Start with bismillah.

Ask: "How would you feel if people talked about you behind your back?"

Watch the Deenies video Why You Shouldn't Talk Bad About Others.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "What three things does Allah warn us about?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "Why is backbiting so ugly to Allah?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Al-Hujurat is surah 49. Find ayah 12. The key word ghibah means backbiting: saying something about someone that they would dislike, when they are not there. The ayah also warns against bad guesses about people and spying on them. Allah gives a picture of something we would hate, to show how ugly backbiting is. The ayah ends with Allah's forgiveness for those who turn back.

Fact: What is the difference between backbiting and telling the truth to get help?

Ages 5–8: Good thoughts. When someone does something odd, think of three kind reasons why.

Ages 9–12: Talk test. Before speaking about someone, ask: is it true, is it kind, would they mind?

Finish with: "I found that backbiting is different from getting help because ___."

Talk together:

• Why do people sometimes think the worst of others?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• How can we change the subject when backbiting starts?
• How does giving people the benefit of the doubt help friendships?
• What would you like to ask about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will only speak about people when they are not there in ways I'd be happy for them to hear."

• Think of kind reasons.
• Use the talk test.
• Next time: the next ayah (49:13) speaks about nations and tribes. Explore it together!

Action: Speak about others kindly.