Opening the ayah…
وَلَقَدْ كَانُوا۟ عَٰهَدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مِن قَبْلُ لَا يُوَلُّونَ ٱلْأَدْبَٰرَ ۚ وَكَانَ عَهْدُ ٱللَّهِ مَسْـُٔولًۭا
Wa laqad' kānū ʻāhadū -llaha min qab'lu lā yuwallūna l-'ad'bāra . wakāna ʻah'du -llahi mas''ūlan
And yet they had already covenanted with Allah not to turn their backs, and a covenant with Allah must (surely) be answered for.
Translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali
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Opening the guide…
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4-I guide
They had already promised Allah not to run away, and promises made to Allah will be asked about.
Start with bismillah.
Ask: "Is a promise to Allah different from a promise to a friend?"
Watch the Little Lanterns video Mousa Keeps His Promise.
Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "What had they promised before?"
Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "What promises have I made to Allah?" Younger children can draw theirs.
Find it in the mushaf: Surah Al-Ahzab is surah 33. Find ayah 15. The key word 'ahd means a promise or pledge. Before the battle, some had pledged not to turn their backs. Every promise to Allah will be asked about. Even small promises, like praying on time, matter to Him.
Fact: Which surah opens by telling believers to fulfil their promises and contracts?
Ages 5–8: Promise chain. Make a paper chain where each link is a promise you kept this week.
Ages 9–12: Promise review. Write three promises you made to Allah, such as prayer, and how you are keeping them.
Finish with: "I found that the surah is ___."
Talk together:
Make a small plan: "This week, I will keep my promise to pray each prayer on time."
Action: Keep your promise to pray each prayer on time.
