Opening the ayah…
يَدْعُوا۟ لَمَن ضَرُّهُۥٓ أَقْرَبُ مِن نَّفْعِهِۦ ۚ لَبِئْسَ ٱلْمَوْلَىٰ وَلَبِئْسَ ٱلْعَشِيرُ
Yad'ʻū laman ḍarruhu 'aq'rabu min nnaf'ʻihī . labi''sa l-maw'lā walabi''sa l-ʻashīru
(Perhaps) they call on one whose hurt is nearer than his profit: evil, indeed, is the patron, and evil the companion (or help)!
Translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali
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Opening the guide…
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4-I guide
They call on one whose harm is closer than any benefit, and what a bad protector and bad companion that is.
Start with bismillah.
Ask: "Would you shelter under a broken umbrella?"
M Asif shares Mishary Alafasy's recitation of Al-Hajj. Listen to a short stretch.
Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "What is nearer: harm or benefit?"
Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "How can I choose good companions?" Younger children can draw theirs.
Find it in the mushaf: Surah Al-Hajj is surah 22. Find ayah 13. Some 'helpers' bring more trouble than good. The ayah calls them a bad protector and companion. Choose friends and helpers who bring you closer to Allah.
Fact: Why do some plants have thorns? Find out.
Ages 5–8: Good company. Draw friends who help you be good.
Ages 9–12: Helper check. Write signs of a helper whose harm is more than their help.
Finish with: "I found plants have thorns to ___."
Talk together:
Make a small plan: "This week, I will be a helpful companion to ___."
Action: Be a good companion.
