Start with bismillah.

Ask: "When is it right to be firm?"

Play the short clip from Mingo of Muhammad Al-Luhaidan reciting ayat 71–80 of At-Tawbah.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "Who was the Prophet told to strive against?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "How can someone be both kind and firm?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah At-Tawbah is surah 9. Find ayah 73. The Prophet was the kindest of people, but he was told to stand firm against those who kept attacking and harming Islam. Striving here includes speaking the truth clearly. Firmness with wrongdoing and kindness to people can go together. The Fire is mentioned in one line.

Fact: Jihad means striving and struggling for good, including against our own bad habits.

Ages 5–8: Firm and kind. Say no to something wrong in a kind but firm voice.

Ages 9–12: Two qualities. Write how to be firm and kind at the same time.

Finish with: "Jihad means ___ for good."

Talk together:

• Who was the Prophet told to strive against?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• How can kindness and firmness go together?
• What wrong can you say no to?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will say no to something wrong, kindly but firmly."

• Firm and kind.
• Say no politely.
• Strive for good.
• Next time: the next ayah (9:74) describes those who spoke disbelief and swore otherwise. Explore it together!

Action: Say no to something wrong, kindly but firmly.