Start with bismillah.

Ask: "Have you ever made an excuse that was not really true?"

Watch the IQRA Cartoon episode Attack: Battle of Khandaq.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "What excuse did they give?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "Why do people make excuses?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Al-Ahzab is surah 33. Find ayah 13. The key word 'awrah here means exposed, unprotected. Some people asked the Prophet for permission to leave, claiming their homes were unsafe. Allah reveals they only wanted to run away. Excuses can hide the real reason. Honesty with ourselves is the first step to courage.

Fact: What was the old name of Madinah before the Prophet's arrival?

Ages 5–8: Excuse or reason. Listen to sentences and decide if each is a real reason or an excuse.

Ages 9–12: Honest reasons. Write a time you made an excuse and what the real reason was.

Finish with: "I found that the old name was ___."

Talk together:

• How can we tell an excuse from a reason?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• Why is honesty with ourselves important?
• What excuse do you often use?
• What would you like to ask about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will give the real reason instead of an excuse."

• Give real reasons.
• Play excuse or reason.
• Share honest reasons.
• Next time: the next ayah (33:14) shows how quickly they would have given in. Explore it together!

Action: Give the real reason instead of an excuse.