Start with bismillah.

Ask: "Where does kindness start?"

Watch the My Bedtime Stories video Kindness Starts With You.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "Which group does the surah return to now?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "What will happen to the near ones after this life?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Al-Waqi'ah is surah 56. Find ayah 88. The key word al-muqarrabin means those brought near. At the end, the surah returns to the three groups from the start, now at the moment of passing. The near ones raced ahead in faith and kindness all their lives, and good news is waiting for them.

Fact: How many different people could one act of kindness reach in a week?

Ages 5–8: Kindness chain. Make a paper chain and add a link for each kind act your family does.

Ages 9–12: Kindness project. Plan one kind act for your class or neighbours and carry it out.

Finish with: "I found that one kind act can reach ___ people."

Talk together:

• Why does the surah end by returning to the three groups?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• What makes someone near to Allah?
• Which kind act can you start today?
• What would you like to ask about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will start each morning by planning one kind act."

• Plan a kind act each morning.
• Make a kindness chain.
• Share your kindness project.
• Next time: the next ayah (56:89) promises rest, fragrance and a garden. Explore it together!

Action: Start each morning by planning one kind act.