Opening the ayah…
ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ مَهْدًۭا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمْ فِيهَا سُبُلًۭا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ
Alladhī jaʻala lakumu l-'ar'ḍa mah'dan wajaʻala lakum' fīhā subulan llaʻallakum' tah'tadūna
(Yea, the same that) has made for you the earth (like a carpet) spread out, and has made for you roads (and channels) therein, in order that ye may find guidance (on the way);
Translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali
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Opening the guide…
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4-I guide
He made the earth a cradle for you and made paths in it so you could find your way.
Start with bismillah.
Ask: "How did people travel long distances before cars?"
Watch the Fun Kids Learn video How Romans made roads.
Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "What did Allah make in the earth?"
Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "How do valleys and rivers make natural paths?" Younger children can draw theirs.
Find it in the mushaf: Surah Az-Zukhruf is surah 43. Find ayah 10. The key word subulan means paths and ways. Allah made the earth smooth and spread out like a cradle, with valleys, mountain passes and rivers that make natural routes. People later built roads along them. The ayah adds: so that you may find your way, both on journeys and in life.
Fact: Which ancient trade route crossed Arabia?
Ages 5–8: Path map. Draw a map of the path from your home to school.
Ages 9–12: Natural routes. Find out how a river valley or mountain pass became a road.
Finish with: "I found that the trade route was called ___."
Talk together:
Make a small plan: "This week, I will say the travel du'a before every journey, even short ones."
Action: Say the travel du'a before every journey, even short ones.
