A Bend The Bamboo Series
Islamic Foundations
For Children
Aydarus Ahmad Alhabshi
1st Edition - Jamadul-Akhir 1445 | Dec 2023
A Bend The Bamboo Series
Author: Aydarus Ahmad Alhabshi
Copyright © 2023 by Revamp Enrichment Centre
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ISBN: XXX XXX XXX XXXX XXXX
Title: Islamic foundations for children
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Contents
The Du’a (supplication) and intention before studying. 3
Chapter 6: The prayer - Ṣolāh. 12
Chapter 10: Belief in Allāh. 19
Chapter 11: Belief in the Angels 23
Chapter 12: Belief in the Books. 26
Chapter 13: Belief in the Messengers. 27
The Du’a (supplication) and intention before studying
Written by al-Imām Abdullāh b. Alawi b. Muhammad al-Haddad
نَوَيۡتُ التَّعَلُّمَ وَالتَّعۡلِيۡمَ, وَالتَّذَكُّرَ وَالتَّذۡكِيۡرَ, وَالنَّفۡعَ وَالۡاِنۡتِفَاعَ,
وَالۡإِفَادَةَ وَالۡاِسۡتِفَادَةَ, وَالۡحَثَّ عَلَى التَّمَسُّكِ بِكِتَابِ اللّٰـهِ وَسُنَّةِ رَسُوۡلِهِ, وَالدُّعَآءَ إِلَى الۡهُدَى وَالدَّلَالَةَ عَلَى الۡخَيۡرِ اِبۡتِغَاءَ وَجۡهِ اللّٰـهِ وَمَرۡضَاتِهِ وَقُرۡبِهِ وَثَوَابِهِ سُبۡحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
Nawai-tut-ta-'alluma wa-ta'-līm, wat-tažakkura wat-tažkīr, wan-naf-'a wal-intifā', wal-ifādata wal-istifāda, wal-hašša 'alat-tamassuki bikitābillāhi wa-sunnati rasūlih, wad-du-'ā-a ilal-hudā wad-dalālata 'alal-khayr, ibti-ghā-a wajhillāhi wa-marḍātihi wa-qurbihi wa-šawābihi subhānahu wa-ta'āla
I hereby intend to learn and to teach. To be reminded and to remind. To be beneficial and to derive benefit. To seek knowledge and be of benefit. And to encourage holding fast to the Book of God and the Sunnah of His messenger. And to call unto guidance and to guide unto good, for the sake of God, His pleasure, proximity and reward, transcendent and exalted is He!
Chapter 1: Islām[1]
One day, Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ was sitting with his companions when a man dressed in pure white clothes and whose hair was extremely black approached. He was so clean! There were no signs of travel on him. Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ and his companions all did not know him.
The stranger sat down respectfully knee to knee opposite the Prophet, placed his hands on the Prophet’s thighs, and asked, "O Muĥammad! Tell me, what is Islām?"
The Prophet ﷺ answered him saying, "Islām is, to testify that there is no god but Allāh and that Muĥammad is Allāh's Messenger, to perform the prayer, pay the Zakāt, fast in Ramaḍān, and make the pilgrimage to the Holy House (Ka'bah) - if you can afford."
The stranger said, "You have spoken truthfully."
All the companions were amazed that he would ask the question and then he would himself verify the answer!
v This chapter is about the pillars of Islām. It is relating to what we have to say and do as a Muslim.
v Islām means Submission, which means to submit oneself to Allāh. We submit by obeying His commands and staying away from what He forbids.
v A person who submits and obeys Allāh is called a Muslim.
v The five things mentioned by Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ in this chapter, are called the five pillars of Islām or Arkānul-Islām.
Discussions
1. Other than the five pillars[2] of Islām, what are other things that you know, that we must do as Muslims?
2. What are the things you know, that we are not allowed to do as Muslims?
3. Have you memorised the five pillars of Islām?
Chapter 2: Īmān[3]
After inquiring about Islām, the stranger asked a second question, "Tell me, what is Īmān?"
Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ answered; “Īmān is, to believe in Allāh, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe that no good or evil happens except by His Decree (Qadar).”
"You have spoken truthfully," said the stranger, again!
All the companions were getting more amazed that he would again ask the question and then verify the answer!
v The six things mentioned in this chapter are called the six pillars of Īmān. It is regarding the things that we must believe in, as Muslims.
v Īmān means faith or belief.
v A person who believes is called a Mu’min.
v Number 6 is also known as to “believe in “Qadar” or Destiny.
Discussions
1. Other than the six pillars of Īmān, what are other things that you know, we must also believe, as Muslims?
2. How many names of Angels do you know?
3. How many names of Prophets do you know?
4. Have you memorised the five pillars of Īmān?
Chapter 3: Iĥsān[4]
After the stranger asked Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ about Islām and Īmān, he then asked a third question; "Tell me, what is Iĥsān?"
Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ answered, "Iĥsān is; to worship Allāh as if you see Him, for although you do not see Him, verily He sees you."
"You have spoken truthfully," said the stranger, yet again!
Imagine how more amazed the companions were by this time!
v Iĥsān means excellence. Which means that whatever we do in life, we do it to our best ability because Allāh is always watching us. We do everything that we do, for the sake of Allāh, aiming to make Him proud of us!
v An example is to pray beautifully even though no one is watching us!
v A person who has Iĥsān, is called a Muĥsin.
Discussions
1. Can we see Allāh? Why is it not possible?
2. Can Allāh see us? How is that possible?
3. Do you love Allāh? How do you show or express it?
Chapter 4: As-Sā‘ah[5]
After the stranger asked the three questions, he then asked a final question; "Tell me about As-Sā‘ah (the last day).”
Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ answered, "The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner." Meaning, he ﷺ himself, does not know.
The stranger then said, "Then tell me of its signs."
Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ answered, "The slave-girl shall give birth to her mistress, and you will find the barefoot and needy herdsmen build buildings ever higher and higher."
The stranger then went away.
The Prophet ﷺ said to one of the companions, "O ‘Umar, do you know who the questioner was?" ‘Umar answered, "God and His Messenger knows best."
The Prophet ﷺ said, "It was Jibrīl (‘alaihissalām). He came to teach you about your religion."
(Hadis sahih Muslim)
v As-Sā‘ah means “the last day” or “the end of times”. It is also known as Yawmul Qiyāmah.
v Explanation about the answer from Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ, "The slave-girl shall give birth to her mistress, and you will find the barefoot and needy herdsmen build buildings ever higher and higher."
Ø “The slave-girl shall give birth to her mistress”:
It means that near “the end of times”, many children will disobey and disrespect their parents and behave like bosses towards them.
Ø “The barefoot and needy herdsmen build buildings ever higher and higher”:
It means that near “the end of times”, many people who used to be poor shepherds and farmers – who could not even afford to buy footwear, will become rich and compete to build tall buildings.
Discussions
1. What happens during and after As-Sā‘ah?
2. We do not know when it will happen, but what are the signs that Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ mentioned?
3. Have we seen the signs happening?
4. Are you nice and obedient to your parents?
5. Have you memorised the signs of As-Sā‘ah, as how Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ described it?
The
Pillars
of
Islām
Chapter 5: Shahādatain
The Prophet ﷺ said that the first pillar of Islām is to testify that there is no god but Allāh and that Muĥammad is Allāh's Messenger.
In short, this first pillar is called the shahādatain. It means bearing witness in the two testimonials. The first is to testify believing in Allāh, and the second is believing that Muĥammad is the messenger of Allāh.
As Muslims, we say the shahādatain daily while performing the five obligatory prayers.
The “shahādatain” is to say sincerely with complete belief and acceptance, the following:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا اِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰه
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُوْلُ اللّٰه
Ash-hadu allā ilāha illallāh.
Wa ash-hadu-anna muĥammadar rasūslullāh
The meaning:
I bear witness that there is no god but Allāh and I bear witness that Muĥammad is the messenger of Allāh.
Discussions
1. How many times do we say the shahādatain in total per day during the five daily prayers?
2. What do we do when we say the shahādatain during the prayer?
3. Have you memorised the shahādatain and its meanings?
Chapter 6: The prayer - Ṣolāh
As Muslims, it is compulsory for us to pray five times a day. The five prayers are Ṣubuĥ, Ẓuhur, ‘Aṣar, Maghrib and ‘I-sha`.
Allāh says that He did not create us except that we worship Him[6]. Which means, the prayer is the most important thing for us to do as a Muslim.
The prayer, known as Ṣolāh, is something that Allāh, our Creator, has commanded us to do. Ṣolāh is a way for believers to connect with Allāh, to seek His guidance and forgiveness.
Ṣolāh is not just a routine, it is a gift from Allāh, as a way for believers to show their love and build a close relationship with Him. It also serves as our proof to Allāh that we are obedient, that we remember Him and are thankful to Him.
In the hereafter, the first thing we shall be questioned about, is our Ṣolāh.
Discussions
1. Do you know the story about how Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ received the command from Allāh to pray the obligatory prayers?
2. Do you know how to pray and what to recite during the prayers?
3. Have you memorised the names and raka’at of all the five daily prayers?
Chapter 7: Zakāt
In Islām, it is a duty to share a part of our wealth with those who are less fortunate. This act of giving is called Zakāt, and there are two types of it.
Firstly, there is Zakāt Fitrah, which we give during the special month of Ramaḍān. The second type of Zakāt is on our savings, which is paid once a year.
Zakāt teaches us to be generous, caring, and loving towards those who are in need. By sharing our wealth, we spread kindness and give hope to the poor and needy.
Zakāt is not just about giving money; it is about creating a caring and supportive community where everyone looks out for one another. And this is what Islām teaches us.
Discussions
1. Do children have to pay Zakāt?
2. Do you know how much you have to pay for zakāt fitrah in your country?
3. Why is Zakāt given during the special month of Ramaḍān? What might be the significance of this timing?
Chapter 8: Ṣawum
Ṣawum, or fasting, is a special act of worship in Islām observed during the month of Ramaḍān. It is a time when Muslims around the world refrain from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset.
There are many benefits in fasting. During fasting, we remember the poor and the needy who do not have enough food. This helps us understand how lucky we are, and teach us to be thankful for the blessings we have and make us want to help others.
In Ramaḍān, it is not just about not eating and drinking. Fasting helps us become better in lots of ways. Ramaḍān is like a special training school for our whole body! Not only does our stomach fast, our eyes, ears, mouth and every part of our body is supposed to ‘fast’ too! Eyes and ears ‘fast’ from looking at and listening to what is haram, and mouth refrains from saying anything that might upset others.
Ramaḍān becomes a training school for self-discipline. It teaches us to be patient, control our appetites and impulses. This special month is when we aim to become better, draw closer to Allāh, and show kindness to everyone around us.
Allāh promises that those who fast with sincerity and honesty will be given the greatest of rewards from Him.
v The intention to fast in Ramaḍān:
نـَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غـَدٍ عَـنْ اَدَاءِ فـَرْضِ شـَهْرِ رَمـَضَانَ هٰذِهِ السَّـنـَةِ لِلّٰـهِ تـَعَالىَ
Na-wai-tu ṣawma gha-din ‘an-a-dā-i farḍi shah-ri ramaḍāna hāžihis-sanati lillāhi ta-‘ā-lā
I intend to fast tomorrow to fulfill the obligation of fasting in this year’s month of Ramaḍān because of Allāh, The AlMighty.
Discussions
1. Do children have to fast?
2. Share your experience of fasting.
3. How does fasting help us remember and understand the struggles of the poor and needy?
4. Have you memorised the intentions of fasting in Ramaḍān, both in Arabic and English?
Chapter 9: Hajj
Hajj is like a special trip that Muslims take to Makkah during the month of Zulhijjah. It's a journey that every Muslim who is able, must go on at least once in their lifetime. Around 2 million Muslims go on this spiritual trip every year! People who go to Hajj are called pilgrims.
The Hajj is a big proof of one’s submission and obedience to Allāh. The act of worship performed during Hajj will bring us closer to Allāh.
Doing Hajj is a very special opportunity. Those who complete Hajj get a 'fresh start', like a newborn baby. This means that Allāh forgives them, and they leave Makkah without any sins!"[7]
The pilgrims gather at a very special place called the Ka’bah in Makkah. It is a square building built by Prophet Ibrāhīm and Prophet Ismā‘īl. The Ka’bah is a symbol of unity for all Muslims, and it is where everyone faces when they pray, no matter where they are in the world.
The special prayer that Hajj pilgrims recite is:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّـهُمَّ لَبَّيْك، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْك،
إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْك، لَا شَرِيكَ لَك
Labbaykallāhumma labbayk,
Labbayka lā sharika laka labbayk,
innal-hamda, wan-ni'mata, laka wal-mulk,
lā sharīka lak.
The meaning:
"Here I am, O Allāh, here I am (I respond to Your call). Here I am . You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, grace, and kingdom is Yours, and You have no partners."
Discussions
1. Why do you think we are encouraged to go on Hajj only if we can afford it?
2. Why do you think it is only obligatory to go on Hajj at least once in our lifetime?
3. Do you know how much it costs to go on a trip for Hajj? When should we start saving?
4. Do you know the story about Abrahah and the “Elephant army”?
5. Have you memorised the special prayer that Hajj pilgrims recite?
The
Pillars
of
Īmān
Chapter 10: Belief in Allāh
Allāh is One and only; He has no partners, no parents, no child. He is not like any of the creations. He is absolutely independent.
We must believe in the existence of Allāh Ta‘āla. Even though we cannot see Him, everything around us — like the earth, people, animals, plants, the sky, and the entire universe—shows us that Allāh is real and created all of this.
Allāh is unlike anything we can see and imagine. Our eyes and our senses can only understand things that belong to our world, like animals and people. Allāh is beyond our senses, beyond our understanding, and beyond this world.
However, Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ told us that in Paradise (Jannah), good people will get to see Allāh! They will be able to see Him as clearly as we can see the bright, full moon on a clear night!
There is nothing which is like Allāh[8]. And whatever we imagine is not Allāh.
Allāh has unlimited attributes or characteristics. However, there are 20 attributes of Allāh that we all should know.
The 20 attributes (Sifat) of Allāh
وجود
Wujūd
قدم
Qidam
بقاء
Baqā’
مخالفته للحوادث
Mukhālafatuhu
lil hawādisi
قيامه بنفسه
Qiyāmuhu
Binafsihi
وحدانية
Wahdāniyah
قدرة
Qudrah
إرادة
Irādah
علم
‘Ilmun
حي
Hayyun
سمع
Sama’
بصر
Basar
كلام
Kalām
قادرا
Qādiran
مريدا
Murīdan
علما
Aliman
حيا
Hayyan
سميعا
Samī’an
بصيرا
Basīran
متكلما
Mutakalliman
Meaning of the 20 attributes of Allāh:
1. Wujūd means "Exist." Allāh exists and He did not come into being from anything. The whole universe is a proof of the existence of Allāh, the Creator.
2. Qidam means Allāh existed before anything was created. Allāh has no beginning. He was not created.
3. Baqā' means "Everlasting." Allāh has no ending. Allāh's existence is everlasting and will never end.
4. Mukhālafatuhu lil hawadith means Allāh is “Different from all creations." Allāh is completely different and unique from anything in the world and whole universe.
5. Qiyāmuhu binafsihi means Allāh is “Independent.” He does not need or depend on anyone or anything.
6. Wahdāniah means "Oneness." Allāh is the One and only God. He has no parents, no partners and no children.
7. Qudrah means "Power." Allāh has the power to do anything He wants, and nothing can stop Him.
8. Iradah means "Will." Everything happens only because Allāh wills them to happen. Nothing can stop what Allāh wants to make happen.
9. ‘Ilmun means "Knowledge." Allāh knows about everything, whether it is something that can be seen or hidden.
10. Hayyun means "Alive." Allāh is alive and eternal. Allāh will live forever, and will never die.
11. Sama' means "Hearing." Allāh can hear all the sounds that His creations utter. Allāh is able to hear whatever we say, even if we whisper, or say something in our heart.
12. Basar means "Seeing." Allāh can see everything, even what is small and what is hidden.
13. Kalām means “Speaking.” Allāh can speak and communicate. Allāh speaks to us through the Quran.
14. Qādiran means "All-Powerful." Allāh possesses power without needing or relying on any assistance or tools. Allāh does not need anything to use His power.
15. Murīdan means "All-Willing," the state of Allāh’s will. Allāh does not need any assistance or help whatsoever, to fulfill His will.
16. Aliman means "All-Knowing," the state of Allāh’s knowledge. It means Allāh already knows everything without needing to learn.
17. Hayyan means “All-Living,” the state of Allāh’s living is without needing anything to help Him live. Allāh doesn't need to eat, drink, or even breathe to stay alive. He doesn't need a body or a soul, and He will always be alive, and He will never die.
18. Samīan means "All-Hearing," the state of Allāh’s hearing. It means Allāh hears without needing any ears. Allāh hears everything that makes sound and even what is unsaid (in the heart). Allāh hears continuously without anything escaping His hearing.
19. Basīran means "All-Seeing," the state of Allāh’s seeing. Allāh sees without needing any eyes. He sees everything that is visible and even what is hidden. He sees His creatures continuously without anything being hidden from His vision.
20. Mutakalliman means “All-Speaking,” the state of Allāh's speech. It means that Allāh speaks without the need for letters, sounds, language, signals, or mouth.
Discussions
1. How do you feel now when you know that Allāh is always watching us, listening to us, and knows everything we do?
2. What has Allāh given us? Can we count them?
Chapter 11: Belief in the Angels
Angels are God's creatures created from nūr (light). Angels are noble beings. Angels are always obedient to Allāh and they never go against His commands.
Angels are created without desires, unlike humans. They have no parents or children, they are neither male nor female, they do not get married, and they do not sleep, eat or drink. Angels are created by Allāh subhānahu wata‘āla (Glorified and Exalted is He) in large numbers with different tasks. We do not know the exact number of angels. However, there are 10 angels that a Muslim must know, namely:
1. Jibrīl جِبْرِیل – He is the greatest angel and his main task is delivering the messages from Allāh to the Prophets.
The Prophet ﷺ had seen Jibrīl having 600 wings![9]
2. Mīkāīl مِیکَائِیل – He is in charge of delivering sustenance like taking care of the rain, the type of weather for a place and what type of food to be given to each human and animal!
3. Isrāfīl اِسْرَافِیل – He is in charge of blowing the “horn”. He will blow it twice; the first to end the world, and the second to begin the day of Judgement.
4. ‘Izrāīl عِزْرَائِیل – He is also known as Malakul Maut, meaning the Angel of Death! He is in charge of taking the lives of people when it is time for them to die.
5. Munkar مُنْكَر – He is in charge of questioning the soul in the grave.
6. Nakīr نَكِير – He is also in charge of questioning the soul in the grave.
7. Raqīb رَقِيب – He is in charge of recording the good deeds of people.
8. ‘Atīd عَتِيد– He is in charge of recording the bad deeds of people.
9. Mālik مَالِك – He is in charge of guarding the gates of hell.
10. Riḍwān رِضْوَان – He is in charge of guarding the gates of heaven.
The Ten Angels
(By Ustaz Shaifulnizam Bin Saleh)
The angels are creations, without a mom and dad.
They do not eat and drink, and do not go to bed.
Believe in them we must, amongst them they are ten.
Their names and their tasks, memorise them yes we can!
Jibril, Mikail, Israfil, and Izrail,
Munkar, Nakir, Raqib, Atid, under Allah’s will.
Malik and Ridhwan, in total they are ten.
Believe in them we must, memorise them yes we can!
Jibril sends revelation, Mikail tasked with rain,
Israfil blows the horn, then judgment day begins.
Izrail will arrive, when your time comes to an end,
Munkar, Nakir will question, and that you can’t pretend.
To know all the answers, because it all depends,
On what you have done, and the good deeds that remained.
Raqib and Atid scribes, your actions, good or bad,
Malik guards the fire, may Allah forbid.
Jibril, Mikail, Israfil, and Izrail,
Munkar, Nakir, Raqib, Atid, under Allah’s will.
Malik and Ridhwan, in total they are ten.
Believe in them we must, memorise them yes we can!
Ridhwan holds the keys, to the gates of paradise,
Where only peace is felt, and no one is despised.
No one is allowed entry before the one is named,
The leader of the prophets, the father of Qasim.
Jibril, Mikail, Israfil, and Izrail,
Munkar, Nakir, Raqib, Atid, under Allah’s will.
Malik and Ridhwan, in total they are ten.
Believe in them we must, memorise them yes we can!
The best of all creation, will be in paradise,
Our prophet Muhammad, may we get to lay our eyes.
On him, and that we ask, for the best of all pleasure,
To get a chance to gaze, on Allah, our Creator.
Jibril, Mikail, Israfil, and Izrail,
Munkar, Nakir, Raqib, Atid, under Allah’s will.
Malik and Ridhwan, in total they are ten.
Believe in them we must, memorise them yes we can!
Discussions
1. How do you feel now when you know that we all have angels watching us and recording all our deeds?
Chapter 12: Belief in the Books
The book or Kitab is a compilation of direct knowledge (wahyu) from Allāh. The book contains guidance and reminders for mankind. Allāh reveals the knowledge to the Prophets through the Angel Jibrīl. The knowledge was written and compiled in the book. There are four books:
1. The Zabūr (زَبُور) that was revealed to Prophet Dāud ‘Alaihissalām
2. The Tawrāt (تَوْرَاة) that was revealed to Prophet Mūsā ‘Alaihissalām
3. The Injīl (إِنْجِيل) that was revealed to Prophet ‘Īsā ‘Alaihissalām
4. The Qurān (القرآن) that was revealed to Prophet Muĥammad Ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallām
All previous books experienced loss and alteration due to the actions of dishonest people, except for The Qurān which is the last and final revelation. Allāh has protected it from any form of harm.
Inside the Qurān, we will discover essential guidance, reminders, powerful stories and valuable lessons, direct from Allāh.
Allāh gave us the Qurān as a guide to living a righteous and meaningful life. We must make it our responsibility to understand and to follow the teachings in the Qurān.
Discussions
1. Do you know how to read the Quran?
2. How many Surahs have you memorised?
3. Do you know the meanings of the verses in Surah Al-Fatihah?
Chapter 13: Belief in the Messengers
Allāh in His immeasurable wisdom has chosen certain men among mankind to be Prophets and Messengers. Their duty is to convey Allāh’s messages, law, and guidance to humanity, to ensure they have the knowledge to lead righteous lives and maintain a strong connection with Allāh.
Above all, their main message is one, which is to educate the people:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ
Lā ilāha illallāh
Meaning: There is no God but Allāh.
The last and final Prophet and Messenger is Muĥammad ﷺ. His mission was to convey the complete and final guidance of Allāh to all humanity, covering all aspects of life.
A Prophet is a man who receives knowledge from Allāh for himself. And when they are commanded by Allāh to teach the knowledge to the people, they are then called a Messenger.
In Arabic, a Prophet is called Nabi, and a Messenger is called Rasūl. Rasūlullāh means The Messenger of Allāh.
There are thousands and thousands of Prophets elected by Allāh, but we are to know and believe in 25 of them, as mentioned in the Qurān:
Ādam
Idrīs
Nūh
Hūd
Ṣāleĥ
Ibrāhīm
Lūth
Ismā’īl
Isĥāq
Ya’qūb
Yūsuf
Ayyūb
Syu‘aib
Mūsā
Hārūn
Zulkifli
Dāud
Sulaimān
Ilyās
Ilyasa’
Yūnus
Zakariyyā
Yaĥyā
‘Īsā
Muĥammad
Whenever our Prophet’s name (Muĥammad) is being mentioned, we are to say: “Ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallām”, which means: “Peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him.”
For the other Prophets, when their names are mentioned, we are to say: “Alayhissalām”, which means “Peace be upon him.”
Discussions
1. Can you explain the difference between a Prophet and a Messenger?
2. Do you know any stories of the 25 Messengers?
Chapter 14: Belief in the Last Day
The Last Day is the day when the Angel Isrāfīl will blow the “horn” and everything in this world will come to an end. All of us, every person who ever lived, will be brought back to life after their death, for judgement. This day is also known as the Day of Judgement.
On the Last Day, each and every one of us will be held responsible for everything we did during our time on Earth. Every action, every word, and even our thoughts will be revealed. Allāh, in His perfect justice, will judge us.
The first thing we will be checked on is our obligatory five daily prayers! All our deeds will be weighed, and we will be given our book of deeds — our personal record of everything we did. Those who performed good deeds, followed the teachings of the Prophets, and believed in Allāh will be rewarded with eternal happiness in Paradise. On the other hand, those who did wrong, disobeyed Allāh and harmed others without seeking forgiveness, will face consequences.
Believing in the Last Day reminds us to live our lives in a way that pleases Allāh. It encourages us to be kind, just, and obedient to Allāh's commands, knowing that all our actions will be judged by Him.
Our Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ has shared with us many details about the events of the Last Day. We should reflect on these teachings, preparing ourselves for the very important day that will undoubtedly happen. May Allāh grant us the strength to live righteous lives and grant us success on the Last Day.
Discussions
1. Do we know when the last day will be?
2. What are the signs of the last day?
3. What is the first thing we shall be questioned?
Chapter 15: Belief in the Qadar[10]
The final and most important pillar of faith is the belief in the Qadar or the Decree. It means to believe that everything—the past, the present, and the future—happens only because;
1. Allāh has accurately planned every event in the world and the entire universe with His knowledge.
2. And because Allāh wills them or allows them to happen.
Imagine it as a carefully crafted puzzle, where at the start, we do not know which puzzle piece goes to where and find it challenging. However, in the end, every piece fits perfectly to create a beautiful picture. Similarly, Allāh’s Decree shapes our lives in ways that might not be immediately clear and that we might not always understand.
If something is meant to happen according to Allāh’s plan, it will. But if it's not part of His plan, then it won't happen. Even the tiniest things, like a leaf falling, happens only because Allāh allows them to fall.[11]
In Islām, there is no such thing as coincidence. It might be things that we do not expect to happen. But in reality, everything is in the knowledge of Allāh, even if they are unknown to us.
Believing in the Decree means surrendering to Allāh's plan and trusting that His knowledge and wisdom are better than our understanding. It encourages us to accept whatever happens with patience and to live our lives in accordance with Allāh's will.
Sometimes in life, we don't get exactly what we wish for, and that's because Allāh has a special plan just for us. Even if we feel a little sad, we should remember that maybe, in a not-so-obvious way, Allāh is actually guiding us toward something much better.
Allāh says, “Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you. Allāh knows and you do not know.”[12]
So for a true Muslim, knowing that Allāh is the One incharge of our lives, will give him a sense of big relief!
Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ said, 'Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allāh, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say, "If only I had done such and such," rather say, "Qaddarallāhu wa mā shā-a fa-'al (Allāh has decreed, and whatever He wills, He does)." For saying 'If' opens the door to the deeds of Satan.'''[13]
When something unexpected happen, say
قَدَّرَ اللَّهُ وَمَا شَاءَ فَعَل
Qaddarallāhu wa mā shā-a fa-'al
Allāh has decreed and whatever He wills, He does.
But then we might ask, if everything is already in Allāh’s plan and will, and if Allāh already knows who will enter heaven and who will end in hell fire, why then should we pray or do good deeds?
The companions of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ also asked him the same question, and he ﷺ answered that they should work hard and not rely solely on the good and bad things that Allāh has planned.
Instead, they have to do what they are instructed to do and avoid what they are told not to do. Indeed, Paradise and Hell are determined by people's actions (good or bad deeds); those who do the deeds of the people of Paradise shall enter Paradise, and those who do the deeds of the people of Hell shall enter Hell. Everyone will find it easy to do the things that take them to what they were created for, be it good or evil.
Therefore, whoever is destined to be among the successful, Allāh will lead him to do the deeds of the successful, and whoever is destined to be among the losers, Allāh will lead him to do the deeds of the losers.[14]
This is also why as believers, we should constantly ask Allāh to guide us to that which is best for us every day.
And when we are asking Allāh, do not ‘rush’ or ‘hasten’ Allāh in answering our duas, because the Prophet ﷺ said, “Your prayers are answered, unless you hasten, saying, ‘I prayed, but no answer came.’”[15]
Discussions
1. After you have learnt about Al-Qadar, will you feel sad now if you do not get something that you want?
2. What do we say when something we do not expect happen?
3. What have you learnt about the thing that we should never do after making dua?
[1] Teacher starts by asking the students what they know about what Islam means. Please emphasise on the long and short pronunciations / vowels of the Arabic words, to familiarise the students with the correct way of pronouncing them.
[2] Teacher explains the meaning of pillars by giving example about the pillars of a house-i.e, what “makes” a house.
[3] Teacher starts by revising Chapter 1
[4] Teacher starts by revising Chapter 1 and 2, to assist the students into memorising the pillars of Islām and Imān.
[5] Teacher starts by revising Chapters 1 to 3, and assist students to memorise the past lessons.
[6] Quran 51:56
[7] Prophet Muĥammad ﷺ said, "He who performs Hajj for Allāh's pleasure and avoids all lewdness and sins will return after Hajj free from all sins as he was the day his mother gave birth to him." [Bukhari and Muslim]
[8] (Quran 42:11)
[9] Narrated by Abu 'Is-haq-Ash-Shaibani in Sahih al-Bukhari 3232
[10] Unlike other chapters, this chapter is more than one page. The teacher is advised to take this topic slowly and not rush to cover it in one session.
[11] Quran 6:59: “And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it.”
[12] Quran, 2:216
[13] Sunan Ibn Majah
[14] Sahih Bukhari and Muslim
[15] Sunan Abu Dawud