Prophet Muhammed PBUH Series
Chapter 6: Magical Night Journey; The Story of Al-Isra & Al-Miraj
[spb_audio]
How Best To Use This Book
- Find a quiet and comfortable space where you and your child can read together.
- Use the prompt sheet at the front of the book to understand the purpose and instructions for effective reading.
- Encourage your child to engage with the story, ask questions, and share their thoughts and feelings.
- Make use of the comprehension questions, relatable story, frequently asked questions, and activity provided at the end of the book to reinforce understanding and enhance the learning experience.
General Tips for Reading:
- Use expressive and engaging voices to bring the characters and story to life.
- Pause during the reading to allow your child to absorb the information and ask questions.
- Take breaks to discuss the illustrations and relate them to your child’s own experiences.
- Encourage your child to participate by repeating key phrases or actions mentioned in the book.
At the End of the Book:
- Comprehension Questions: Test your child’s understanding of the book by asking questions related to the story, characters, and themes.
- Relatable Story: Share a relatable story that reinforces the importance of prayer and its impact on daily life, helping your child connect the book’s message to their own experiences.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Find answers to common questions children might have about prayer, allowing you to address any curiosities and deepen their understanding.
- Activity: Engage your child in an interactive activity related to the book, which encourages hands-on learning and further exploration of prayer concepts.
Comprehension Questions:
-
What unique object do you find in youe room that starts the adventure? What is the name of the magical character that emerges from this object?
-
Describe the creature Al-Buraq. What special abilities does it have, and what important journey does it take the Prophet Muhammad on?
-
The story of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj involves a miraculous journey. What do you think is the significance of this journey for Muslims, and what lessons can be learned from it?
-
During the Prophet Muhammad’s ascent through the seven heavens, whom does he meet in each heaven, and what is the significance of these encounters?
-
At the end of the story, reflects on the lessons he learned. What do you think are the most important lessons you learned from the story of the Prophet Muhammad’s journey, and how can these lessons be applied in everyday life?
Relatable Story
Title: “Amina’s Day of Kindness”
In the bustling city of Medina, there lived a young girl named Amina. She had heard the story of the magical night journey and was particularly moved by the Prophet Muhammad’s journey and the lessons of compassion and faith it taught.
One bright morning, Amina decided to embody these lessons in her own life. She began her day with a small but sincere prayer, seeking to make her day as impactful as the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous journey.
Her first act of kindness was at home. She saw her mother struggling with groceries and rushed to help, remembering how the Prophet helped others in his community. Her mother smiled gratefully, warmth spreading through Amina’s heart.
At school, Amina noticed a new student, Hana, looking lost and alone. Remembering how the Prophet welcomed and cared for others, Amina approached her with a friendly smile and offered to show her around. Hana’s relieved smile made Amina feel like she was flying as fast as Al-Buraq.
During recess, Amina saw some of her classmates arguing over a game. She recalled how the Prophet Muhammad had brought people together in peace and decided to intervene. With calm words and a fair suggestion, she helped them find a solution, and the game continued in harmony.
After school, Amina visited her elderly neighbor, Mr. Ahmed, who lived alone. She remembered how the Prophet respected and cared for the elderly. They spent the afternoon talking and laughing, with Amina helping out with a few chores. Mr. Ahmed’s stories of the old days and his thankful gaze made Amina feel like she had traveled through the heavens of wisdom and respect.
As the day ended, Amina reflected on her actions. She hadn’t journeyed to far-off lands or met prophets, but she felt a deep sense of fulfillment. She had learned that every act of kindness, no matter how small, could make a big difference.
Amina realised that the real power lay in the lessons of compassion, empathy, and faith. She went to bed with a heart full of joy, determined to make every day a journey of kindness, just like the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous night journey.
Questions Children Ask?
-
What is the Book of Power?
- Answer: The Book of Power in the story is a magical book that contains amazing tales, including stories about prophets and miraculous journeys. It’s a special book because it chooses when to share its stories, glowing and shimmering to signal it’s ready to be read.
-
Who is Power Pen and what can it do?
- Answer: Power Pen is a magical, talking pen with wings that comes out of the Book of Power. It can fly and knows all the stories in the book. Power Pen helps by telling you the story of the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey and explaining its significance.
-
What is Al-Buraq and why is it special?
- Answer: Al-Buraq is a miraculous creature in Islamic tradition. Described like a horse with wings, it’s special because of its incredible speed, able to travel long distances in a short time. In the story, Al-Buraq carries the Prophet Muhammad on his night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then through the heavens.
-
Why did the Prophet Muhammad meet different prophets in each heaven?
- Answer: The Prophet Muhammad’s meeting with different prophets in each heaven during his journey symbolizes the connection and continuity between all prophets of Islam. Each prophet he met represents different qualities and messages, showing the unity and diversity of God’s messengers.
-
Why were the prayer times reduced from fifty to five?
- Answer: Initially, Allah decreed fifty daily prayers for Muslims, but this was reduced to five after the Prophet Muhammad, advised by Moses, repeatedly requested a reduction for his followers. This shows Allah’s mercy and understanding of human capabilities. Although the number of prayers was reduced, the spiritual reward remains as if all fifty are performed, emphasizing the importance of prayer in Islam.
-
Can I go on a journey like the Prophet?
- Answer: The Prophet Muhammad’s journey was a unique miracle and a special event in Islamic history. While we may not experience such a miraculous journey ourselves, we can go on our own spiritual journeys by learning, doing good deeds, and showing kindness and compassion to others, just like the Prophet.
Interactive Activity
Activity: “The Compassionate Journey: A Day of Good Deeds”
Objective: This activity encourages children to apply the themes of compassion, kindness, and community service from “Abdul’s Magical Night Journey; The Story of Al-Isra & Al-Miraj” in their daily lives. It’s a practical way to help them understand and emulate the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad.
Materials:
- A small notebook or a sheet of paper.
- Writing utensils (pens, pencils, markers).
- A “Good Deeds Compass” crafted from paper or cardboard (parents can help create this beforehand).
- Stickers or stamps for tracking completed deeds.
Instructions:
-
Crafting the Compass: Before the activity starts, help your child create a “Good Deeds Compass.” This can be a simple compass-shaped craft with directions pointing to different types of good deeds: Helping at Home, Kindness to Friends, Helping Nature, Learning Something New, etc.
-
Planning the Journey: Sit with your child and read the story of “Abdul’s Magical Night Journey; The Story of Al-Isra & Al-Miraj” again, focusing on the themes of kindness, compassion, and the Prophet Muhammad’s journey. Discuss how these themes can be applied in everyday life.
-
Creating a Good Deeds List: Using the notebook or paper, help your child list various good deeds they can perform. These should be simple, achievable tasks, such as helping with chores, sharing toys with siblings, planting a flower, or learning a new fact about a prophet.
-
Embarking on the Journey: Over the next week, encourage your child to perform these good deeds. Each time they complete a task, they can mark it off in their notebook and put a sticker or stamp next to it.
-
Reflection and Sharing: At the end of the week, sit down with your child and reflect on the good deeds they’ve done. Discuss how these actions made them feel and how they think it impacted others.
-
Certificate of Kindness: As a reward for their efforts, present your child with a homemade “Certificate of Kindness.” This could include a summary of the good deeds they’ve done and a message praising their compassion and effort.
Outcome: This activity not only encourages children to practice kindness and compassion but also helps them connect the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad to their daily actions. It’s a meaningful way to reinforce the book’s message and promote hands-on learning.