Start with bismillah.

Ask: "Are all families the same size?"

Watch the IQRA CARTOON video Prophet Stories: Zakariya.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "Which two names of Allah end this ayah?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "Why are families different?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Ash-Shura is surah 42. Find ayah 50. The key words alimun qadir mean All-Knowing, All-Powerful. Some families have many children, some have one, and some have none. Each family is part of Allah's knowledge and wisdom. Prophet Zakariya waited many years and kept making du'a, and Allah chose the right time to give him a son. Every family, whatever its size, is precious.

Fact: Which surah tells of Zakariya's du'a and is named after his relative Maryam?

Ages 5–8: Family portraits. Draw three different families you know and one good thing about each.

Ages 9–12: Zakariya's du'a. Read Zakariya's story in Surah Maryam and write what it teaches about patience.

Finish with: "I found that the surah is ___."

Talk together:

• Why does Allah make families different?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• How can we be kind to families different from ours?
• What does Zakariya teach us about du'a?
• What would you like to ask about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will make du'a for every family I know."

• Make du'a for families.
• Draw family portraits.
• Share Zakariya's lesson.
• Next time: the next ayah (42:51) explains how Allah speaks to people. Explore it together!

Action: Make du'a for every family you know.