why It’s Great:
  This root helps children understand Allah’s mercy—and how to show kindness to others. It’s beautifully embedded in بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيم, which they recite every day.
• Family Talk:
  Sit down and discuss: “How can we show mercy at home?” Examples might include sharing toys or forgiving a mistake.

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🕊️ 4. سَلِمَ (S-L-M) – Peace / Safety

• Related Words:
  سَلَام (peace), إِسْلَام (submission), مُسْلِم (one who submits)
• Why It’s Great:
  This root ties directly to Islām itself. It teaches children that being Muslim means living in peace—with Allah, with others, and with oneself.
• Interactive Tip:
  Greet your child with “السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ” and ask: “What root word do you think this comes from?”

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🌟 5. سَبَّحَ (S-B-Ḥ) – To Glorify / Praise

• Related Words:
  سُبْحَانَ (Glory be), تَسْبِيح (praise), سَبِّح (glorify!)
• Why It’s Great:
  This root appears in many dhikr and Surahs, including Al-A‘la. It’s a joyful way to help children connect with Allah through daily remembrance.
• Learning Game:
  Challenge your child: How many times can you say “Subḥān Allāh” in 30 seconds? Use a tasbih counter for extra fun!

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💬 Final Thoughts

Arabic roots for kids learning isn’t just educational—it’s deeply spiritual. By helping kids connect with Arabic through real-life examples and Quranic phrases, we raise a generation who love the language of the Qur’an.

🔗 Want more root-word learning packs and video lessons?
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