Start with bismillah.

Ask: "Why do you think the Quran came in Arabic first?"

Watch the One4kids video Learn about Makkah with Kazwa.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "Which city is called the Mother of Cities?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "Why is Makkah called a mother?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Ash-Shura is surah 42. Find ayah 7. The key words umm al-qura mean the Mother of Cities, a name for Makkah. The Quran came in Arabic so the first listeners understood it clearly, and then it spread to the whole world. It reminds everyone of a Day when all people gather, and their choices lead them to the Garden or away from it. Muslims everywhere face Makkah in prayer, like children turning to their mother's home.

Fact: In which direction is Makkah from your home?

Ages 5–8: Find the qiblah. Use a compass or an app to find which way Makkah is from your room.

Ages 9–12: Map the spread. On a world map, mark Makkah and draw arrows to three countries where Islam spread.

Finish with: "I found that Makkah is to the ___ of my home."

Talk together:

• Why is Makkah so special to Muslims?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• How did the Quran reach your country?
• What choices help us towards the Garden?
• What would you like to ask about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will learn the direction of the qiblah in our home."

• Learn the qiblah direction.
• Find it with a compass.
• Share your map.
• Next time: the next ayah (42:8) explains why people are not all one group. Explore it together!

Action: Learn the direction of the qiblah in our home.