Start with bismillah.

Ask: "What's the oldest story you know? How did it reach you?"

Watch the National Science Foundation video about how tree rings tell history.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "What story does Allah ask about?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "Which armies is this about?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Al-Buruj is surah 85. Find ayah 17. The key word al-junud means the armies (forces). The next ayah tells us whose armies they were. The Quran tells true stories so we can learn from them.

Fact: What can a tree's rings tell us about the past?

Ages 5–8: Ring count. Look at a tree stump or a log slice (or a picture). Count the rings. How old was the tree?

Ages 9–12: Ring detective. Find out what thick and thin rings tell scientists about wet and dry years.

Finish with: "I found that a tree's rings show ___."

Talk together:

• Why does Allah tell us stories from long ago?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• What lessons can we learn from people who came before us?
• What stories from your family would you like to remember?
• What would you like to ask an ustaz or ustazah about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will ask an older relative to tell me a true story from their life."

• Show someone your ring count.
• Tell someone what tree rings teach scientists.
• Next time: the next ayah (85:18) names Pharaoh and Thamud. Explore it together!

Action: Ask a grandparent or elder for a true story.