When we teach the Crusades, it’s easy to default to a Western, Christian-centered narrative. But history is richer, and far more meaningful for our children, when we explore both sides of these Holy Wars. In this post, I will be sharing the work we did on Islam and the Crusades.
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In our homeschool, we spent several weeks learning about Islam, the faith that shaped the lives and perspectives of many Muslims during the Crusades. This journey became more than just a history lesson, it turned into a cultural, spiritual, and hands-on exploration that brought the past to life.
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Islam and the Crusades: Resources
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The Crusades History for Kids: Holy Wars The Quest for the Holy Land by Veronica Bloom
This book explains the Crusades in a simple, kid-friendly way. From around 1095 to 1291, Christians from Europe and Muslims fought several wars over Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The book covers important moments like the First Crusade, when Christians took control of Jerusalem, as well as later unsuccessful crusades and key leaders involved. It also looks at why people chose to join (such as for religious reasons, adventure, or rewards) and describes the impact these wars had on both Europe and the Middle East afterward.
A clear and engaging introduction for kids. It is easy to understand and informative, though it simplifies some complex history.
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Deus Vult: A History of Crusades and Holy Wars by James Johnson
This book presents the Crusades in a vivid and realistic manner. It explains how these religious conflicts spread from Jerusalem to places like Constantinople, highlighting the violence and disorder they caused. The book explores how the Crusades influenced medieval Europe and other regions, while emphasizing that they were not glorious quests, but often harsh and chaotic struggles shaped by religion, ambition, and flawed choices.
A fast-paced and gripping take on the Crusades, more dramatic and honest than typical history books, though less detailed and more opinionated.
The Crusades: Five Centuries of Holy Wars by Malcolm Billings
This book provides a wide-ranging look at the Crusades over several centuries. It traces the conflicts from the late 11th century through later campaigns, showing how they spread across different areas and included well-known figures like Richard the Lionheart and Saladin. The book highlights key events such as the struggles for Jerusalem, the sack of Constantinople, and other expeditions, while explaining how these prolonged wars affected both Europe and the Middle East and helped shape the future.
A clear and well-illustrated overview that’s easy to follow, great for beginners, though not very detailed for advanced readers.
Click here for our lesson from the Medieval Crusades on persuasive writing
Crusades: The Struggle for the Holy Lands by Christopher Gravett, Christopher Rice, and Melanie Rice
This book explains the Crusades through a mix of clear text and detailed illustrations. It describes how Christian and Muslim forces fought over important places like Jerusalem, covering key battles, leaders, and events. The book also looks at what life was like for soldiers, the weapons and armour they used, and how these wars affected both sides over time.
An informative and visually engaging book, great for understanding the Crusades, though it focuses more on facts and images than deep analysis.
The Crusades: The History of Christianity’s Wars for the Holy Land by Charles River
This book gives a straightforward overview of the Crusades and their causes. It explains how these wars began, describes the major crusades and key leaders, and outlines important events like the capture and loss of Jerusalem. The book also looks at the religious and political reasons behind the conflicts and how they affected both Europe and the Middle East over time.
A clear and concise introduction, easy to follow, though fairly basic and not very detailed.
Click here for our Crusades Activity on the Council of Clermont
What’s In Jerusalem? The Story of the Crusades by Baby Professor
This book presents the story of the Crusades in a simple and engaging way, helping readers understand them as part of history. The book encourages children to think about the events and decide whether they had a happy or sad ending, while showing how important people and moments from the past shape the world we know today.
For a great medieval art study check out our Picture Study: Botticelli’s Map of Hell
Muhammad by Demi
This book tells the story of the Prophet Muhammad in a simple and respectful way for younger readers. It describes his life, his teachings, and how he became the founder of Islam. The book also shows how his message spread and why he is an important figure in history, using gentle storytelling and beautiful illustrations.
A thoughtful and visually appealing introduction, clear and respectful, though simplified for younger audiences.
We also made a fabulous persuasive poster to try to persuade everyone to join the Crusades
30 Islamic Stories for Kids: Bedtime Stories for Children Based on 30 Values from the Holy Quran by Zayan Hassan
This book shares 30 short bedtime stories that teach important Islamic values like kindness, patience, and honesty. Through simple and relatable situations, the book helps children understand how to use these lessons in their daily lives while strengthening their connection to their faith.
A warm and meaningful collection, great for teaching values, though quite simple in style.
Check out our rather excellent diorama of Dante’s Circle of Hell
Why Study Islam When Learning About the Crusades?
To truly understand the Crusades, children need context. Who were the people on the other side? What did they believe? What motivated them? This is why we learnt about Islam and the crusades.
Islam, founded by Muhammad, is one of the world’s largest religions. Like Christianity, it is an Abrahamic faith, sharing common roots and values such as:
- Belief in one God
- The importance of prayer
- A sacred text (the Qur’an)
- A strong sense of faith and devotion
Recognising these similarities helped my children approach the topic with curiosity rather than judgment.
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Introducing Islam and the Crusades in Your Homeschool
We began with books, discussions, and simple comparisons to what the children already understood from their Christian upbringing. This made the transition into new concepts smoother and more meaningful.
Topics we explored included:
- The life of Muhammad
- The holy city of Mecca
- The Five Pillars of Islam
- The Qur’an
- The significance of pilgrimage (Hajj)
To deepen understanding, we paired reading with conversation, often over themed food like Arabic coffee and homemade pancakes flavoured with cardamom and almonds. These small touches made learning feel immersive and memorable.
A Hands-On Mosque Project
One of the most effective ways we reinforced learning was through a creative, hands-on project: building a model mosque.
This wasn’t just a craft, it became a visual summary of everything the children had learned.
Step 1: Build the Mosque Structure
Using simple materials (cardboard, plaster strips, and a bit of imagination), the children created:
- A central dome
- Minarets (towers)
- A courtyard
The process itself was full of problem-solving and creativity.
Step 2: Map the Islamic World
To understand the geographical importance of Mecca, the children:
- Drew a large regional map
- Marked Saudi Arabia
- Added Jerusalem for Crusades context
- Placed their mosque model on Mecca
This helped them visualize the real-world setting of the Crusades.
Step 3: Represent the Five Pillars of Islam
We used the mosque’s minarets to represent the Five Pillars:
- Shahada (faith)
- Salat (prayer)
- Zakat (charity)
- Sawm (fasting)
- Hajj (pilgrimage)
The children labeled them in both English and Arabic, reinforcing both understanding and memory.
Step 4: Tell the Story of Muhammad
To bring the life of Muhammed to life, the children added:
- A “cave” to represent revelation
- An angel figure
- Pages representing the Qur’an
- A reminder to say “peace be upon him” after his name
They also created a footprint trail from Mecca to Madinah, symbolizing his journey and teachings.
Step 5: Recreate the Great Mosque
The children built:
- A courtyard using blocks
- A model of the Ka’bah (a black cube at the center)
- Pilgrims dressed in white to represent equality during Hajj
This simple but powerful visual helped them understand both religious practice and symbolism.
Why Hands-On Learning Works
This project turned abstract ideas into something tangible. Instead of memorizing facts about Muslims and the Holy Wars, the children:
- Built connections
- Asked deeper questions
- Remembered details naturally
When it came time to discuss the Crusades, they had a far more balanced and empathetic understanding.
Reflection Questions for Your Homeschool
Use these to spark meaningful discussion:
- Why is it important to learn about both sides of the Crusades?
- What similarities did you notice between Islam and Christianity?
- Why is Mecca important to Muslims?
- What do the Five Pillars teach about daily life in Islam?
- How might a Muslim child during the Crusades have viewed these events?
- What surprised you most about the life of Muhammad?
Hands-On Activity Ideas
If you’d like to extend this lesson, here are some engaging ideas:
1. Build Your Own Mosque
Use recycled materials to create a mosque model and label key features.
2. Create a Pilgrimage Map
Draw the journey from Mecca to Madinah and trace the path of Muhammed.
3. Cook a Cultural Dish
Try simple Middle Eastern recipes while discussing daily life in Islamic cultures.
4. Five Pillars Poster
Have children design a poster explaining each pillar in their own words.
5. Role-Play a Historical Perspective
Ask your child to imagine being a Muslim living during the Crusades. What would they think or feel?
Islam and the Crusades: Final Thoughts
Teaching about the Crusades without including the perspective of Muslims leaves the story incomplete. By exploring Islam with curiosity, respect, and creativity, we give our children a fuller understanding of history, and help them grow into thoughtful, informed individuals.
This approach doesn’t just teach facts. It builds empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse world we live in.
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