Start with bismillah.

Ask: "What does holding a grudge feel like?"

Watch the Counselor Keri video The Grudge Grizzly.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "What do they ask Allah to remove from their hearts?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "How can I keep my heart clean of grudges?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Al-Hashr is surah 59. Find ayah 10. The key word ghillan means bitterness or hidden grudges. Later believers, including us, are taught to ask forgiveness for those who came before and to keep our hearts clean. Like a river smoothing stones, letting go makes hearts gentle.

Fact: How do river stones become smooth?

Ages 5–8: Let it go. Write a grudge on paper, crumple it and throw it away.

Ages 9–12: Heart cleaning. Write a du'a in your own words asking Allah to clean your heart.

Finish with: "I found that river stones become smooth because ___."

Talk together:

• Why should we pray for believers who came before us?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• How do grudges hurt the one who holds them?
• How can we let go of hurt?
• What would you like to ask about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will make du'a for my grandparents and the believers before us."

• Make du'a for those before us.
• Try let it go.
• Share heart cleaning.
• Next time: the next ayah (59:11) tells of false promises made by hypocrites. Explore it together!

Action: Make du'a for your grandparents and the believers before us.