Start with bismillah.

Put a little glitter on your hand and shake hands with someone. Ask: "Where did the glitter go?"

Watch the Cincinnati Children's video How Germs Spread.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "What should we keep away from?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "What kinds of 'dirt' can't we see?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Al-Muddaththir is surah 74. Find ayah 5. The key words war-rujza fahjur mean and the unclean, avoid it. Many scholars say this means idols and all wrongdoing. Like germs, bad habits spread easily, so it's wise to stay away.

Fact: How long do germs stay on a door handle?

Ages 5–8: Handwash song. Wash your hands while saying a short dua twice. That's about twenty seconds.

Ages 9–12: Germ map. Make a list of the places at home that get touched most. How often are they cleaned?

Finish with: "I found that germs can stay on surfaces for ___."

Talk together:

• What are some "unclean" things that aren't dirt?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• Why is it easier to avoid something than to stop it later?
• How can friends help us stay away from bad things?
• What would you like to ask about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will wash my hands before every meal."

• Wash your hands before meals.
• Share your germ map.
• Tell someone how germs spread.
• Next time: the next ayah (74:6) says not to give hoping for more back. Explore it together!

Action: Wash your hands before every meal.