Iranian poet:
Quranic Concepts Should be Implied in Kids’ Literature
“An author can be successful in transferring Quranic concepts to kids only if he knows their characteristics and speaks their language,” said an Iranian poet.
“In general, Persian literature is interwoven with Islamic concepts. Using Islamic ideas in kids’ literature is not new. These ideas have always been present in our literature and Iranian children read poems by great poets like Saadi and Ferdowsi as soon as they start going to school,” said Babak Niktalab.
“But those who want to work in this field (kids’ literature) must bear in mind that children nowadays think differently from previous generations. Today kids have access to many networks and communicational devices and using modern technologies has made them more conscious and aware. So we need to use a modern language to be able to talk to children,” he added.
“There are two principles that should be taken into account when writing for children: the first is having a proper knowledge and command of Persian literature and classical Persian writings, and the second is mastery of poetical techniques and literary language. If the author is well-equipped with these tools, he can create valuable works,” he added.
Stressing that Quranic and religious concepts should be presented through puns and other figurative elements. Thus, the artistic beauty of the poem is maintained and they won’t look like slogans. Religious concepts should be used indirectly and implicitly, whether in verse or prose.”
“Talking about the beauties of nature and the fact that God is the creator of every beauty is actually transferring Quranic concepts to children. Kids, at any age, can understand these ideas and such themes stimulate their curiosity and creativity,” Niktalab added.
“But those who want to work in this field (kids’ literature) must bear in mind that children nowadays think differently from previous generations. Today kids have access to many networks and communicational devices and using modern technologies has made them more conscious and aware. So we need to use a modern language to be able to talk to children,” he added.
“There are two principles that should be taken into account when writing for children: the first is having a proper knowledge and command of Persian literature and classical Persian writings, and the second is mastery of poetical techniques and literary language. If the author is well-equipped with these tools, he can create valuable works,” he added.
Stressing that Quranic and religious concepts should be presented through puns and other figurative elements. Thus, the artistic beauty of the poem is maintained and they won’t look like slogans. Religious concepts should be used indirectly and implicitly, whether in verse or prose.”
“Talking about the beauties of nature and the fact that God is the creator of every beauty is actually transferring Quranic concepts to children. Kids, at any age, can understand these ideas and such themes stimulate their curiosity and creativity,” Niktalab added.
