Start with bismillah.

Ask: "What was it like when a new baby came into a family you know?"

Watch the Dragon Tales video A Gift from Allah.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "Who decides whether a baby is a girl or a boy?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "Why are girls mentioned first in this ayah?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Ash-Shura is surah 42. Find ayah 49. The key word yahabu means He gives as a gift. Every child is a gift from Allah, not something parents choose. Allah gives daughters to some and sons to others. Many scholars notice that daughters are mentioned first here, showing they are an honoured blessing. Daughters and sons are equally precious.

Fact: About how many babies are born in the world each day?

Ages 5–8: Baby photos. Look at your baby photos and talk about the day you arrived as a gift.

Ages 9–12: Welcome card. Make a card welcoming a new baby, girl or boy, as a gift from Allah.

Finish with: "I found that about ___ babies are born each day."

Talk together:

• Why is every child a gift?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• Why are daughters and sons equally precious?
• How can we welcome new babies in our family or community?
• What would you like to ask about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will do something kind for a younger child."

• Be kind to a younger child.
• Look at baby photos.
• Share your welcome card.
• Next time: the next ayah (42:50) shows that every family is Allah's plan. Explore it together!

Action: Do something kind for a younger child.