The Quran for children and youth: The Preaching of Mohammed

INTRODUCTION

 

The education of Islam is based on finding the balance between the spiritual and material sides. Each believer therefore is not only part of the material and Creation of ALLAH (GOD) on earth, but has his own deep spiritual world to cultivate. Starting from this point, education is intent on preparing the children of believers, the future of the religion, not only for the life of this world, but also for the eternal life of the Hereafter.

The first pillar of faith is to believe in ALLAH, the Arabic term that means the GOD, that is the Creator and the highest GOD who manifested Himself to Abraham, the first true believer in history.

But how can we make known to young people the greatness of GOD, who can neither be seen nor imagined in our small minds? Who cannot be perceived by our common five senses?
Well, GOD has created us in a pure state, naturally inclined to the Truth even more so when we are young, therefore it is very important to have clear some concepts and lessons that can be learned from the Koran when we are very young, so that when we grow up we can pass to the reading of the Holy Text already with a knowledge base that will facilitate learning.

Planting a seed

Teaching children to believe in GOD is something that should be cultivated every day, like planting a seed. It is watered every day so that the roots grow, strengthening its foundation. We must have love and patience because this is the thing that will save us and our children, in this life and the Other.The Qur’an, sometimes written Qur’an, (Arabic: القرآن ) is the Holy book of Islam and considered by Muslims as “the word of ALLAH (GOD)”.
This book was written directly by GOD, through the prophet Muhammad.

Written and read only in Arabic for more than 1,400 years to this day it was chosen to be translated so that it could reach as many people as possible. Yet these translations are only keys to approach the Koran, but they cannot replace the Arabic version.

There are 30 parts to the Quran, making 114 “suras” (chapters). Each sura has a different number of verses.

SURAH 1

The first, is a very special chapter, and it is called Surah Al-Fatiha, or the chapter that opens! In fact it is like a key that opens the door to all the most beautiful stories and teachings of the Qur’an. This chapter Begins with the words “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem,” which means “In the name of GOD, the Compassionate, the Merciful,” and in fact first these two important attributes should always be remembered… And I will explain why…

The first chapter, Surah Al-Fatiha, is indeed very special and full of wisdom. It begins with the words “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem,” reminding us that we should always start everything we do in the name of ALLAH, the Most Compassionate and Most Merciful. These two attributes are like a gentle reminder of ALLAH’s love and care for us.

You see, ALLAH is like a loving parent who watches over us with compassion and mercy. When we begin by acknowledging His name, we’re opening our hearts to His guidance and protection. It’s as if we’re saying, “Dear ALLAH, I know You are the Most Compassionate and Most Merciful, and I trust in Your love and guidance in everything I do.”

This opening chapter also teaches us something very important – the essence of our relationship with ALLAH. We praise Him as the Lord of all the worlds, recognizing His greatness and power. We acknowledge that He is the source of all goodness and mercy in our lives.

And then, we humbly ask ALLAH for guidance. We ask Him to show us the straight path, the path of those who have earned His blessings and love. We seek His help to stay on the right track and avoid the path of those who have gone astray.

So, every time we recite Surah Al-Fatiha, we are not just reciting words; we are opening our hearts to ALLAH’s love, guidance, and mercy. It’s like a beautiful conversation between us and our Creator, reminding us of His presence in our lives and His willingness to guide us on the right path. This is why Surah Al-Fatiha is so special and is often called the “Opening” because it opens our hearts and minds to the wisdom and love of ALLAH.

 

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SURAH 2

The Quran’s Chapter 2, known as “Al-Baqarah” (البقرة, Al-Baqarah), is a vast and profound chapter filled with wisdom. To present it in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for kids and young boys and girls, let’s embark on a simplified journey through its key themes and stories.

1. Introduction to Guidance: Al-Baqarah begins by telling us that the Quran is a guide for those who want to live a good life. It talks about three types of people: those who do good, those who don’t believe in GOD (الله, Allāh), and those who say they believe but actually don’t. It’s like having three different types of students in a class: hardworking ones, those who don’t want to learn, and those who pretend to learn but don’t really.
2. Adam and Eve’s Story: We then learn about Adam (آدم, Ādam) and Eve (حواء, Ḥawwā’). GOD created Adam and taught him many things. GOD asked the angels to bow to Adam as a sign of respect, but Iblis (إبليس, Iblīs), a jinn, refused and was cast out of heaven. Adam and Eve lived in a beautiful garden but were tricked by Iblis into eating from the forbidden tree. This story teaches us about obedience and the consequences of our choices.
3. The Israelites and Moses: This part talks about the Israelites (بني إسرائيل, Banī Isrā’īl) and how GOD helped them against their enemy, Pharaoh (فرعون, Fir’awn). Moses (موسى, Mūsā) was sent to guide them and perform miracles, like parting the Red Sea. Despite these miracles, some Israelites didn’t follow GOD’s commands. This story shows the importance of faith and following GOD’s guidance.
4. The Cow and Abraham’s Story: The chapter gets its name from a story about a cow. GOD asked the Israelites to sacrifice a cow, but they kept asking for more details instead of obeying immediately. This part also talks about Abraham (إبراهيم, Ibrāhīm) and how he was willing to do everything for GOD, even sacrificing his son (which GOD stopped at the last moment). This teaches us about trust and obedience to GOD.
5. Changing Direction in Prayer: Originally, Muslims prayed facing Jerusalem, but then GOD instructed them to face the Kaaba (الكعبة, Al-Ka’bah) in Mecca. This change teaches us that it’s not just about the direction we face but our intentions and obedience that matter in prayer.
6. Fasting, Hajj, and Fighting for Justice: Al-Baqarah talks about fasting during Ramadan, the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), and standing up for justice. Fasting helps us understand the struggles of those who are less fortunate, Hajj shows the unity of Muslims worldwide, and fighting for justice is important to uphold goodness.
7. Finances and Charity: The chapter advises us to be honest in our financial dealings and to help others through charity. It teaches that earning money should be fair and helping those in need is a part of being a good Muslim.
8. The Final Message: Al-Baqarah ends by reminding us that life is a test from GOD. We should live by being truthful, patient, humble, and by always remembering GOD in everything we do.

Continue soon…