Opening the ayah…
طَاعَةٌۭ وَقَوْلٌۭ مَّعْرُوفٌۭ ۚ فَإِذَا عَزَمَ ٱلْأَمْرُ فَلَوْ صَدَقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَكَانَ خَيْرًۭا لَّهُمْ
Ṭāʻatun waqaw'lun mmaʻ'rūfun . fa'idhā ʻazama l-'am'ru falaw' ṣadaqū -llaha lakāna khay'ran llahum'
Were it to obey and say what is just, and when a matter is resolved on, it were best for them if they were true to Allah.
Translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali
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Opening the guide…
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4-I guide
Obedience and good words would be better; once the matter is decided, being true to Allah would be best for them.
Start with bismillah.
Ask: "What is courage, really?"
Watch the Choose Love Movement video What is Courage?
Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "What two things would have been better for them?"
Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "What does it mean to be true to Allah?" Younger children can draw theirs.
Find it in the mushaf: Surah Muhammad is surah 47. Find ayah 21. The key words qawlun ma'ruf mean a good, fitting word. Instead of complaining and making excuses, it is better to obey and speak kindly. When a decision is made, being sincere and keeping your word shows true faith.
Fact: What does the word "sincere" mean?
Ages 5–8: Kind words jar. Put a paper slip in a jar for every kind word you say.
Ages 9–12: Excuse or action. Write one excuse you often make and the action you could take instead.
Finish with: "I found that sincere means ___."
Talk together:
Make a small plan: "This week, I will answer 'yes, insha'Allah' instead of complaining when asked to help."
Action: Answer 'yes, insha'Allah' instead of complaining when asked to help.
