Book 3

Shahr Ramadan
Project Booklet

Under the Guidance of Moulana Nabi R. Mir (Abidi)

1
 Please recite a Sūrah al-Fātiḥah for
the sponsors of this project booklet.

Important dates in Shahr Ramaḍān

8th Wafāt of Ḥaḍrat Abū Ṭālib ibn ʿAbdul Muṭṭalib

10th Wafāt of Ḥaḍrat Khadījah al-Kubrā

14th Martyrdom of Ḥaḍrat Ḥamzah at the Battle of ʾUḥud

15th Wilādah of Imām Ḥasan (ʿa)

17th Battle of Badr

18th Night of Ḍarbat of Imām ʿAlī (ʿa); Laylat al-Qadr

19th Imām ʿAlī (ʿa) is injured during Fajr prayers

20th Laylat al-Qadr

21st Shahādah of Imām ʿAlī (ʿa)

22nd Laylat al-Qadr

23rd Jumuʿat al-Widāʿ (Friday April 14, 2023)

Visit kisakids.org/collections for more project booklets,

and go to kisakids.org/donate to help us continue our efforts.

Please recite a Sūrah al-Fātiḥah for the marḥumīn of those

who contributed to this booklet.

INFORMATION AND INSPIRATION:

Verses of Light
The Guiding Light book 3: Friendship in Islam

Learning in Wonderland: Water Conservation Foldable

cover:
freepik.com
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Salāmun ʿalaykum!

May Allah (swt) bless you and your families. Shahr Ramaḍān Mubārak! Indeed, the month of Allah (swt) has
arrived, and we thank Him for giving us the honor of being His special guests once again. In this month, The
Almighty lays out a sufrah (spread) like none other! The Noble Prophet Muḥammad (ṣ) has narrated:
َ َّ َ َ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ
َّ ‫ال‬ َ ََ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ٌ ُُ َ َ ْ ََ ٌ َ َ َ َ َ َ ً َ َّ
‫الصائِ ُمون‬ ‫رَشاَل یقعد علیها ِا‬
ٍ ‫ب‬ ‫لب‬
ٍ ‫هلل مائِدة علیها ما اَل عنی رأت و اَل اذن س ِمعت و اَل خطریَلَع ق‬
ِ ِ ‫ِان‬
Indeed, from Allah is a spread that no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, no heart has ever imagined, and none
will sit at except those who fast.1

This month is so blessed that Prophet Muḥammad (ṣ) has stated:

َ َّ ُ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َّ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ‫لَو یَعلَ ُم‬
‫السنَة‬ ُ ‫الع‬
‫بد َما ِیِف رمضان لود ان یکون رمضان‬
If a servant [of Allah] knew the value of Ramaḍān, (s)he would wish and desire for it to be Ramaḍān all year long!2

Shahr Ramaḍān is a time of nourishment and self building. The benchmark of success for this month is self-
purification, which can only be attained by strengthening our taqwā (God-consciousness) and will power.

Out of His infinite mercy, Allah (swt) has aligned everything in the universe to help us attain this benchmark
during this month. According to ḥadīth, Allah (swt) sends innumerable angels whose sole responsibility is to
pray for the success of those who are fasting. In this holy and noble month, every single one of our actions,
down to our breathing and sleeping, can assume the color of mustaḥabāt. Therefore, we should take advantage
of this golden opportunity and accelerate ourselves towards our goal of self-purification and self-building.

Here are some practical points to help us in this path. Prophet Muḥammad (ṣ) has narrated:
ُ َ ُ َُ ّ َ َ َ ِّ َ ََ َ َّ َ َ َ َّ
‫نوبه‬ ‫صال غفر اهّلل ُ هَل ذ‬
ٍ ‫هر رمضان ب ِ ِست ِخ‬
ِ ‫إن من تمسکَ یف ش‬
Indeed, Allah will forgive whoever journeys through the month of Ramaḍān with the following six conditions [which
cover your basic responsibilities]3:
ُ َ َ َ َ
1. ‫فسه‬ ‫ ویصون ن‬- They protect and control themselves (The Responsibility Towards the Self)

Shahr Ramaḍān is not only about abstaining from food or drink; rather, it is about achieving a level of self
control over every one of our limbs. Therefore, our entire being should be in a state of fasting and abstinence,
not just our stomachs.
َُ َ َ َ
2. ‫مِحه‬
ِ ‫ وی ِصل ر‬- They keep ties with their relatives (The Responsibility Towards the Family)

Our identities, faith, and success are rooted in our families, parents, elders, and relatives. For the sake of this
month, forgive one another, let go of grudges, spend time with each other, and strengthen your bonds through
kindness and mercy.

1 Kanz al-ʿUmmāl, Vol. 8, P. 452, Ḥadīth #23620

2 Biḥār al-Anwār, Vol. 93, P. 346
3 Mustadrak al-Wasāʾil, Vol.7, P. 370, Ḥadīth #8443

1
 ُ ََ َ
3. ‫ أن حَیفظ دینَه‬- They protect their religion (The Responsibility Towards the Masjid)

We can only be ambassadors of our religion if we attain higher levels of maʿrifah (deeper understanding). Some
of the key ways to attain maʿrifah is by attending and supporting masjid programs, supporting Islamic schools,
and creating an educational, nurturing environment for ourselves and our children.
َُ َ َ
4. ‫ وخَی ُزن لِسانه‬- They control their tongues (The Responsibility of Keeping Good Ties Within the Community)

This is especially important at our centers. By controlling our tongues and using kind words, we can strengthen
our brotherhood and sisterhood and make our community stronger.
َ ‫ی‬ َ ُ
5. ‫جاره‬ ‫ وال یؤ ِذ‬- They do not bother their neighbors (The Responsibility Towards the Extended Community)

Especially in today’s society, we must be ambassadors of Islam and show others that it is a religion of peace,
kindness, and mercy. Maybe share some dates, flowers, or knowledge in the form of books, conversations, etc.
with your friends and neighbors.
َُ َ - They respect the rights of others (The Responsibility Towards the Ummah)
6. ‫ویرىع إخوانه‬

Oppression has reached new limits throughout the world. We are in desperate need of our Imām (ʿaj) to bring
peace and justice to the world. Please remember all of those who are suffering and in need around the world in
any capacity you can — financially, spreading awareness, etc. At the minimum, keep them in your special duʿās.

Alḥamdulillāh, we are pleased to launch the annual Shahr Ramaḍān Project Booklet. May these lessons increase
the love for Qurʾān and Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa) in the hearts of our children, and encourage them to have the best
akhlāq. We pray to Allah (swt) to elevate our ranks and inspire us to strive in His way and His cause during this
holy month, and throughout our lives, in order to receive our rewards on the day of Eid al-Fiṭr from Allah (swt)
through our beloved Imām al-Mahdī (ʿaj).

Jazākallāh khayrā and best wishes,

Nabi R. Mir (Abidi)
Resident ʿĀlim of SABA Islamic Center

2
Lesson 1: Cleanliness
Lesson 10 Cleanliness
(taken from Verses of Light, lesson 10)

ْ‫ك َف َط ّهر‬
َ َ َ َ
‫و ثِياب‬
OBJECTIVE
ِ
Students will learn about the Transliteration: Wa thiyābaka faṭahhir
importance of wearing clean Translation: And your clothes make pure
and presentable clothing.
They will then memorize the
Āyah Source: Sūrah al-Muddaththir, Verse 4 (74:4)
āyah.

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION LESSON 10: CLEANLINESS

And your
1. Begin each lesson with Bismillāhir Raḥmānir Raḥīm (encourage clothes
students to join you in reciting and doing the associated hand gestures make pure
before each lesson). Sūrah al-Muddaththir,
Verse 4 (74:4)

2. Guiding questions: We are going to talk about keeping our clothes

clean today. Why is it important for us to wear clean clothes? How can
we keep our clothes clean?
3. Make a list: Together with your students, make a quick list. Jot down
their responses onto a poster paper or whiteboard.
4. SAY: We are going to learn a new and special āyah today. I want you
to listen carefully and think about what this āyah is telling us.
5. Show and recite: Show students the picture as you slowly and clearly
recite the āyah in Arabic.
6. ASK: In this āyah, what is one way Allah tells us to be clean? Students
will most likely answer, “By washing our clothes!”
َ َ َ َ َ
7. Read translation slowly and clearly: Now I will read what this āyah
means. ﴾ ‫ك ف َط ّ ِه ْر‬ ‫﴿و ثِياب‬
26
Wa thiyābaka faṭahhir

STEP 2: DISCUSSION
1. Ask students to sit in a circle facing you. During the discussion, jot down key points on a whiteboard or chart-paper.
2. Use the talking points below to encourage an interactive discussion with students:
• What are some ways that we can keep ourselves and our clothes clean? Examples - taking a shower, brushing
our teeth, washing our hands, washing our dirty clothes, wearing clean clothes to school and the masjid etc.
• We should keep our bodies and our clothes clean, especially in prayer and in the presence of Allah. Allah loves it
when we keep ourselves clean!
• When we practice cleanliness in order to please Him, Allah will reward us! In fact, when you do your laundry for
the sake of Allah, you get thawāb!
• Ask students about the following scenarios:
• Where should you put your dirty clothes?
• What are some items of clothing that you should put in the laundry every day? (Ex. dirty socks, clothes that
get food or dirt on them, underwear, etc.)

26
3
 STEP 3: MEMORIZATION & HAND GESTURES
1. SAY: We will be memorizing this beautiful āyah using special hand gestures! I want you all to listen attentively and watch
carefully as I recite the āyah with these special signs.
2. Introduce each sign: Do the sign, recite the Arabic, and then share the English meaning. Encourage students to imitate
your actions. Do one sign at a time until students have understood the sign, the Arabic, and the meaning.
3. Example: When you show the action ‘pretend to wash a piece of clothing with hands,’ be sure to say the Arabic (faṭahhir)
and translation (make pure) so that students can associate the sign with the Arabic word and English meaning.

Pull your clothes Pretend to wash a piece of

(Wa thiyābaka - and your clothing with hands
clothes) (Faṭahhir - make pure)

4. Video: Tell students that you have a special video of the gestures that you will show them. Watch the video at https://
kisakids.org/pages/quranmemorization or refer to QR code on page 4. Watch the video 2-3 times.
5. Group Practice: Do the signs while reciting the āyah, increasing your volume each time, which will give your voice some
variation. Start with a whisper and repeat until you get to a louder voice. This will get students excited and encourage them
to recite and imitate your voice and actions.
6. Partner Practice: Students should practice with a partner, reciting the Arabic and English with the gestures 5 times.
7. Students Share: Encourage a few students to demonstrate and give positive feedback.
8. Final Practice: As a class, slowly do all the signs as you recite the āyah out loud. Repeat with translation.
9. Note: Watch for students who are struggling and bring them closer to you and assist them.

STEP 4: STORYTIME
Directions:
1. Show students the picture of the story, ask them to help you come up with names for the characters on the page, and then
create a story.
2. OR use the sample story below:

Abbas was a kind and honest boy. He was respectful to his parents, teachers, and friends. However, there was one thing that
he needed to work on: cleanliness! He never washed his clothes unless his mother reminded him or forced him to. She would
always tell him about how the Prophet (ṣ) and Imāms (ʿa) emphasized the importance of wearing clean clothes. She even told
him that Allah says in the Qurʾān [read āyah with translation]! But Abbas was not bothered and would shrug at her.

His mom decided it was time for him to learn a lesson about cleanliness. For the next few days, when Abbas came home, she let
him play outside until dinner time and didn’t make him change. She stopped doing his laundry and picking up his dirty clothes.
A few days later, Abbas wanted to get ready for school, but he couldn’t find anything clean to wear! All he had were dirty clothes
all over his bedroom floor! Abbas also began to notice that his room smelled! He felt very icky without clean clothes to wear and
his dirty room. When everything was clean, he felt happier, energetic, and organized. And most importantly, Allah was happier
with him too! Abbas apologized to his mom and did his laundry with her help. He also promised that he would be sure to clean
himself up after getting dirty so that Allah would be pleased with his actions! Abbas’s mom was proud of him for realizing his
mistake and trying to fix it.

We learned today that Allah says in the Qurʾān that [read āyah with translation]. We should make sure that we keep our clothes
clean so that we can make Allah happy!

STEP 5: COLORING
As students color, walk around and encourage them to recite the āyah and perform the hand gesture. When they finish
coloring, they can complete the matching worksheet.

27
 CLEANLINESS
And your
clothes
make pure
Sūrah al-Muddaththir,
Verse 4 (74:4)

ْ ّ َ َ َ َ َ َ
﴾ ‫﴿و ثِيابك فط ِهر‬
Wa thiyābaka faṭahhir
5
 Cleanliness Booklet
Objective: Children will learn about the different ways they can keep clean and pure.

Earlier, we learned that keeping ourselves clean and pure is a way to thank Allah (swt).
Cleanliness has many benefits, such as keeping our mind and body healthy. What are
some ways that we can keep ourselves clean? We can brush our teeth, take a shower, and
keep our rooms neat and tidy. When we keep ourselves clean and healthy, we can think
with a clear and healthy mind and remain focused on making good choices to help us
grow closer to Allah (swt).

Today we will make a booklet that will help us to remember different ways to keep
ourselves clean.

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Color and decorate the pictures however you like. Read the
Time: 40 minutes prompts in each box and fill in the answers.
2. Cut along the outermost dotted edges of the template.
Materials:
• Cleanliness booklet 3. Fold along all the solid lines and unfold, to make them easy
template to move.
• Crayons/colored pencils 4. Fold the paper in half widthwise. The pictures should be
facing outwards.
• Pencil
• Scissors 5. Then, cut on the dotted line. Do not cut past the dotted line.
6. Unfold the paper.
7. Now fold the paper in half lengthwise with the pictures
facing outwards.
8. Next, holding the ends of the folded paper, push all the way
towards the center so that the paper forms a plus sign.
9. Now locate the front and back covers and fold them over so
that the center pages are tucked in, thus forming the pages
of the booklet.
10. Press the fold firmly
so that it lies as flat as
possible, like a book.

6
_______________

_______________ _______________
Cleanliness
of
to: Book
belongs My
clean by: This book
I keep my body

I keep my teeth I keep my clothes I keep my room I clean up after

clean by: clean by: clean by: dinner by:

_______________ _______________ _______________ _______________

_______________ _______________ _______________ _______________

THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 2: Allah Cures the Sick
Lesson 13 Allah Cures the Sick
(taken from Verses of Light, lesson 13)

َْ ََُ ُ ْ َ َ
ِ ِ‫ِإَوذا م ِرضت فهو يشف‬
‫ني‬
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn about how Transliteration: Wa idhā mariḍtu fahuwa yashfīn
Allah is the One who cures Translation: And when I am sick, it is He (Allah) who cures me
the sick or gives us the means Āyah Source: Sūrah ash-Shuʿarāʾ, Verse 80 (26:80)
to cure the sick. They will then
memorize the āyah.

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION LESSON 13: ALLAH CURES THE SICK

And when I
1. Begin each lesson with Bismillāhir Raḥmānir Raḥīm (encourage am sick, it is
students to join you in reciting and doing the associated hand gestures He (Allah)
before each lesson). who cures
2. Guiding questions: Today, we are going to talk about Allah curing us me
when we are sick. Can you remember a time you or someone in your
Sūrah ash-Shuʿarāʾ, Verse
80 (26:80)

family got sick or hurt? Did they see a doctor? Who helps doctors cure
people who are sick?
3. Make a list: Together with your students, make a quick list. Jot down
their responses onto a poster paper or whiteboard.
4. SAY: We are going to learn a new and special āyah today. I want you
to listen carefully and think about what this āyah is telling us.
5. Show and recite: Show students the picture as you slowly and clearly
recite the āyah in Arabic.
6. ASK: In this āyah, what are we learning about Allah? Students will
most likely answer, “He cures those who are sick!” َْ ََُ ُ ْ َ َ
7. Read translation slowly and clearly: Now I will read what this āyah ﴾‫ني‬
ِ ‫﴿ِإَوذا م ِرضت فهو يش ِف‬
means. Wa idhā mariḍtu fahuwa yashfīn
32

STEP 2: DISCUSSION
1. Ask students to sit in a circle facing you. During the discussion, jot down key points on a whiteboard or chart-paper.
2. Use the talking points below to encourage an interactive discussion with students:
• Allah is the One who truly cures all sicknesses. We go to the doctors and take medicine to help us when we are
sick-- but who created the doctors and helped them get the knowledge they need to help us? Sometimes, our
bodies will even get better without any medicine because our bodies can heal themselves! This is by the power of
Allah and it was designed by Him!
• Who should be the first One we ask when we get sick or hurt? When we ask Allah for help first, He can help guide
us to find the best doctor and medicine and help our bodies recover. We should always ask Allah for help and
realize that all help comes from Him.
• We can also ask Allah to help cure us of the diseases and sicknesses of our soul. Just as there are diseases of
the body, there are also diseases of the soul which are inside of us as well. We should ask Allah to cure us from
both! What are some sicknesses of the soul? Examples - lying, backbiting, etc.
• It’s also very important to visit someone who is sick! Angels will visit them too and make special duʿā for you for
visiting! Remember not to stay too long because a person who is sick needs their rest!

32
9
 STEP 3: MEMORIZATION & HAND GESTURES
1. SAY: We will be memorizing this beautiful āyah using special hand gestures! I want you all to listen attentively and watch
carefully as I recite the āyah with these special signs.
2. Introduce each sign: Do the sign, recite the Arabic, and then share the English meaning. Encourage students to imitate
your actions. Do one sign at a time until students have understood the sign, the Arabic, and the meaning.
3. Example: When you show the action ‘Put hands out to show you're feeling better,’ be sure to say the Arabic (yashfīn) and
translation (who cures me) so that students can associate the sign with the Arabic word and English meaning.

Put one hand on your Point up Put hands out to show you're
forehead, pretend to be sick (Fahuwa - it is He (Allah)) feeling better
(Wa idhā mariḍtu - and when (Yashfīn - who cures me)
I am sick)
4. Video: Tell students that you have a special video of the gestures that you will show them. Watch the video at https://
kisakids.org/pages/quranmemorization or refer to QR code on page 4. Watch the video 2-3 times.
5. Group Practice: Do the signs while reciting the āyah, increasing your volume each time, which will give your voice some
variation. Start with a whisper and repeat until you get to a louder voice. This will get students excited and encourage them
to recite and imitate your voice and actions.
6. Partner Practice: Students should practice with a partner, reciting the Arabic and English with the gestures 5 times.
7. Students Share: Encourage a few students to demonstrate and give positive feedback.
8. Final Practice: As a class, slowly do all the signs as you recite the āyah out loud. Repeat with translation.
9. Note: Watch for students who are struggling and bring them closer to you and assist them.

STEP 4: STORYTIME
Directions:
1. Show students the picture of the story, ask them to help you come up with names for the characters on the page, and then
create a story.
2. OR use the sample story below:

Ali was a boy who was very active! He loved to play sports with his friends and family, and do lots of exercise. One day, while he
was on a ski trip with his cousins, he fell and broke his leg! He was so worried! What if he couldn’t play sports or ski again? He
told his parents about his fears. They reminded him that Allah says in the Qurʾān [read āyah with translation]. Ali began to feel
less worried, remembering that Allah is the one Who helps people who are sick or hurt.

The doctors and nurses did X-rays on his leg and put it in a light blue cast to help it heal. Ali realized how much he appreciated
the blessing of health and being able to use his leg. Every morning when he woke up for Fajr, he would pray to Allah to make
him well again so he could get back to playing with his friends. Ali knew that with Allah’s help, the cast would heal his leg. But he
would still always pray to Allah since He is the one who created the ways for us to heal in the first place!

Finally, a few weeks later, Ali was as good as new! “Alḥamdulillāh!” Ali exclaimed. He was so thankful to Allah for curing him and
helping him find great doctors. He decided that from then on, whenever anyone he knew was sick or injured, he would definitely
visit them. He now knew exactly how it felt to be sick or hurt and stuck at home!

We learned today that Allah says in the Qurʾān that [read āyah with translation]. We always want to make sure we ask Allah to
cure us, since He is the One who cures!

STEP 5: COLORING
As students color, walk around and encourage them to recite the āyah and perform the hand gesture. When they finish
coloring, they can complete the matching worksheet.
10

33
 ALLAH CURES THE SICK
And when I
am sick, it is
He (Allah)
who cures
me
Sūrah ash-Shuʿarāʾ, Verse
80 (26:80)

َْ ََُ ُ ْ َ َ
﴾‫ني‬
ِ ‫﴿ِإَوذا م ِرضت فهو يش ِف‬
Wa idhā mariḍtu fahuwa yashfīn
11
 Lab Coat Card
Objective: Children will learn about the importance of prayer in difficult times,
including sickness.

What should we do when we want Allah (swt) to cure us? Just like the little boy in
the story, we should pray to Allah (swt). We can say, therefore, that prayer is the best
medicine. If prayer is the best medicine, that means Allah (swt) is the best doctor! He
tells us which prayers will help us for which specific illness or injury. As the verse from
the Qurʾān says, “And when I am sick, it is He [Allah (swt)] who cures me.”1 Allah (swt) is
our number one doctor. Of course we still need to go to regular doctors and get medicine,
but remember, Allah (swt) is the one that gives them the knowledge and has created
everything we need for the medicine.

Today, we will be making a lovely craft to remind us to pray to Allah (swt) when we are
sick or hurt.

1 Noble Qurʾān, Sūrah ash-Shuʿarāʾ (26), Verse 80

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Cut along the outermost dotted edges of the template.
Time: 40 minutes
2. Lay the lab coat template so that the arrow in the upper left
corner is pointing up.
Materials:
• Lab Coat template 3. Locate lines 1 and 2. Fold the paper at these lines (there will
be a slight overlap).
• Crayons/colored pencils
4. Open the flaps back up. Cut along the dotted lines at the top.
• Scissors
5. Next, locate the two solid diagonal lines 4 and 5. Fold
• Glue
outward at the diagonal lines.
6. Next, locate the line labeled 3 and fold outward.
7. Then, along the two diagonal lines, fold inwards to form a
collar. Press down the collar firmly.
8. Color and cut out the pieces on the 2nd page of the template.
9. Glue them on the lab coat.
10. Finish coloring and decorating the lab coat however you
like.

12
 3
5
4
1 2
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
 Prescription
Allah is the
Best Doctor
Prayer is the
Best
Medicine
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 3: Blessed Be Allah!
Lesson 14
(taken from Verses of Light, lesson 14) Blessed be Allah!
َ‫ٱلالِقني‬ ْ َ‫ـه أ‬
َ ْ ‫ح َس ُن‬ َّ َ َ َ َ َ
ُ ‫ٱلل‬
ِ ‫فتبارك‬
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn about the Transliteration: Fatabārakal-lāhu aḥsanul-khāliqīn
magnificence of Allah as the Translation: So then blessed is Allah, the best of Creators
Creator of all things. They will Āyah Source: Sūrah al-Muʾminūn, Verse 14 (23:14)
then memorize the āyah.

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION LESSON 14: BLESSED BE ALLAH

So then
1. Begin each lesson with Bismillāhir Raḥmānir Raḥīm (encourage blessed
students to join you in reciting and doing the associated hand gestures is Allah,
before each lesson). the best of
2. Guiding questions: We are going to talk about Allah, the best of Creators
Creators. Who created me and you? Who created everything around
Sūrah al-Muʾminūn, Verse
14 (23:14)

us? What are some of the things that Allah created?

3. Make a list: Together with your students, make a quick list. Jot down
their responses onto a poster paper or whiteboard.
4. SAY: We are going to learn a new and special āyah today. I want you
to listen carefully and think about what this āyah is telling us.
5. Show and recite: Show students the picture as you slowly and clearly
recite the āyah in Arabic.
6. ASK: In this āyah, what are we learning about Allah? Students will
most likely answer, “He created everything! He is the best Creator!”
7. Read translation slowly and clearly: Now I will read what this āyah َ ‫ٱلالِق‬
﴾‫ني‬ ْ َ‫ـه أ‬
َ ْ ‫ح َس ُن‬ َّ َ َ َ َ َ
ُ ‫ٱلل‬
means. ِ ‫﴿فتبارك‬
Fatabārakal-lāhu aḥsanul-khāliqīn
34

STEP 2: DISCUSSION
1. Ask students to sit in a circle facing you. During the discussion, jot down key points on a whiteboard or chart-paper.
2. Use the talking points below to encourage an interactive discussion with students:
• In this āyah, Allah is telling us that humans are His beautiful creations and that He is the best of Creators. Can you name
some things Allah created? Examples - animals, plants, earth, moon, stars, planets, mountains, seas, etc.
• Imām ʿAlī (ʿa) has told us that one of the ways to get closer to Allah is to think about how we were created. As humans, we
are miraculous creations of Allah! We used to be a clot of blood which developed into a whole human being and then Allah
put a soul into this body to make it alive! Subḥānallāh! Doctors and scientists have spent thousands of years studying the
human body and still haven’t figured everything out!
• Allah is the Ultimate Creator! Do you know why? Well, when we make something, like a toy, we find parts and then put
them together right? But Allah not only puts the parts together, He creates those parts as well!
• Ask students to think about some of Allah’s amazing creations (e.g. the way caterpillars become butterflies, how seeds
grow into huge trees, the way the sun lights up the earth during the day, while the moon lights it up at night, volcanoes that
erupt, etc.)

34
17
 STEP 3: MEMORIZATION & HAND GESTURES
1. SAY: We will be memorizing this beautiful āyah using special hand gestures! I want you all to listen attentively and
watch carefully as I recite the āyah with these special signs.
2. Introduce each sign: Do the sign, recite the Arabic, and then share the English meaning. Encourage students to
imitate your actions. Do one sign at a time until students have understood the sign, the Arabic, and the meaning.
3. Example: When you show the action ‘hands up in celebration,’ be sure to say the Arabic (fatabārak) and translation
(so then blessed) so that students can associate the sign with the Arabic word and English meaning.

Hands up in celebration Point up Two thumbs up Fist opening up like flower

(Fatabārakal - so then (lāhu - is Allah) (Aḥsanul - the best of) (Khāliqīn - Creators)
blessed)
4. Video: Tell students that you have a special video of the gestures that you will show them. Watch the video at https://
kisakids.org/pages/quranmemorization or refer to QR code on page 4. Watch the video 2-3 times.
5. Group Practice: Do the signs while reciting the āyah, increasing your volume each time, which will give your voice
some variation. Start with a whisper and repeat until you get to a louder voice. This will get students excited and
encourage them to recite and imitate your voice and actions.
6. Partner Practice: Students should practice with a partner, reciting the Arabic and English with the gestures 5 times.
7. Students Share: Encourage a few students to demonstrate and give positive feedback.
8. Final Practice: As a class, slowly do all the signs as you recite the āyah out loud. Repeat with translation.
9. Note: Watch for students who are struggling and bring them closer to you and assist them.

STEP 4: STORYTIME
Directions:
1. Show students the picture of the story, ask them to help you come up with names for the characters on the page, and then
create a story.
2. OR use the sample story below:

Maryam and Jabir loved to spend time in nature so every weekend, they would go for a hike with their parents. Their parents
enjoyed teaching them about Allah’s different creations, and Maryam and Jabir soon began to appreciate Allah’s creations as
much as their parents. One day, while on a hike, their Mama and Baba taught them about the life cycle of butterflies. Mama
explained how caterpillars hatch from tiny eggs, and eat and eat until they’re ready for the next phase of their life - a huge
transformation! They build safe little cocoons around themselves and after spending a few days inside, they emerge as beautiful
butterflies. This whole cycle starts again when these butterflies fly around and lay their own tiny eggs! Baba explained how this
perfect system was created by Allah, the best of Creators. He told them that Allah says in the Qurʾān [read āyah with translation].

Maryam and Jabir were amazed and began to notice all of Allah’s creations around them, like the mountains, sky, and clouds.
Maryam saw a butterfly and noticed how its pretty wings had thousands of colorful scales that allowed it to fly high, high in the
sky! Jabir realized how its wings helped it camouflage with its surroundings and hide from its enemies that might want to harm it.
“Subḥānallāh!” they both thought. Allah gave them a built-in protection system to help them survive!

We learned today that Allah says in the Qurʾān that [read āyah with translation]. The next time you see a butterfly or any other
creation of Allah, think about how perfect Allah’s system is, and remember that He is the Best of Creators!

STEP 5: COLORING
As students color, walk around and encourage them to recite the āyah and perform the hand gesture. When they finish
coloring, they can complete the matching worksheet.

18

35
 BLESSED BE ALLAH
So then
blessed
is Allah,
the best of
Creators
Sūrah al-Muʾminūn, Verse
14 (23:14)

َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ُ َّ َ َ َ َ َ
ُ
﴾‫﴿فتبارك ٱللـه أحسن ٱلالِقِني‬
Fatabārakal-lāhu aḥsanul-khāliqīn
19
 Creations Mobile
Objective: Children will learn about the importance of being curious and learning
about Allah (swt) through the miracle of His creations.
Allah’s creations are so vast and full of mysteries, and there is always something new
to discover and learn. Learning about Allah’s creations helps us to know Allah (swt)
and worship Him better. This is one of the reasons why it is important to always seek
knowledge and to keep learning and discovering.

One great way to grow closer to Allah (swt) and learn about His creations is simply to
go out into nature. We can find many beautiful things that will help us to learn to love
Allah (swt) and get closer to Him. When we see Allah’s creation and admire them in awe,
we should say subḥānallāh and alḥamdulillāh. It is a way to thank Allah (swt) for these
creations. We can also recite ṣalawāt. This way we will always remember that Allah (swt)
is our creator.
Today we will make a little project to remind us that Allah (swt) is the best of creators, and
He will provide guidance on different areas of creation that we can observe and study!

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure: 6. Punch the holes marked by

1. Color and decorate the black dots in the creation
Time: 40 minutes “Allah is the Best of shapes.
Creators” banner. 7. Tie five strings to the
Materials: bottom of the banner tube.
2. Punch all of the holes
• Banner template marked by black dots on Then tie each creation
• Creations circles the top and bottom of the circle to the other end of
template banner. the strings.
• Crayons/colored 3. Gently roll the banner 8. Now fold the creation
pencils into a tube with the words shapes over and tape or
• Scissors showing and a slight glue them on the inside
overlap of the ends. Seal so that the verse is on one
• Glue/tape
this joint with glue or tape. side and the picture is on
• Hole puncher the other side.
• String/ribbon 4. Next, take out the creations
circles template. Each of 9. Finally, tie a length of
the creations shown is string from one hole to
joined by a relevant verse the other at the top of the
from the Noble Qurʾān. banner forming a handle.
Read the verses and color 10. Optional: if you can’t
the pictures. punch holes, you can use
5. Cut out the creation and tape instead.
verse shapes. Do not
separate the verses from
their pictures!
20
َ َْ ْ َ ُ َّ َ َ َ َ َ
‫ني‬ ِ‫ارك اللـه أح َس ُن الالِق‬ ‫ب‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ف‬
Allah is the Best
of Creators
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
 َْ َّ َّ
ۖ ‫َو َسخ َر الش ْم َ َس َوالق َم َر‬
ْ َ ٌّ ُ َ ُّ َ ٰ َ ْ َ َ
ْ َّ‫ك إ َىَل انل‬
‫لُك جَي ِري ِأِل َج ٍل ُّم َس ًّىًّم‬ ‫ح ِل‬ ِ ‫ىَح رب‬ ‫وأو‬
He created the sun and And your Lord inspired
the moon, each moving (taught) the bee.
for a specific term.

The Layers of the Earth

Crust

Ants can carry items in Mantle

their mouths that are

Outer Core

Inner
The very center of the
50 times as heavy as Core
Earth (inner core), is
they are?! That is the mostly iron and nickel.
same as human lifting Subḥānallāh!
a truck with his teeth! Color the Layers:

Subḥānallāh! Inner Core - red

Outer Core - Orange
Mandle - yellow
Crust - blue

I seek Allah
through the
miracle of
His creations
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 4: Brotherhood and Sisterhood
Lesson 15 Brotherhood and Sisterhood
(taken from Verses of Light, lesson 15)

ْ َ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ َّ
ٌ‫خ َوة‬
ِ ‫إِنما ٱلمؤمِنون إ‬
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn about the Transliteration: Innamal-muʾminūna ikhwah
importance of brotherhood Translation: Indeed the believers are brothers (and
and sisterhood. They will then sisters)
memorize the āyah. Āyah Source: Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt, Verse 10 (49:10)

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION LESSON 15: BROTHERHOOD & SISTERHOOD

Indeed, the
1. Begin each lesson with Bismillāhir Raḥmānir Raḥīm (encourage believers
students to join you in reciting and doing the associated hand gestures are brothers
before each lesson). (and sisters)
2. Guiding questions: We are going to talk about brotherhood and Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt, Verse 10
(49:10)

sisterhood today. How can I be a brother or sister to someone who is

not related to me? What does sisterhood or brotherhood mean? Why is
it special?
3. Make a list: Together with your students, make a quick list. Jot down
their responses onto a poster paper or whiteboard.
4. SAY: We are going to learn a new and special āyah today. I want you
to listen carefully and think about what this āyah is telling us.
5. Show and recite: Show students the picture as you slowly and clearly
recite the āyah in Arabic.
6. ASK: In this āyah, what is Allah telling us? Students will most likely
answer, “To be kind to our brothers and sisters in Islam!” ْ َ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ َّ
﴾ ٌ‫خ َوة‬
7. Read translation slowly and clearly: Now I will read what this āyah ِ ‫﴿ إِنما ٱلمؤمِنون إ‬
means. 36
Innamal-muʾminūna ikhwah

STEP 2: DISCUSSION
1. Ask students to sit in a circle facing you. During the discussion, jot down key points on a whiteboard or chart-paper.
2. Use the talking points below to encourage an interactive discussion with students:
• What are some things we should do for our brothers and sisters in Islam? Examples - greet each other warmly by
saying ṣalām, forgive each other quickly, help those in trouble, be kind to each other for the sake of Allah,
• The Prophet (ṣ) and Ahlul Bayt (ʿa) have taught us that we are all brothers and sisters, regardless of our race,
ethnicity, and social status. Our īmān (faith) and love for Allah are what makes us brothers and sisters.
• One day, the Prophet (ṣ) was in the masjid and a poor man came and sat next to a rich man. The rich man moved
his clothing away from the poor man, so that the poor man wouldn’t touch him. The Prophet (ṣ) was not happy
when he saw this, and reminded the rich man that this was not the right way to act. He asked him: Why don’t
you want this man’s clothing to touch you? What will happen to you if his clothings touch you? Will your riches
become less? The rich man realized his mistake, asked for forgiveness, and offered a lot of his money to the
poor man. However, the poor man refused and said, "No, thank you. I am worried that if I become rich, I will start
acting the way you did, and treat others how you treated me. I do not want to do that.”
• How does this story connect to brotherhood/sisterhood and how we should treat other people?

36
25
 STEP 3: MEMORIZATION & HAND GESTURES
1. SAY: We will be memorizing this beautiful āyah using special hand gestures! I want you all to listen attentively and watch
carefully as I recite the āyah with these special signs.
2. Introduce each sign: Do the sign, recite the Arabic, and then share the English meaning. Encourage students to imitate
your actions. Do one sign at a time until students have understood the sign, the Arabic, and the meaning.
3. Example: When you show the action ‘place hands out as if you are reciting Duʿā Waḥdah,’ be sure to say the Arabic
(ikhwah) and translation (are brothers (and sisters)) so that students can associate the sign with the Arabic word and English
meaning.

Fist Pump One hand on heart to Place hands out as if you

(Innamal - indeed) show faith are reciting Duʿā Waḥdah
(Muʾminūna - the (Ikhwah - are brothers (and
believers) sisters))
4. Video: Tell students that you have a special video of the gestures that you will show them. Watch the video at https://
kisakids.org/pages/quranmemorization or refer to QR code on page 4. Watch the video 2-3 times.
5. Group Practice: Do the signs while reciting the āyah, increasing your volume each time, which will give your voice some
variation. Start with a whisper and repeat until you get to a louder voice. This will get students excited and encourage them
to recite and imitate your voice and actions.
6. Partner Practice: Students should practice with a partner, reciting the Arabic and English with the gestures 5 times.
7. Students Share: Encourage a few students to demonstrate and give positive feedback.
8. Final Practice: As a class, slowly do all the signs as you recite the āyah out loud. Repeat with translation.
9. Note: Watch for students who are struggling and bring them closer to you and assist them.

STEP 4: STORYTIME
Directions:
1. Show students the picture of the story, ask them to help you come up with names for the characters on the page, and then
create a story.
2. OR use the sample story below:

Musa, Hasan, and Jafar called themselves brothers and good friends, but they weren’t from the same family. So how were they
brothers? They were brothers in Islam! Allah says in the Qurʾān, [read āyah with translation]. The three of them went to school
together and helped each other become better Muslims by learning more about Islam. They looked out for each other because
of how much they loved Allah!

One Eid, Musa invited his friends and their families over for an Eid lunch! Musa, Hasan, Jafar, and some other friends were
having a great time playing football and tag. Once they were done, Musa’s dad brought out some juice and snacks to share.
They were all so hungry from running around that they started grabbing all the snacks! Oh no! A few minutes later, they realized
that Jafar had gone to the bathroom and by the time he returned, all the juice and snacks were finished! Everyone felt really bad,
but Jafar assured them it was okay. Hasan had some extra snacks on his plate and Musa had not opened his juice yet, so they
decided to share with Jafar. This made him really happy. When Musa’s dad saw this, he gave him a big hug and told him how
this would make Allah very happy. Musa was very happy to be a part of this brotherly friendship with his friends. He knew that if
he was ever in the same situation, his brothers would take care of him too because they were brothers and sisters in Islam!

We learned today that Allah says in the Qurʾān that [read āyah with translation]. We always want to be good to our brothers and
sisters in Islam so we can make Allah happy!

STEP 5: COLORING
As students color, walk around and encourage them to recite the āyah and perform the hand gesture. When they finish
coloring, they can complete the matching worksheet.
26

37
BROTHERHOOD & SISTERHOOD

Indeed, the
believers
are brothers
(and sisters)
Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt, Verse 10
(49:10)

ٌ َ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ َّ
﴾ ‫﴿ إِنما ٱلمؤمِنون إِخوة‬
Innamal-muʾminūna ikhwah
27
 Heart and People Chain Craft
Objective: Children will learn that love and brotherhood are a means of becoming
closer to Allah (swt).
In the lesson, we learned about the importance of friendship in Islam. Our friends in
Islam are our brothers and sisters, and we should love them as we love our family. As
Muslims, the most important thing we can do for each other is help each other grow
closer to Allah (swt). Remember that our brothers and sisters in Islam can help us be
better Muslims, and Allah (swt) loves those who are good to their brothers and sisters in
Islam.

Today, we will do a small project to celebrate brotherhood and sisterhood in our journey
of growing closer to Allah (swt), inshāʾAllāh.

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Color and decorate the
Time: 40 minutes heart and Kaʿbah. Cut them
out from the template.
Materials:
2. Next, take out the circle of
• Heart template people template (you can
• Donut-ring template (simple use the simple version or
version) or circular human the detailed version).
chain template (detailed
version) 3. Simple version: cut out the e. Fold the quarter into
circle along the outer edge. half again leaving
• Crayons/colored pencils Then, cut out the center 1/8th, and fold in half
• Scissors of the circle, where it says one more time leaving
• Glue “cut this out,” leaving a 1/16th of a circle.
donut-ring of people.
f. Now, with the circle still
4. Detailed version: folded, cut the outline
a. Cut out the circle along of the body cutout. Do
the outer edge. not cut along the edges
of the hands and feet or
b. Locate the body cutout
they will all come apart.
in one of the triangles.
This should be visible g. Then gently unfold the
during the folding. people ring to reveal a
circular human chain.
c. Now begin folding. To
start, fold the circle in 5. Glue the donut-ring or
half. circular human chain to
the heart.
d. Then fold the half into
half again so that it is a 6. Finally, glue the Kaʿbah
quarter of a circle. inside the donut or circular
human chain.
28
simple version

cut this out

THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
detailed version
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 5: Congregational (Jamāʿah) Prayers
Lesson 16 Congregational
(taken from Verses of Light, lesson 16) (Jamāʿah) Prayers
(Jamāʿ
َ‫ٱلراكِعني‬
َّ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ
ِ ‫وٱركعوا مع‬
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn about Transliteration: Warkaʿū maʿar-rākiʿīn
the importance of rukūʿ and Translation: And bow down with those who bow
praying together in groups. down in worship.
They will then memorize the Āyah Source: Sūrah al-Baqarah, Verse 43 (2:43)
āyah.

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION LESSON 16: CONGREGATIONAL (JAMĀʿAH)

PRAYERS
And bow
1. Begin each lesson with Bismillāhir Raḥmānir Raḥīm (encourage down with
students to join you in reciting and doing the associated hand gestures those who
before each lesson). bow down
2. Guiding questions: We are going to talk about praying ṣalāh together. in worship
Sūrah al-Baqarah, Verse 43

What are the benefits of praying together? What is the importance of (2:43)

rukūʿ?
3. Make a list: Together with your students, make a quick list. Jot down
their responses onto a poster paper or whiteboard.
4. SAY: We are going to learn a new and special āyah today. I want you
to listen carefully and think about what this āyah is telling us.
5. Show and recite: Show students the picture as you slowly and clearly
recite the āyah in Arabic.
6. ASK: In this āyah, what is Allah telling us to do? Students will most
likely answer, “To pray ṣalāh and do rukūʿ together!”
َ ‫ٱلراكِع‬ َ ْ ُ َ ْ ‫﴿ َو‬
ِ َّ ‫ٱركعوا م َع‬
7. Read translation slowly and clearly: Now I will read what this āyah
means. ﴾‫ني‬
38
Warkaʿū maʿar-rākiʿīn

STEP 2: DISCUSSION
1. Ask students to sit in a circle facing you. During the discussion, jot down key points on a whiteboard or chart-paper.
2. Use the talking points below to encourage an interactive discussion with students:
• Why do you think Allah tells us to pray together in a group?
• Equality: No matter who you are, everyone comes together to worship Allah.
• Unity: Everyone worships together, in the same language, at the same time, in exactly the same way!
• More rewards from Allah when we pray together. The best way to offer ṣalāh is in jama’āh — which means
together in a group. Allah gives us many rewards for jamāʿah, so much so that the angels cannot even count
the rewards because they are too many!
• In ṣalāh, we do rukūʿ, which is a sign of respect and humbleness, showing Allah that we will do whatever He
wants us to do. Can you think of other times you have seen people bow? Example - out of respect for elders, in
front of a king or queen, etc.)
• When we bow down to Allah in rukūʿ, it’s very different from these other situations. We are bowing to Allah
because He has created us and takes care of us. We worship Him and give Him respect. Everything we have is
because of Him! Imām ʿAlī (ʿa) loved and gave so much importance to rukūʿ that sometimes he would be in rukūʿ
for hours.

38
35
 STEP 3: MEMORIZATION & HAND GESTURES
1. SAY: We will be memorizing this beautiful āyah using special hand gestures! I want you all to listen attentively and watch
carefully as I recite the āyah with these special signs.
2. Introduce each sign: Do the sign, recite the Arabic, and then share the English meaning. Encourage students to imitate
your actions. Do one sign at a time until students have understood the sign, the Arabic, and the meaning.
3. Example: When you show the action ‘do rukūʿ,’ be sure to say the Arabic (warkaʿū) and translation (and bow down) so that
students can associate the sign with the Arabic word and English meaning.

Do rukūʿ Bring two hands together Do rukūʿ while pointing to

(Warkaʿū - and bow down) (Maʿar - with) others around you
(rākiʿīn - those who bow
down in worship)
4. Video: Tell students that you have a special video of the gestures that you will show them. Watch the video at https://
kisakids.org/pages/quranmemorization or refer to QR code on page 4. Watch the video 2-3 times.
5. Group Practice: Do the signs while reciting the āyah, increasing your volume each time, which will give your voice some
variation. Start with a whisper and repeat until you get to a louder voice. This will get students excited and encourage them
to recite and imitate your voice and actions.
6. Partner Practice: Students should practice with a partner, reciting the Arabic and English with the gestures 5 times.
7. Students Share: Encourage a few students to demonstrate and give positive feedback.
8. Final Practice: As a class, slowly do all the signs as you recite the āyah out loud. Repeat with translation.
9. Note: Watch for students who are struggling and bring them closer to you and assist them.

STEP 4: STORYTIME
Directions:
1. Show students the picture of the story, ask them to help you come up with names for the characters on the page, and then
create a story.
2. OR use the sample story below:

One day, Yusuf was at the masjid when the adhān for Ẓuhr prayer began. Everyone started doing wuḍū and lining up for prayer.
However, Yusuf was so excited to read his new book that he decided to sit on the side and read, instead of joining jamāʿah.
His Sunday school teacher saw him on the side and asked, “Yusuf, would you like to join us and pray together?” “I will pray by
myself later,” Yusuf replied. His teacher asked, “Hmm... If I told you that you could choose between getting one dollar for doing
your homework by yourself or a million dollars for doing your homework in a group, which would you choose?”

Yusuf laughed and said, “Obviously, I’d choose a million dollars and get help on my homework! What does that have to do
with ṣalāh?” His teacher smiled and said, “You see, there are a lot of people, fellow brothers and sisters of ours, standing for
prayer,” his teacher said. “They are all facing the same qiblah, reading the same sūrahs, doing rukūʿ, and all of the other motions
together. This brings us closer to one another and makes us more unified. Allah loves it so much that He has said He will give
an infinite number of rewards (more than a million) if there are more than ten people. I think you’re missing out if you choose to
pray by yourself!” Yusuf began to see the major benefits of praying in jamāʿah, and decided that he did not want to miss out on
praying together with his friends and community.

We learned today that Allah says in the Qurʾān that [read āyah with translation]. We should always try to pray in jamāʿah so we
can get more thawāb and make Allah happy!

STEP 5: COLORING
As students color, walk around and encourage them to recite the āyah and perform the hand gesture. When they finish
coloring, they can complete the matching worksheet.

36

39
CONGREGATIONAL (JAMĀʿAH) PRAYERS

And bow
down with
those who
bow down
in worship
Sūrah al-Baqarah, Verse 43
(2:43)

َ َّ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ
﴾‫﴿وٱركعوا مع ٱلراكِ ِعني‬
Warkaʿū maʿar-rākiʿīn
37
 Worshiping Family Craft
Objective: Children will learn that we can do good deeds as a family.

Earlier, we learned that we earn more blessings when we worship Allah (swt) with others.
One of the best opportunities to pray together is during the five daily prayers. This is a
good time to worship Allah (swt) and pray on time. After ṣalāh, we can also recite the
Noble Qurʾān and different duʿās together or keep mustaḥab fasts and many other actions.
Other ways to worship Allah (swt) together is by volunteering in the community with our
families, helping each other with chores around the house, and even just spending time
together to make each other feel comforted.

Today, we will be making a special card that will help us remember the importance of
doing things together with our families, inshāʾAllāh.

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Color the pictures of the template however you like. While
Time: 40 minutes coloring, think about the importance of worship as a family
activity.
Materials:
2. Cut out the rectangle with the family from the first page.
• Worshiping family template
3. From the second page, cut along the outermost dotted edges
• Window frame template
of the template.
• Crayons/colored pencils
4. Then, cut out the inside of the window where it says “cut this
• Scissors out.”
• Glue 5. Next, fold the rectangle in half at the solid line. The verse
and window should be showing.
6. Place the family picture inside the folded rectangle so that
the little boy is showing through the window. Glue it down
onto the page.
7. Open the card and in the blank space above the picture
write “I join my family in acts of worship and good deeds.”
Finish decorating the card however you like.

38
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Bow down with those who bow
down in worship

cut this out

THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 6: Being Thankful to Allah
Lesson 18 Being Thankful to Allah
(taken from Verses of Light, lesson 18)

ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ
ْ‫كم‬ ‫لئِن شكرتم لزِيدن‬
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn about the Transliteration: Laʾin shakartum laʾazīdannakum
importance of being thankful Translation: If you are thankful (to Allah), then I
to Allah. They will then
memorize the āyah.
will give you more
Āyah Source: Sūrah Ibrāhīm, Verse 7 (14:7)

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION LESSON 18: BEING THANKFUL TO ALLAH

If you are
1. Begin each lesson with Bismillāhir Raḥmānir Raḥīm (encourage thankful (to
students to join you in reciting and doing the associated hand gestures Allah), then
before each lesson). I will give
2. Guiding questions: We are going to talk about being thankful to Allah you more
today. What does being thankful mean? When should we be thankful to
Sūrah Ibrāhīm, Verse 7
(14:7)

someone? Why should we be thankful to Allah?

3. Make a list: Together with your students, make a quick list. Jot down
their responses onto a poster paper or whiteboard.
4. SAY: We are going to learn a new and special āyah today. I want you
to listen carefully and think about what this āyah is telling us.
5. Show and recite: Show students the picture as you slowly and clearly
recite the āyah in Arabic.
6. ASK: In this āyah, what is Allah telling us? Students will most likely
answer, “That we should thank Allah!”
7. Read translation slowly and clearly: Now I will read what this āyah ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ﴿
﴾‫ك ْم‬
means. ‫لئِن شكرتم لزِيدن‬
42
Laʾin shakartum laʾazīdannakum

STEP 2: DISCUSSION
1. Ask students to sit in a circle facing you. During the discussion, jot down key points on a whiteboard or chart-paper.
2. Use the talking points below to encourage an interactive discussion with students:
• Who should we thank for everything that we have? Allah! Being thankful is a very important quality. In fact, there
is a very special place in Jannah with Allah for those who are thankful to Him.
• In this verse, Allah makes a promise, and Allah never breaks His promise. He promises us that if we thank Him,
He will give us even more!
• What are some ways that we can thank Allah for His blessings? Examples - prayer, duʿā, saying Alḥamdulillāh,
reading Qurʾān, etc.
• One of the best ways to thank Allah is to use what He has given us in a way that would make Him happy. Make a
T-chart with students with blessings on one side and the best way to use them on the other. Some examples:
• Eyes: to use them to study Allah’s creation so we can get closer to Him by learning about the amazing things
that He has created, to read good things that will help us learn and grow.
• Hands: to help our parents or other people, or to raise our hands in duʿā.
• Pencils: to use them to write good things. Did you know if you write a ḥadīth or a verse of the Qurʾān, Allah
will give you rewards until that ḥadīth or verse stays on that paper?

42
43
 STEP 3: MEMORIZATION & HAND GESTURES
1. SAY: We will be memorizing this beautiful āyah using special hand gestures! I want you all to listen attentively and watch
carefully as I recite the āyah with these special signs.
2. Introduce each sign: Do the sign, recite the Arabic, and then share the English meaning. Encourage students to imitate
your actions. Do one sign at a time until students have understood the sign, the Arabic, and the meaning.
3. Example: When you show the action ‘hand on chest and bow,’ be sure to say the Arabic (laʿin shakartum) and translation (if
you are thankful (to Allah)) so that students can associate the sign with the Arabic word and English meaning.

Hand on chest and bow Taking hands up levels Taking hands up levels
(Laʾin shakartum - if you are (Laʾazīdannakum - then I will (Laʾazīdannakum - then I will
thankful (to Allah)) give you more) give you more)

4. Video: Tell students that you have a special video of the gestures that you will show them. Watch the video at https://
kisakids.org/pages/quranmemorization or refer to QR code on page 4. Watch the video 2-3 times.
5. Group Practice: Do the signs while reciting the āyah, increasing your volume each time, which will give your voice some
variation. Start with a whisper and repeat until you get to a louder voice. This will get students excited and encourage them
to recite and imitate your voice and actions.
6. Partner Practice: Students should practice with a partner, reciting the Arabic and English with the gestures 5 times.
7. Students Share: Encourage a few students to demonstrate and give positive feedback.
8. Final Practice: As a class, slowly do all the signs as you recite the āyah out loud. Repeat with translation.
9. Note: Watch for students who are struggling and bring them closer to you and assist them.

STEP 4: STORYTIME
Directions:
1. Show students the picture of the story, ask them to help you come up with names for the characters on the page, and then
create a story.
2. OR use the sample story below:

Zahra was an adventurous girl, but she was also a very picky eater. She wanted different types of food every day—not the same
old things her mom cooked! She didn’t want to hurt her mom’s feelings, so she never said anything...until one day, Zahra was
in a really bad mood. At dinner time, she saw that her mom made a roast chicken again! “Roast chicken, again? I’m so tired of
eating this!” she exclaimed.

Her mother was upset with her and replied, “Zahra! You should not say this! Did you know that all of our blessings, such as
food, come from Allah? You should never be unthankful for having a warm meal to eat, since so many people don’t have even
that.” Zahra immediately felt guilty. She knew lots of people didn’t get enough food to eat. She apologized to her mother, “Sorry
Mama, you’re right. I shouldn’t complain.” Her mother replied. “It’s very good to be thankful for what you have! Allah says in the
Qurʾān, [read āyah with translation]. Allah loves those who are content with what He has given them.” Zahra wanted to be one of
the people that Allah loves, so she decided to try to be more thankful. Whenever she got to eat a warm meal, no matter what it
was, she would say, “Alḥamdulillāh for this enormous blessing!” When she grew older, she would give lots of charity to show how
thankful she was, and indeed, Allah did give her more blessings!

We learned today that Allah says in the Qurʾān that [read āyah with translation]. We always want to be thankful to Allah for His
blessings so we can make Allah happy!

STEP 5: COLORING
As students color, walk around and encourage them to recite the āyah and perform the hand gesture. When they finish
coloring, they can complete the matching worksheet.

44

43
 BEING THANKFUL TO ALLAH

If you are
thankful (to
Allah), then
I will give
you more
Sūrah Ibrāhīm, Verse 7
(14:7)

ْ ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُْ َ َ ْ َ
﴾‫﴿لئِن شكرتم لزِيدنكم‬
Laʾin shakartum laʾazīdannakum
45
 Seeds of Gratitude and Patience Activity
Objective: Children will learn that gratitude goes hand in hand with patience and that
these traits are a means of growing closer to Allah (swt).

In the lesson, we learned about how we should thank Allah (swt) for the blessings He
has given us. Even when He tests us, we should be patient and keep thanking Him.
When we become impatient, then we begin to complain. And often when we complain,
it means that we are not grateful and our relationship with Allah (swt) might get weaker.
Complaining and being ungrateful makes the people around us upset, the same way it
makes us ungrateful servants of Allah (swt). Being patient helps us remember to always
be grateful to Allah (swt).

Today, we will make a project that will help us remember to be both patient and grateful
and will help us to earn more blessings from Allah (swt) inshāʾAllāh.

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Color the picture however you like.
Time: 30 minutes
2. Cut out the rectangle by cutting along the dotted lines.
Materials: 3. Fold the paper in a zigzag fold by folding along the 2 solid
• Seeds and flower template lines. The part with the seeds should be face up.
• Construction paper (any 4. Glue only the back of the top section to the construction
color) paper.
• Crayons/colored pencils 5. When you pull open the folds, the image of the flowers
• Scissors should show.

• Glue

46
 Seeds of
Gratitude and Patience
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 7: Helping One Another
Lesson 20 Helping One Another
(taken from Verses of Light, lesson 20)

ٰ‫ٱتل ْق َوى‬
َّ ‫ب َو‬ ََ ْ َُ َََ
ّ ْ ‫ع ٱل‬
ِِ ‫وتعاونوا‬
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn about the Transliteration: Wa taʿāwanū ʿalal-birri wat-taqwā
importance of helping each Translation: And help one another to do good
other to do good deeds. They deeds and be God-conscious
will then memorize the āyah. Āyah Source: Sūrah al-Māʾidah, Verse 2 (5:2)

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION LESSON 20: HELPING ONE ANOTHER

And help
1. Begin each lesson with Bismillāhir Raḥmānir Raḥīm (encourage one another
students to join you in reciting and doing the associated hand gestures to do good
before each lesson). deeds and
2. Guiding questions: We are going to talk about helping each other to be God-
conscious
do good deeds. What are good deeds? Why is it important to do good Sūrah al-Māʾidah, Verse 2

deeds? Should we help each other do good deeds? What are some (5:2)

good deeds we can help each other do?

3. Make a list: Together with your students, make a quick list. Jot down
their responses onto a poster paper or whiteboard.
4. SAY: We are going to learn a new and special āyah today. I want you
to listen carefully and think about what this āyah is telling us.
5. Show and recite: Show students the picture as you slowly and clearly
recite the āyah in Arabic.
6. ASK: In this āyah, what is Allah asking us to do? Students will most
likely answer, “Help each other do good things!” ٰ ‫ٱتل ْق َو‬
َّ ‫ب َو‬ ََ ْ َُ َََ
ّ ْ ‫ع ٱل‬
7. Read translation slowly and clearly: Now I will read what this āyah ﴾‫ى‬ ِِ ‫﴿وتعاونوا‬
means. 46
Wa taʿāwanū ʿalal-birri wat-taqwā

STEP 2: DISCUSSION
1. Ask students to sit in a circle facing you. During the discussion, jot down key points on a whiteboard or chart-paper.
2. Use the talking points below to encourage an interactive discussion with students:
• Allah teaches us that Muslims are like brothers and sisters, so it is very important for us to help each other
become better Muslims and stay away from bad things.
• Why do you think it’s good to help each other become better Muslims? If we don’t help each other, what kind of
world would we live in?
• In this āyah, there are two things Allah is saying we should help each other with: “bir” and “taqwā.” Plot each of
these in a T-chart.
• Bir: good actions. Ask students for example of good deeds.
• Taqwā: being God-conscious and stopping each other from bad actions. Ask students to name examples.
• Did you know that if you help someone do something good, every time they do that action, you will get reward
and thawāb too?! Why do you think this is?

46
49
 STEP 3: MEMORIZATION & HAND GESTURES
1. SAY: We will be memorizing this beautiful āyah using special hand gestures! I want you all to listen attentively and watch
carefully as I recite the āyah with these special signs.
2. Introduce each sign: Do the sign, recite the Arabic, and then share the English meaning. Encourage students to imitate
your actions. Do one sign at a time until students have understood the sign, the Arabic, and the meaning.
3. Example: When you show the action ‘put your palms together and look up,’ be sure to say the Arabic (wat taqwā) and
translation (and be God conscious) so that students can associate the sign with the Arabic word and English meaning.

Helping someone up Two thumbs up Put your palms together and

(Wa taʿāwanū - and help one (ʿAlal-birri - to do good look up
another) deeds) (Wat-taqwā - and be God-
conscious)
4. Video: Tell students that you have a special video of the gestures that you will show them. Watch the video at https://
kisakids.org/pages/quranmemorization or refer to QR code on page 4. Watch the video 2-3 times.
5. Group Practice: Do the signs while reciting the āyah, increasing your volume each time, which will give your voice some
variation. Start with a whisper and repeat until you get to a louder voice. This will get students excited and encourage them
to recite and imitate your voice and actions.
6. Partner Practice: Students should practice with a partner, reciting the Arabic and English with the gestures 5 times.
7. Students Share: Encourage a few students to demonstrate and give positive feedback.
8. Final Practice: As a class, slowly do all the signs as you recite the āyah out loud. Repeat with translation.
9. Note: Watch for students who are struggling and bring them closer to you and assist them.

STEP 4: STORYTIME
Directions:
1. Show students the picture of the story, ask them to help you come up with names for the characters on the page, and then
create a story.
2. OR use the sample story below:

Talib was a boy that really enjoyed doing good deeds because it made him feel good inside. However, he liked doing them on
his own and getting all the credit for it! If there was an opportunity to do charity or help someone, he would do it by himself.
At the masjid, he would pick up trash by himself and wouldn’t even ask his friends to join him! One of his friends, Raza, also
really enjoyed doing good deeds to make Allah happy and he had a lot of taqwā, or God consciousness. One day, Raza broke
his leg, which meant that he had to wear a cast for weeks and weeks! Because he had a cast and crutches, he couldn’t do the
good deeds he was usually able to do on his own. He suggested to Talib that they could pick up trash at the masjid together,
that way they could both make Allah happy and get thawāb. He reminded Talib that Allah has said in the Qurʾān [read āyah with
translation].

Talib realized he had been doing it wrong all along! If he was going to do good deeds, he should do it to make Allah happy, not
to get credit! He began to love Raza’s idea of picking up trash as a team, that way Raza could also do the good deeds he loved
to do to make Allah happy, and they could both get thawāb. Raza held the trash bag while Talib picked up trash and put it into
the bag. Together, thanks to their taqwā, the whole masjid was spotless! Talib promised himself that from then on, he would help
others do good deeds and include them to get thawāb any chance he got!
We learned today that Allah says in the Qurʾān that [read āyah with translation]. We always want to be help each other make
good choices so we can make Allah happy!

STEP 5: COLORING
As students color, walk around and encourage them to recite the āyah and perform the hand gesture. When they finish
coloring, they can complete the matching worksheet.
50

47
 HELPING ONE ANOTHER
And help
one another
to do good
deeds and
be God-
conscious
Sūrah al-Māʾidah, Verse 2
(5:2)

ٰ َ ْ َّ َ ّ ْ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ
﴾‫ب و ٱتلقوى‬ ِ ِ ‫﴿وتعاونوا ع ٱل‬
Wa taʿāwanū ʿalal-birri wat-taqwā
51
 Helping Hands Craft
Objective: Children will learn that helping each other can lead to a harmonious
environment at home and in their communities.

As we have learned in the lesson, helping each other do good deeds brings us closer to
Allah (swt). However, helping each other do good deeds not only helps us grow closer to
Allah (swt), but also brings us closer to each other. Doing Allah’s work together and caring
for each other makes life more harmonious for us and the people around us. Allah (swt)
likes it when we are close to each other with the love of Allah (swt) in our hearts.

Today, we will decorate some helping hands that show what harmony can look like in our
communities.

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Color the hands however you like (optional: you can trace
Time: 40 minutes your hand and use those instead).
2. On each hand, write ways you can help your family and
Materials:
friends do good deeds and be God-conscious. Use the ideas
• Hands template (optional: from the lesson.
blank paper)
3. Cut out the hands by cutting along the dotted lines.
• Construction paper
4. Arrange the hands on the construction paper to look like a
• Crayons/colored pencils
moon crescent.
• Markers/pens
5. Glue the hands to the construction paper.
• Scissors
6. Finish decorating the craft however you like.
• Glue

52
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 8: Making Fun of Others
Lesson 21 Making Fun of Others
(taken from Verses of Light, lesson 21)

َ َْ َ
ْ‫خ ْر قَ ْو ٌم ّم ِْن قَوم‬
ٍ ‫ل يس‬
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn about the Transliteration: Lā yaskhar qawmum-min qawm
importance of not making Translation: Do not make fun of one another
fun of others. They will then
memorize the āyah.
Āyah Source: Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt, Verse 11 (49:11)

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION LESSON 21: MAKING FUN OF OTHERS

Do not
1. Begin each lesson with Bismillāhir Raḥmānir Raḥīm (encourage make fun of
students to join you in reciting and doing the associated hand gestures one another
before each lesson). Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt, Verse 11
(49:11)

2. Guiding questions: We are going to talk about teasing and making

fun of others. What does teasing mean?
3. Make a list: Together with your students, make a quick list. Jot down
their responses onto a poster paper or whiteboard.
4. SAY: We are going to learn a new and special āyah today. I want you
to listen carefully and think about what this āyah is telling us.
5. Show and recite: Show students the picture as you slowly and clearly
recite the āyah in Arabic.
6. ASK: In this āyah, what is Allah telling us to do? Students will most
likely answer, “Don’t make fun of others!”
7. Read translation slowly and clearly: Now I will read what this āyah
َ َ َ َْ َ
means.
﴾ ‫خ ْر ق ْو ٌم ّم ِْن ق ْو ٍم‬ ‫﴿ل يس‬
48
Lā yaskhar qawmum-min qawm

STEP 2: DISCUSSION
1. Ask students to sit in a circle facing you. During the discussion, jot down key points on a whiteboard or chart-paper.
2. Use the talking points below to encourage an interactive discussion with students:
• Why would someone tease someone else? What are some ways people can tease someone?
• Allah does not like arrogant people (those who think they are better than others). When we make fun of people,
we are acting like we’re better than them and don’t care about their feelings.
• It is harām to hurt another person’s feelings. Allah says that the heart of a mu’min (believer) is like the Ka’bah! If
we make a believer sad, then it is similar to destroying the Ka’bah!
• Allah made all of us in a certain way. When we make fun of others, we are making fun of the way Allah made
someone or something. Instead, we should always look for the best qualities in people and talk about those.
• Think about the reasons we mentioned earlier for why someone might make fun of another person. Now let’s find
ways to change those into positive interactions. Instead of making fun of the person, how can we help them?

48
55
 STEP 3: MEMORIZATION & HAND GESTURES
1. SAY: We will be memorizing this beautiful āyah using special hand gestures! I want you all to listen attentively and watch
carefully as I recite the āyah with these special signs.
2. Introduce each sign: Do the sign, recite the Arabic, and then share the English meaning. Encourage students to imitate
your actions. Do one sign at a time until students have understood the sign, the Arabic, and the meaning.
3. Example: When you show the action ‘point and laugh,’ be sure to say the Arabic (yaskhar) and translation (make fun) so
that students can associate the sign with the Arabic word and English meaning.

Make “No” with your Make “No” with your Point and laugh Gesture to a group on Gesture to a group on the
finger finger (Yaskhar - make fun) one side other side
(Lā - do not) (Lā - do not) (Qawmum - of one) (Min qawm - another)

4. Video: Tell students that you have a special video of the gestures that you will show them. Watch the video at https://
kisakids.org/pages/quranmemorization or refer to QR code on page 4. Watch the video 2-3 times.
5. Group Practice: Do the signs while reciting the āyah, increasing your volume each time, which will give your voice some
variation. Start with a whisper and repeat until you get to a louder voice. This will get students excited and encourage them
to recite and imitate your voice and actions.
6. Partner Practice: Students should practice with a partner, reciting the Arabic and English with the gestures 5 times.
7. Students Share: Encourage a few students to demonstrate and give positive feedback.
8. Final Practice: As a class, slowly do all the signs as you recite the āyah out loud. Repeat with translation.
9. Note: Watch for students who are struggling and bring them closer to you and assist them.

STEP 4: STORYTIME
Directions:
1. Show students the picture of the story, ask them to help you come up with names for the characters on the page, and then
create a story.
2. OR use the sample story below:

Rida was the new student at her school. She was very nervous at the thought of having to make new friends and start all over.
But once she got to school, she met a lot of lovely girls, and quickly made friends! Alḥamdulillāh, she thought, everyone is so
nice! However, one of the girls in her classes, Saniye, was known for being very mean. In class, she interrupted Rida and made
fun of her when she got the wrong answer. Later at recess, Saniye made fun of Rida in front of another group of girls for being
bad at basketball! The girls, who were Saniye’s friends, laughed along with her. Rida was really sad and hurt, but she reminded
herself to be patient for the sake of Allah.

The next day at recess, Saniye tripped and fell when chasing a ball and Saniye’s own friends started making fun of her! Rida
was shocked that her own friends would do this to her, and she knew exactly how she felt. Rida tried to decide what to do.
Saniye had made fun of her yesterday, but Rida wanted to be a good Muslim and do the right thing. She reached her hand out to
Saniye to help her up. Saniye blinked back the tears forming in her eyes, surprised. “Why are you helping me?” Saniye asked. “I
was so mean to you yesterday.” Rida smiled at her and said, “I know, but Allah said in the Qurʾān, [read āyah with translation].”
Saniye was so touched by her kindness, that she asked Rida and Allah for forgiveness. They both became good friends, and
Saniye promised herself never to make fun of anyone again, since now she knew exactly how it felt.

We learned today that Allah says in the Qurʾān that [read āyah with translation]. We always want to be sure we do not make fun
of others so we can make Allah happy!

STEP 5: COLORING
As students color, walk around and encourage them to recite the āyah and perform the hand gesture. When they finish
coloring, they can complete the matching worksheet.

56
49
 MAKING FUN OF OTHERS
Do not
make fun of
one another
Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt, Verse 11
(49:11)

ْ َ ْ ّ ٌَْ ْ َ َْ َ
﴾ ‫﴿ل يسخر قوم مِن قو ٍم‬
Lā yaskhar qawmum-min qawm
57
 Protector Against Bullying Badge
Objective: Children will learn that teasing is a form of bullying, and that bullying is wrong and should
be stopped.

Earlier in the lesson, we discussed teasing and making fun of others, and how these acts
are mean. One form of being mean to someone is bullying. There are a lot of ways people
might bully others. Teasing is just one form of bullying. And just like we should stop
people from making fun of others, we should try to stop them from doing other hurtful
acts of bullying. A true Muslim is a protector of others and we should therefore try our
best to protect the people around us. However, we must do this without being mean or
hurtful to those that are bullying. We should always be kind and helpful to everyone
regardless of their behavior.

Today, we will make badges to help us be good protectors!

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Color the pictures from
Time: 40 minutes the templates however
you like and cut them
Materials: out.
• Badge holder template 2. Arrange the
• Badge and embellishments embellishments on
template the badge so that the
• Crayons/colored pencils “Protector” band is at
• Scissors the top, the star is in
the middle, and the
• Glue/tape
“Against Bullying”
• Hole puncher banner is at the
• String/yarn/ribbon bottom.
3. Glue the pieces onto
the badge.
4. Then cut out the badge
holder and glue the
badge to the center of
the badge holder.
5. Punch out the holes marked at the top of the badge holder
and loop string through. It should be long enough to wear
around the neck.
6. Finally, securely tie the string ends together.
7. Optional: if you can’t punch holes, you can use tape instead.

58
badge holder
AGAINST BULLYING
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 9: Duʿāʾ
Lesson 22
(taken from Verses of Light, lesson 22) Duʿʿā
Du
ُ َ ْ َ ْ َ ٓ ُ ْ ُ ُ ُّ َ َ َ َ
ْ‫كم‬ ‫جب ل‬
ِ ‫ون أست‬
ِ ‫و قال ربكم ٱدع‬
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn about the Transliteration: Wa qāla rabbukum udʿūnī astajib lakum
importance of making duʿā to Translation: And your Lord has said: Call upon Me,
Allah. They will then memorize I will answer your prayers
the āyah. Āyah Source: Sūrah Ghāfir, Verse 60 (40:60)

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION LESSON 22: DUʿĀ

And your
1. Begin each lesson with Bismillāhir Raḥmānir Raḥīm (encourage Lord has
students to join you in reciting and doing the associated hand gestures said, "Call
before each lesson). upon
2. Guiding questions: We are going to talk about making duʿā today. Me; I will
answer your
What is duʿā? What kind of things do we make duʿā for?
prayers"
3. Make a list: Together with your students, make a quick list. Jot down Sūrah Ghāfir, Verse 60

their responses onto a poster paper or whiteboard. (40:60)

4. SAY: We are going to learn a new and special āyah today. I want you
to listen carefully and think about what this āyah is telling us.
5. Show and recite: Show students the picture as you slowly and clearly
recite the āyah in Arabic.
6. ASK: In this āyah, what is Allah asking us to do? Students will most
likely answer, "Make duʿā to Him!”

ُ َ ْ َ ْ َ ٓ ُ ْ ُ ُ ُّ َ َ َ َ
7. Read translation slowly and clearly: Now I will read what this āyah
ْ‫ك‬
means.
﴾ ‫جب ل‬
‫م‬ ِ ‫ون أست‬
ِ ‫﴿و قال ربكم ٱدع‬
Wa qāla rabbukum udʿūnī astajib lakum
50

STEP 2: DISCUSSION
1. Ask students to sit in a circle facing you. During the discussion, jot down key points on a whiteboard or chart-paper.
2. Use the talking points below to encourage an interactive discussion with students:
• What are some things we might ask from Allah when we make duʿā? Did you know that you can pray to Allah at
any time, in any place, and in any language? Allah’s door is always open and He’s always listening to us.
• Allah has asked us to pray to Him because He loves hearing us pray and make a connection to Him! In this āyah,
He tells us that He will answer our prayers inshāʿAllah. But remember, if He doesn’t give us what we ask for, it
must be because it is not good for us or that He has something better planned. Remember, Allah knows best!
• In this verse, the word used for Allah is Rabb. Remember, Rabb is someone who takes care of us and nurtures
us. Shouldn’t we always pray to the One who has promised to take care of us and loves us?
• The Prophet (ṣ) has taught us that one of the best ways to make duʿā is to first recite a ṣalawāt. Ṣalawāt itself is a
duʿā because you are asking Allah to shower His blessings upon the Prophet (ṣ) and his family (ʿa). Then, ask for
your wish followed by another ṣalawāt.
• We have to talk to Allah to keep a good and strong relationship with Him. We shouldn't only talk to Him when we
are sad or have problems. It’s important to also talk to Him when you’re happy or things are going well too!

50
63
 STEP 3: MEMORIZATION & HAND GESTURES
1. SAY: We will be memorizing this beautiful āyah using special hand gestures! I want you all to listen attentively and watch
carefully as I recite the āyah with these special signs.
2. Introduce each sign: Do the sign, recite the Arabic, and then share the English meaning. Encourage students to imitate
your actions. Do one sign at a time until students have understood the sign, the Arabic, and the meaning.
3. Example: When you show the action ‘make telephone with one hand,’ be sure to say the Arabic (udʿūnī) and translation
(call upon Me) so that students can associate the sign with the Arabic word and English meaning.

Raise hands to make dua Make telephone with one Make telephone with the
(Wa qāla rabbukum - and hand other hand
your Lord has said) (Udʿūnī - call upon Me) (Astajib lakum - I will answer
your prayers)

4. Video: Tell students that you have a special video of the gestures that you will show them. Watch the video at https://
kisakids.org/pages/quranmemorization or refer to QR code on page 4. Watch the video 2-3 times.
5. Group Practice: Do the signs while reciting the āyah, increasing your volume each time, which will give your voice some
variation. Start with a whisper and repeat until you get to a louder voice. This will get students excited and encourage them
to recite and imitate your voice and actions.
6. Partner Practice: Students should practice with a partner, reciting the Arabic and English with the gestures 5 times.
7. Students Share: Encourage a few students to demonstrate and give positive feedback.
8. Final Practice: As a class, slowly do all the signs as you recite the āyah out loud. Repeat with translation.
9. Note: Watch for students who are struggling and bring them closer to you and assist them.

STEP 4: STORYTIME
Directions:
1. Show students the picture of the story, ask them to help you come up with names for the characters on the page, and then
create a story.
2. OR use the sample story below:

Sama's little brother Yusuf liked to run around and play. One day after school, Sama was playing tag with Yusuf when he slipped,
fell, and bumped his head! Sama was very worried that he was seriously injured, since Yusuf began to cry.

She went to tell her parents. “I think Yusuf bumped his head really hard,” Sama told them, in tears. Her parents ran to Yusuf
to see his head. "We should probably take him to the doctor," her dad said, worriedly. Everyone agreed, but before they left,
Sama’s mom suggested, “Before we go, let’s all recite duʿā together. Remember, Allah is the One who heals, and He answers
our prayers. We should pray that Yusuf's injury isn't a serious one, and inshāʾAllāh he will be alright!” So the family sat together
and made duʿā for Allah to heal Yusuf.

Then, they headed to the doctor. The doctor did tests on Yusuf and took an x-ray of his head. After a few hours, the doctor came
back and said that Yusuf's injury was a small one, but that he would need a lot of rest to recover and heal. “Alḥamdulillāh!” the
family exclaimed, so relieved that it wasn't serious. Sama's mom went into sajdah and thanked Allah for answering their duʿā and
keeping their family under His protection and care.

We learned today that Allah says in the Qurʾān that [read āyah with translation]. We always want to supplicate to Allah because
he's our true Helper, and so we can make Him happy!

STEP 5: COLORING
As students color, walk around and encourage them to recite the āyah and perform the hand gesture. When they finish
coloring, they can complete the matching worksheet.

64

51
 DUʿĀʾ
And your
Lord has
said, "Call
upon
Me; I will
answer your
prayers"
Sūrah Ghāfir, Verse 60
(40:60)

ُ
ْ‫كم‬ َ ْ َ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ ُّ َ َ َ َ
ٓ ُ
﴾ ‫جب ل‬ ِ ‫ون أست‬ ِ ‫﴿و قال ربكم ٱدع‬
Wa qāla rabbukum udʿūnī astajib lakum
65
 Duʿāʾ
Objective: Children will learn that duʿāʾ is a form of communication with Allah (swt).

From the lesson, we learned about doing duʿāʾ and making a connection with Allah (swt).
It is important to talk to Allah (swt) in both good and bad times. Just like how we talk to
others when we need help or want to share our happiness, we can talk to Allah (swt) for
the same reasons. Whenever we need to talk to someone or pass along a message, we
communicate with them. If they are far away, we talk to them over the phone, on video
chat, or send them a text message. There is a lot of technology to help us communicate.
Some of this technology uses satellites that send and transmit radio waves across great
distances. Our duʿās and talks with Allah (swt) are also a form of communication.
However, we do not need any technology to communicate with Allah (swt). We can speak
to Him at any time using our voices or even our thoughts. Allah (swt) is as-Samīʿ, the All-
Hearing, and He will hear us whether we speak to Him quietly or loudly.

Today, we will do an activity to remind ourselves that we can call out to Allah (swt) at any
time.

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Color the
Time: 40 minutes coloring
page and
Materials: satellite
• Space coloring page dish
• Satellite dish template template
however
• Crayons/colored pencils
you like.
• Scissors
2. Cut out
• Glue
the circle
from the
template by
cutting along the dotted line.
3. Fold the circle in half 3 times (along the lines). This will
make 8 sections.
4. Open up the folds. Cut along the dotted line in the circle.
5. Overlap one section over the other and glue them together.
This will be the satellite dish.
6. Glue the dish to the satellite image on the coloring page.
7. Finish coloring and decorating however you like.

66
I can talk to Allah with my prayers
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 10: Water
Lesson 23
(taken from Verses of Light, lesson 23) Water
َّ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ
ْ َ ‫ك‬
ٍّ‫ش ٍء َح‬ ‫و جعلنا ِمن ٱلمآ ِء‬
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn about the Transliteration: Wa jaʿalnā minal-māʾi kulla shayʾin ḥayy
miracle of water. They will Translation: And We made from water every living thing
then memorize the āyah. Āyah Source: Sūrah al-Anbiyā, Verse 30 (21:30)

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION LESSON 23: WATER

And We
1. Begin each lesson with Bismillāhir Raḥmānir Raḥīm (encourage made from
students to join you in reciting and doing the associated hand gestures water every
before each lesson). living thing
2. Guiding questions: We are going to talk about water today. What do
Sūrah al-Anbiyā, Verse 30
(21:30)

you use water for? What are the different ways we use water?
3. Make a list: Together with your students, make a quick list. Jot down
their responses onto a poster paper or whiteboard.
4. SAY: We are going to learn a new and special āyah today. I want you
to listen carefully and think about what this āyah is telling us.
5. Show and recite: Show students the picture as you slowly and clearly
recite the āyah in Arabic.
6. ASK: In this āyah, what is Allah telling us about His creatures?
Students will probably respond, “They are made of water!”
7. Read translation slowly and clearly: Now I will read what this āyah
means. ّ َ ‫� ٍء‬ َّ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ
ْ َ ‫ك‬
﴾�ٍ ِ‫﴿و جعلنا مِن ٱلمآء‬
Wa jaʿalnā minal-māʾi kulla shayʾin ḥayy
52

STEP 2: DISCUSSION
1. Ask students to sit in a circle facing you. During the discussion, jot down key points on a whiteboard or chart-paper.
2. Use the talking points below to encourage an interactive discussion with students:
• What are some things you know about water?
• More than 1400 years ago, Allah revealed in the Qurʾān that everything comes from water and today we are
learning more and more about the big role water has in all creations of Allah!
• Scientists have found out and are slowly learning more about what Allah knew all along— that all creatures have
originated from water and that most of our bodies are made up of water (around 70%)!
• Did you know a person cannot live without water for more than 3 days, but can live without food for much longer?
That’s how important water is!
• The Qurʾān is amazing and full of miracles. One of its miracles is that it has some scientific facts that scientists
didn’t discover til years later!

52
71
 STEP 3: MEMORIZATION & HAND GESTURES
1. SAY: We will be memorizing this beautiful āyah using special hand gestures! I want you all to listen attentively and
watch carefully as I recite the āyah with these special signs.
2. Introduce each sign: Do the sign, recite the Arabic, and then share the English meaning. Encourage students to
imitate your actions. Do one sign at a time until students have understood the sign, the Arabic, and the meaning.
3. Example: When you show the action ‘make rain using fingers,’ be sure to say the Arabic (wa jaʿalnā minal-māʾi)
and translation (and we made from water) so that students can associate the sign with the Arabic word and English
meaning.

Make rain using Make rain using Pretend to point Pretend to point Pretend to point Show something Show something
fingers fingers to different things to different things to different things growing growing
(Wa jaʿalnā minal- (Wa jaʿalnā minal- (kulla - every) (kulla - every) (kulla - every) (shayʾin ḥayy - (shayʾin ḥayy -
māʾi - and we māʾi - and we living thing) living thing)
made from water) made from water)

4. Video: Tell students that you have a special video of the gestures that you will show them. Watch the video at https://
kisakids.org/pages/quranmemorization or refer to QR code on page 4. Watch the video 2-3 times.
5. Group Practice: Do the signs while reciting the āyah, increasing your volume each time, which will give your voice
some variation. Start with a whisper and repeat until you get to a louder voice. This will get students excited and
encourage them to recite and imitate your voice and actions.
6. Partner Practice: Students should practice with a partner, reciting the Arabic and English with the gestures 5 times.
7. Students Share: Encourage a few students to demonstrate and give positive feedback.
8. Final Practice: As a class, slowly do all the signs as you recite the āyah out loud. Repeat with translation.
9. Note: Watch for students who are struggling and bring them closer to you and assist them.

STEP 4: STORYTIME
Directions:
1. Show students the picture of the story, ask them to help you come up with names for the characters on the page, and then
create a story.
2. OR use the sample story below:

Riiiing! The school bell rang and lunch was over. Huda was excited for next period because it was time for her science class. Her
teacher, Mr. Hadi, told the class that they were going to learn about something very special: water! “Did you know that our bodies
are mostly water—about ⅔ of it!” The students were surprised at this cool fact. Two-thirds was almost the whole body! Mr. Hadi
continued, “We can’t live more than three days without water, but can survive much longer without food. Water is very important
to how our body functions. In fact, not a single person, animal, or plant on this planet can survive without water!” The students
were quiet, pondering how incredibly important something as simple as water was, and Huda was absolutely amazed.

“Who knows where water comes from?” Mr. Hadi asked. A few students answered, “From rain!” “From oceans and lakes!” “From
Allah!” all these different answers came. Mr. Hadi laughed cheerfully and said, “You’re all correct!” Did you know that water from
the oceans and lakes evaporate and go into the sky? From there, tiny water droplets form the dark clouds we see, and then it
falls right back down again as rain or snow!” The students were in awe. What a perfect system, all created by Allah! After school,
Huda looked outside at the dark clouds as it started to rain. She went outside to collect some of it in a glass, as she thought
about the new facts she learned at school. She thanked Allah for this great blessing that He created!

We learned today that Allah says in the Qurʾān that [read āyah with translation]. We always want to remember this blessing of
His so we can make Allah happy!

STEP 5: COLORING
As students color, walk around and encourage them to recite the āyah and perform the hand gesture. When they finish
coloring, they can complete the matching worksheet.

72

53
 WATER
And We
made from
water every
living thing
Sūrah al-Anbiyā, Verse 30
(21:30)

ّ َ ْ َ َّ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ
﴾‫ح‬ ٍ ‫﴿و جعلنا مِن ٱلمآءِ ك ش ٍء‬
Wa jaʿalnā minal-māʾi kulla shayʾin ḥayy
73
 Water
Objective: Children will learn about water and how it plays a very important part in
our lives.

In the lesson, we talked about how water is a beautiful blessing from Allah (swt) and that
all life on Earth is made up of water. Water is useful for many things, and there are many
different ways water makes our life easy. We drink it, cook with it, and clean with it, just
to name a few. Water also comes in different forms, such as steam and ice. Allah (swt) has
made water useful to us in all its forms. We can clean with steam or power a boat with
steam. We can use ice in preserving food as well as on a wound to help us feel better!
Allah (swt) has made water an essential for life and it has a wide variety of uses. We are
dependent on water and cannot survive without it!

Today, we will make a project exploring all the amazing uses of water.

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Cut out the template
Time: 40 minutes by cutting along the
outermost dotted lines.
Materials:
2. Cut the template in half
• Uses of water template widthwise along the
• Crayons/colored pencils dotted line in the middle.
• Pen/markers This should give you 2
• Scissors pieces.
• Glue 3. Color and decorate the
cover piece however you
like.
4. On the other piece, in each section, write/draw 5 ways we
use water.
5. Fold along the solid line of the cover piece.
6. Cut along the dotted lines on the cover piece, but do not cut
past the solid line. This will create 5 tabs that can be folded
open and closed.
7. Place the cover piece over the other piece. Make sure the
spines on the left match up.
8. Glue the cover piece on to the other piece along the spine on
the left where it says “glue here.”
9. Finish coloring and decorating however you like.

74
 1
THE
AMAZING 2
USES

glue here
3
OF
4
WATER
5
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 11: Friends Are Our Brothers or Sisters
(taken from The Guiding Light book 3, lesson 1)

َ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َّ
ٌ‫ون إ ۡخ َوة‬
ِ ‫إِنما المؤمِن‬
Surely, believers are brothers (and
sisters) to each other.
Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt, Verse 10

77
It was a very hot day on the battlefield, and the soldiers were defending Islam bravely.
After the war ended, I was walking amongst the injured. I saw that one of the soldiers had
lost a lot of blood and felt very thirsty, so I rushed to bring him some water.

The fallen soldier held me and said, “Brother, please take this water to the other soldier
first. He's more thirsty than I am!”

I did as he said and ran towards the second soldier. However, when I offered it to him, he
pointed to the third soldier and weakly said, “He's more thirsty than I am. Give the water
to him.”

When I reached the third fallen soldier, I saw that he had already become a martyr. So,
I rushed back to the second soldier, but he, too, had become a martyr. I then rushed to
the first soldier, but by that time, he had also joined his two brothers as a martyr. I was
amazed by how they were all so willing to put the needs of others before their own!

Shahīd Muṭahharī, Vol. 17, P. 389

َ ُ ۡ َ َ َ َ َۡ
‫س ٍط‬
ِ ‫ا ِلق اخاك بِوج ٍه منب‬
Prophet Muḥammad (ṣ):
Greet your friends with a smile on your face.

Mīzān al-Ḥikmah, #113

78
79
 Friends Are Our Brothers or Sisters
Objective: Children will learn about brotherhood/sisterhood in Islam.

Being a good friend and having good friends help us all to be good Muslims. When
we surround ourselves with fellow Muslims, we can encourage each other to do good
and avoid making any mistakes. In the Qurʾān, Allah (swt) says, “Surely, believers are
brothers (and sisters) to each other.”1 This verse is telling us that in Islam, our friends are
so important that they are our brothers and sisters. Our goal of doing good deeds and
growing near to Allah (swt) is what bonds us together.

In the story, the soldiers were willing to overlook their own needs for their brothers in
Islam. They each were more worried about their friends than they were about themselves.
There are many ways we can take care of our friends and build a brotherly/sisterly
relationship with them.
Today, we will do an activity that will make us think about the different ways we can be a
good friend in various settings.

1 Noble Qurʾān, Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt (49), Verse 10

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Color and decorate the people and Earth pictures.
Time: 40 minutes
2. Cut out the pictures.
Materials: 3. Fold the construction paper in half twice. When you open
• People and Earth template the folds, there should be 4 sections.
• Construction paper 4. Glue the Earth picture in the center of the construction
paper.
• Pencil
5. Next, glue all of the body cutouts around the Earth.
• Crayons/colored pencils
• Scissors 6. Label each quarter of the paper:

• Glue a. how to be a good friend in class

• Optional: poster board b. how to be a good friend at recess
c. how to be a good friend at the masjid
d. how to be a good friend at home
7. In each section, write some ways you can be a good friend in
different settings.
8. Finish coloring and decorating if needed.
9. Optional: you can make this on a poster board.

80
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 12: Pick Honest Friends
(taken from The Guiding Light book 3, lesson 2)

َّ ‫َو ُكونُوا َم َع‬

َ‫الصادِق ِۡنۡي‬
Be with the truthful
Sūrah at-Tawbah, Verse 119

83
There was once a man who loved Imām Ḥasan (ʿa) very much, so he asked him, “Can I
be your friend?”

“Yes, of course. We are already friends,” answered the Imām (ʿa).

“But I want to be a close friend, not just any friend,” the man insisted.

The Imām (ʿa) looked at him with kindness and replied, “Being a close friend has certain
conditions. My closest friends should have three traits: (1) they do not praise me falsely,
because I know myself better than anyone; (2) they do not lie to me, because lying is bad;
and (3) they do not gossip.”

The man stayed silent because he knew that he did not meet those conditions. But with
hope in his eyes, he told the Imām (ʿa), “O Imām, please give me some time to develop
these traits.”

The Imām (ʿa) smiled and hugged the man. He comforted the man by telling him that
they would soon become the best of friends, inshāʾAllāh, and that his company is always
welcome. The man felt ever more inspired to become a better person and try to change
his bad habits.

Kalimāt al-Imām al-Ḥusayn (‘a), P.16

َّ َ ۡ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َّ
‫اب‬
ِ ‫حبة الكذ‬ ِ ‫إِياك و مصا‬
Imām Muḥammad al-Bāqir (ʿa):
Beware of making friends with a liar.
Al-Kāfī, Vol. 2, P. 376

84
85
 Pick Honest Friends
Objective: Children will learn about the kinds of friends they should have.

As we have discussed in a previous lesson, friendship is very important in Islam. But

what kind of people should we be friends with? Allah (swt) says in the Qurʾān, “Be with
the truthful.”1 This shows us that we should look for friends who are truthful and honest.
Honesty and telling the truth are a very important part of Islam. Anyone who is dishonest
can lie and cheat and do other things that Allah (swt) does not like. If we made friends
with someone who is dishonest, we could start doing dishonest things that take us away
from Allah (swt).

What should we do if our brothers and sisters in Islam are struggling with honesty? In
the story, when Imām Ḥasan (ʿa) listed the three traits of a good friend, he didn’t tell the
man that they could never be friends. He gave the man hope of becoming one of his best
friends and of becoming a good Muslim! Being honest helps us to be good Muslims and
good friends.

Today, we will make a friendship house that will show that honesty is the foundation of
good friendship.

1 Noble Qurʾān, Sūrah at-Tawbah (9), Verse 119

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Color the parts of the house.
Time: 40 minutes
2. On each column, write a trait of a good friendship (kindness,
sharing, listening, etc).
Materials:
• House template 3. Write “Friendship” on the trapezoid roof.
• Construction paper 4. Cut out all of the pieces by cutting along the dotted lines.
• Crayons/colored pencils 5. Now let’s build the house. At the bottom of the page, start
by spelling the word “HONESTY” using the block letters. We
• Markers
should always work to build a
• Scissors foundation of honesty in our life.
• Glue 6. Then place the columns of
the house upright above the
foundation. This is the body of
the house.
7. Now place the roof piece above
the columns.
8. Glue down all of the pieces.
9. Finish decorating the craft
however you like.

86
O H S N E Y T
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 13: Bring People Together
(taken from The Guiding Light book 3, lesson 3)

ُ َۡ َ َ ََۡ ُ ۡ ََ
ۡ‫كم‬ ‫فأصلِحوا بنۡي أخوي‬
Make peace between your brothers
(and sisters).
Sūrah al-Ḥujarāt, Verse 10

89
In the time of Imām aṣ-Ṣādiq (ʿa), there lived two friends who were so close that they
were like brothers. One day, however, they got into an argument and stopped talking to
each other. When a wise man named Zurārah noticed that the two men were mad at each
other, he decided to invite them to his house. After a long conversation about what went
wrong, Zurārah realized that the two men were disagreeing over money.

“Here,” said Zurārah, “take this money.” The two men looked at the money with surprise
and confusion.

“Imām aṣ-Ṣādiq (ʿa) has told me that whenever two people argue over money, I should
give them money on his behalf to help them solve their problem,” he explained. “So I'm
giving you this money, but only if you go back to being good friends and promise not to
argue anymore.”

Feeling ashamed, the two men looked at each other and hugged. They thanked Zurārah
and left the house in a good mood.

Uṣūl al-Kāfī, Vol. 2, Ḥadīth #3-4

َ َ ََ ۡ َ ۡ
‫صل من قطعك‬ ِ
Prophet Muḥammad (ṣ):
If someone breaks their relationship with you,
you should try to fix it.
Tuḥaf al-ʿŪqūl, P. 305

90
91
 Bring People Together
Objective: Children will learn about conflict resolution and how to make peace
between friends.
We are learning that friendship is very important in Islam. Our friends in Islam are our
brothers and sisters. We are like a family working together to be good Muslims and grow
closer to Allah (swt). Allah (swt) will give us more blessings if we are good friends and
brothers to each other. If we get in a fight with one of our friends, we should try to resolve
any issues with them through communication and forgiveness.

What if two of our friends are fighting with each other? What should we do? When the two
friends in the story were fighting, Imām aṣ-Ṣādiq’s companion stopped the fight between
them. There is a verse in the Qurʾān that says, “Make peace between your brothers (and
sisters).”1 When our friends are fighting with one another, we should do whatever we can
to make peace between them.

Today, we will think of different ways that we can help our friends make peace. These will
be the tools that you can use in the future, inshāʾAllāh!

1 Noble Qurʾān, Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt (49), Verse 10

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Color the tool box,
Time: 40 minutes tools, and handle
however you like.
Materials:
2. Cut out all of the
• Toolbox template pieces by cutting
• Tools and handle template along the dotted
• Crayons/colored pencils lines.
• Scissors 3. Fold the tool box
• Glue along the solid lines
forming the body of the box and the lid.
4. Glue the side edges of the bottom flap and press it in place,
forming a pocket.
5. On each tool, write different ways you can help your friends
get along and resolve their conflicts (ex: sharing, listening,
being inclusive, understanding, shaking hands, staying
calm, etc.)
6. Fold the lid of the tool box down and glue the handle to the
top of the tool box.
7. Finally, put all of the tools into the pocket of the tool box.

92
My Friendship Tools
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 14: Avoid Name Calling
(taken from The Guiding Light book 3, lesson 4)

ََۡ ۡ ُ َ َ َ ََ
‫اب‬
ِ ‫واَل تنابزوا بِاأۡللق‬
And do not call each other bad names.
Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt, Verse 11

97
One day, Imām as-Sajjād (ʿa) was sitting with some of his friends, when a man came up to
him and started calling him bad names. The Imām (ʿa) stayed patient and remained silent
until the man finished and went home. Seeing this, his friends became enraged!

“How dare he talk to you like that!” exclaimed one friend.

“Why didn't you say anything to him?!” asked another.

The Imām (ʿa) tried to calm them down, but some of them darted out and headed to the
man’s home. The Imām (ʿa) did not want anyone to bother the rude man, so he said,
“Follow me. I’ll reply to the man myself.”

As the Imām (ʿa) made his way to the man's house, he kept repeating a verse from
the Qurʾān that talks about holding our anger and forgiving others. Everyone watched
anxiously as the Imām (ʿa) knocked at the man's door. They were most curious to see how
the Imām (ʿa) was going to deal with the rude man.

When the man came out, he grew scared seeing so many people gathered outside. The
Imām (ʿa) kindly greeted the man and gently said, “My brother, if what you said about me
is true, then I ask Allah to forgive me. But if what you said about me is not true, then I ask
Allah to forgive you.”

The man was shocked at the Imām’s kindness. With a regretful heart, he kissed the
Imām's forehead and said, “The things I said about you were not true!” Hanging his head
in shame, he continued, “Those words apply more to me than anyone.”
The Imām (ʿa) forgave the man, and they went on to become good friends.

Al-Burhān fī Tafsīr al-Qurʾān, Vol.1, P. 690

َۡ ۡ َ ّ َ َ ُ‫تَ ۡد ُعوه‬
ِ‫ب اس َمائِهِ ا ِيَله‬ِ ِ‫ح‬ ‫أ‬ ‫ب‬
Prophet Muḥammad (ṣ):
Call your friends by their favorite names.
Nahj al-Faṣāḥah, #1293

98
99
 Avoid Name Calling
Objective: Children will learn about the negative effects of name calling.

Today we are going to discuss an important topic: name calling. How would you feel if
someone purposely pronounces your name wrong? Or calls you by a name that is mean
and insulting? IIt would hurt your feelings, right? We wouldn’t want to be friends with
someone who says mean things to us. Name calling hurts people's feelings and breaks the
bonds of brotherhood/sisterhood.

In the story, we saw how Imām as-Sajjād (ʿa) handled a situation where someone said
unkind words to him. He only used good, kind words with the man. In the Qurʾān, it says
“And do not call each other bad names.”1 Imām as-Sajjād (ʿa) showed us that we should
be kind and forgiving. He didn’t call him any names, even though the man’s behavior was
hurtful.
Today, let’s think of words of kindness and friendship that we can say to others to make
peace, and maintain brotherhood and sisterhood.

1 Noble Qurʾān, Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt (49), Verse 11

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure:

1. Color and decorate the picture
Time: 40 minutes and long box with the kind words
however you like.
Materials:
2. Cut out both boxes by cutting
• Speech bubble template along the dotted lines.
• Construction paper
3. Cut a slit in the speech bubble
• Crayons/colored pencils (you can do this by slightly
• Scissors folding the picture in half
• Glue lengthwise and cutting along the
dotted line).
4. Glue the bottom and side edges
of the picture to the construction
paper. This will create a pocket.
Do not glue the top edge down.
5. Slide the long box with the kind words through the slit from
the top of the picture. You should be able to move the box to
show the kind words.
6. Finally, finish decorating the craft.

100
 Have a nice day!

Hope you are okay

I’m sorry!

Jazakallah khayra

Please

Salamun alaykum
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
Lesson 15: Give Good Gifts
(taken from The Guiding Light book 3, lesson 5)

َ‫ح ُّيوا بأَ ۡح َس َن م ِۡنهآ‬

َ َ‫َو إ َذا ُح ّي ۡي ُتم ب َتح َّية ف‬
ِ ٍ ِ ِ ِ ِ
And when someone greets you, reply with a
better greeting.
Sūrah an-Nisāʾ, Verse 86

103
It was a day like any other in the marketplace. People were busy buying and selling, and
customers were hunting for the best prices. Imām ʿAlī (ʿa) was also shopping with one of
his workers, Qambar. He bought two shirts: the first one was very nice, and the second
one was very plain.

“Here you go,” said the Imām (ʿa), as he held out the more expensive shirt to Qambar.
“This is for you, my dear friend.”

Qambar was very touched. “O my beloved Imām! How can I take the better shirt? You
should wear it!” he pleaded. “You are the one who stands in the masjid and speaks to
large crowds of people!”

“But you are a young man, and I would feel embarrassed in front of Allah if I wore better
clothes than you,” said the Imām (ʿa). He remembered that the Prophet (ṣ) used to say,
“Give your workers clothes that you would wear, and feed them with food that you would
eat.”

Biḥār al-Anwār, Vol. 5

ُّ َ َ ُ ََ
‫تهادوا حَتابوا‬
Prophet Muḥammad (ṣ):
Exchanging gifts will bring you closer to each other.
Mīzān al-Ḥikmah, #6369

104
105
 Give Good Gifts
Objective: Children will learn about the importance of giving gifts and how Allah (swt)
gives the best gifts!

We have discussed friendship in Islam and the many ways of maintaining the bonds
between us. One way is giving gifts to each other. The Noble Prophet (ṣ) once said,
“Exchanging gifts will bring you closer to each other.”1 When someone gives us a gift, we
feel loved and connected, and this in turn strengthens our bond with them.

In the story, Imām ʿAlī (ʿa) didn’t just give his friend a gift, he gave him the better gift.
Allah (swt) gives the best gifts, and when He gives us a gift, we feel closer and connected
to Him. We can look all around us and see all the gifts from Allah (swt): trees, air to
breath, our family and friends, and so many other wonderful things.

Today, we will make a craft to help us remember Allah’s many gifts to us!
1 Mīzān al-Ḥikmah, Ḥadīth #6369

Suggested Ages: 5+ Procedure: 8. Then glue the folded box 2

1. Color and decorate the onto the bottom flap of the
Time: 40 minutes pieces of the template. Cut card. Do not glue the flaps.
out all of the pieces. 9. Fold the ribbon along the
Materials: solid lines and glue the
2. Fold along the solid lines
• Card and bow template on the card to make 3 ends together.
• Crayons/colored pencils sections. The section with 10. Glue the bow on to the
• Scissors the title should be face up. ribbon.
• Glue 3. Fold box 1 in half at the 11. Finally, slip the ribbon over
solid line and cut along the the card.
dotted lines.
4. Write the best gifts of each
sense under the proper
flaps in box 1.
5. Now glue the folded box 1
into the center of the card.
Do not glue the flaps.
6. Fold box 2 in half at the
solid line and cut along the
dotted lines.
7. Write the best gifts of each
sense under the proper
flaps in box 2.

106
 gift of gift of gift of
the eyes the mouth smell

box 1

Allah Gives
the Best Gifts
card
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
 gift of gift of gift of
the ears touch soul

box 2

ribbon
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK
112