Living The Message: Surah Kafiroon for Young Teens (4)

Learning Objective: 

Help young teens reflect on how the guidance of the Qur’an relates to their everyday lives using surahs they are already familiar with.

OPENING QUESTION 

Have you ever felt pressure to act differently just so people would accept you?

REFLECTION SCENARIOS Do not yet introduce the surah and emphasise there is no right/wrong answer. Encourage honest reflection without guiding to any lessons yet. 

1. Siddiqa's friends are planning to go to a Taylor Swift concert. She knows it doesn't fit with her beliefs. "Are you serious? Why wouldn't you come?"

She doesn't want to disappoint her friends, but she also doesn't want to compromise her values. - Why does Siddiqa feel torn? - What could she do? - Can you disagree with friends and still remain friends? 2. Sara is on the school camping trip and feels unsure about praying while she is away. - What might she be worried about? - What would make it easier for her to pray? 3. Masuma’s school is planning an Eid celebration. Someone suggests having an Eid tree because, "Christmas trees make celebrations feel more festive." - Why might people feel the need to copy others? - Is copying another tradition necessary?

LESSON

Before revealing the surah, display and read the translation only, then ask if anyone recognises which surah it is.

Allows the group to first reflect on the message themselves.

Which words stand out? What message is being repeated? How does the surah sound? Angry, confident, calm, defensive?

KEY QUESTION: What do I truly stand for?

1. What is Allah teaching us? "I do not worship what you worship." (109:2) Surah al-Kāfirūn is clear, firm and uncompromising. The leaders of Quraysh wanted the Prophet to meet them halfway. They suggested a compromise: worship Allah some of the time and their idols the rest of the time. Allah revealed this surah to make one thing absolutely clear: there can be no compromise in worship. The Prophet was not rude, argumentative or disrespectful. He simply knew who he was, what he believed and remained firm. Surah al-Kāfirūn teaches that confidence comes from knowing your identity.

When you know what you believe, you do not need to change your values to gain acceptance. The repeated verses emphasise that some truths are too important to blur or water down, even when there is pressure to fit in. Allah teaches us to

- know who are you

- know what you believe

- stay firm (no need to make excuses, speak the truth)

- stay kind

2. Why does it matter? Every human being wants to belong.

Surah al-Kāfirūn teaches us the difference between belonging and conforming. Belonging means being accepted for who you are. Conforming means changing who you are in order to be accepted.

Every day we face pressures to fit in, follow trends, hide our beliefs or avoid standing out. Sometimes remaining true to our values can feel lonely. But real confidence does not come from everyone approving of us. It comes from knowing that we are pleasing Allah.

When our identity is rooted in our faith, we are able to respect other people without copying everything they do. 3. What might change if I lived this message seriously? Revisit earlier scenarios with new understanding from the surah and ask ""If this person truly lived the message of Surah al-Kāfirūn, what might they think or do differently?"

AFFIRMATIONS Invite the group to create their own affirmations from the lesson.

My faith is not something I compromise to fit in. I can respect others without copying them. I choose Allah's approval over people's approval. I can say no with kindness and confidence. I stand firm in what I believe.

My identity comes from my faith.

FAMILY REFLECTION FOR THE WEEK Where do I feel pressure to change who I am in order to fit in? How can I remain kind while staying true to my beliefs?

Print Lesson Plan: Living The Message: Surah Kafiroon for Young Teens (4)

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Living The Message: Surah Nas for Young Teens (2)

Learning Objective:
Help young teens reflect on how the guidance of the Qur’an relates to their everyday lives using surahs they are already familiar with.

RECAP LESSON SURAH IKHLAS

Last session we learnt that Allah is Al-Aḥad and As-Ṣamad, the One our lives should revolve around and the One we can truly depend on. But if we know that, why do we still sometimes make the wrong choices?

OPENING QUESTION

Have you ever done something you knew you shouldn't do, even though part of you knew it was wrong? Have you ever wanted to do something good, but something seemed to hold you back?

REFLECTION SCENARIOS 

Do not yet introduce the surah and emphasise there is no right/wrong answer. Encourage honest reflection without guiding to any lessons yet.

1. Last week Siddiqa didn't wake up for Fajr because of her exams. Now the exams are over, but as she reaches to set her alarm, she thinks, "What's the point? I already missed it all week." - What thoughts might be entering Siddiqa's mind? - Where do you think those thoughts could lead if she believes them? 2. Asiya looks around her classroom. One girl is prettier, another is better at sports, another the most popular. - What thoughts might be entering Asiya's mind? - Are those thoughts facts or feelings? - What could happen if she keeps feeding them? 3. Masuma notices her mum working hard in the kitchen while guests are arriving. A thought pops into her mind,"I should go and help." Instead, she stays where she is. - What might have stopped Masuma?

- Why do you think Masuma didn't act on the good thought?

Allah is our Creator, He knows what we will struggle with and what challenges we will face. He has given us all the guidance we need to navigate these scenarios in the Quran.

LESSON

Before revealing the surah, display and read the translation only, then ask if anyone recognises which surah it is.

Allow the group to first reflect on the message themselves. 

What do you think Surah An-Nas is telling us Who do you think the ‘whisperer’ is What do you think the "whisperer" is trying to achieve? Can the whisperer force us to do anything? What is Allah asking us to do and why?

KEY QUESTION: How can I recognise and respond to negative whispers?

1. What is Allah teaching us?

Surah An-Nas reveals that not every challenge is visible. Some of the hardest battles happen inside our hearts and minds.

Allah teaches us that there are whispers that quietly plants thoughts of doubt, comparison, excuses, hopelessness, distraction and temptation to pull us away from Allah. These can come from Shaytan or even the people around you.

Surah Nas reminds us that you don’t have to fight these whispers on your own. Allah tells us to seek refuge in Him, the Lord, King and God of mankind. These three names remind us no matter how many voices compete for our attention, Allah alone has complete power and is our true Protector.

2. Why does it matter?

Feeling tempted, making excuses or experiencing difficult thoughts does not mean you are bad, it means you are human. A thought entering your mind is not the same as choosing it. The danger begins when we listen to it and follow it.

Not every thought deserves your trust. Not every impulse deserves action.

Shaytan does not have the power to make you do anything. Instead, he whispers thoughts that make wrong things look appealing and right things seem unimportant or boring. These whispers aren't only about sins; they can also affect our character, kindness, responsibility and the way we treat others.

Surah An-Nas teaches us that when we seek protection of Allah, He gives us the strength to resist these whispers and choose what is right.

Remembering Allah is like putting on noise-cancelling headphones against the whispers. The more we remember Allah, the weaker those whispers become.

The believer's strength is not in never hearing whispers. It is in recognising them, turning back to Allah and choosing not to follow them.

3. What might change if I lived this message seriously?

When a difficult or negative thought enters my mind, I would not immediately believe it or act on it. Instead I would:

1.       Notice it: Is it a fact or a feeling?

2.       Question it: Is this a thought that will help me be a better person?

3.       Seek refuge in Allah: Recite an Nas or Audhubillah

4.       Choose my response: Do the right thing

I would start to become more aware of the whispers and I would turn back to Allah before they grow stronger.

My focus would shift from reacting automatically to responding intentionally, choosing what brings me closer to Allah rather than simply following my first thought.

Revisit earlier scenarios with new understanding from the surah and ask "If this person truly lived the message of this surah, what might they think/do differently?

AFFIRMATIONS

Invite the group to create their own affirmations from the lesson.

I do not have to accept every thought I hear. I pause before I respond I seek refuge in Allah before I act/when I feel… I return to Allah before negative thoughts get stronger Allah is my protection from inner confusion. Allah understands the struggles inside my heart. I choose thoughts and actions that bring me closer to Allah.

FAMILY REFLECTION FOR THE WEEK

When did you notice a whisper this week that was pulling you away from Allah, and and how did you choose to respond?

Print Lesson Plan: Living the Message: Surah Nas for Young Teens (2)

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Living The Message: Surah Ikhlas for Young Teens (1)

Learning Objective: Help young teens reflect on how the guidance of the Qur’an relates to their everyday lives using surah they are already familiar with.

OPENING QUESTION What kind of things do you spend your time thinking about? Are there any things that distract you from what you should be doing? What kind of things do you worry/stress about? Where do you usually go for reassurance? REFLECTION SCENARIOS Do not yet introduce the surah and emphasise there is no right/wrong answer. Encourage honest reflection without guiding to any lessons yet. 1. At the moment it's exam season and that's all Siddiqa can think about. Her day revolves around studying and doing as well as she can. She normally sets her alarm for Fajr but this week decides she needs the extra sleep instead.

- What has become the centre of Siddiqa's life?

- Can something good become too important?

2. Sara has just joined a new school. She notices that lots of the girls have Labubu charms on their bags. She doesn't even think they're cute, but decides to get one anyway.

- Why might Sara have done that?

- What was she hoping would happen?

3. Asiya finds out she hasn't been invited to an iftar that all her friends are attending.

- How do you think she feels?

- Where do you think she might turn for comfort?

Allah is our Creator, He knows what we will struggle with and what challenges we will face. He has given us all the guidance we need to navigate these scenarios in the Quran.

LESSON

Before revealing the surah, display and read the translation only, then ask if anyone recognises which surah it is.

This is Surah Ikhlas, one we recite throughout our day in salaa. Knowing the words is different from understanding the message.

Allows the group to first reflect on the message themselves.

What do you think this surah is directing your attention towards? What do you think it means that Allah is One? What does Allah As Samad, the Eternal Refuge mean to you?

KEY QUESTION: What should my life revolve around?

1. What is Allah teaching us? Allah is teaching us that He is the only ONE our life should revolve around. Family, friends, school, sports all have a time and place but none of them should become the centre of our lives. In every part of our day, Allah Al Ahad has to take priority. We think and behave in the way Al Ahad has taught us to. Allah is teaching us that He is As Samad, the one who is secure and satisfies all our needs To be completely reliable requires knowing fully, caring fully, is able fully. Allah As Samad is the only one who will always be a source of comfort and security and meet all your needs. Allah As Samad is the Only One we can always turn to and depend on.

2. Why does it matter? If I know Allah is Al-Aḥad: I make Allah the centre of my life and my highest priority. I don't need to follow the crowd or seek everyone's approval. I choose what pleases Allah above what pleases other people. If I know Allah is Aṣ-Ṣamad: I turn to Allah first when I am worried or in need. I don't lose hope when people disappoint or leave me out. I remember that my worth comes from Allah, not from likes, grades or popularity. 3. What might change if I lived this message seriously? Revisit earlier scenarios with new understanding from the surah and ask "If this person truly lived the message of this surah, what might they think/do differently? AFFIRMATIONS Ask the group to create and write their own sentence that captures which lesson from the surah they most want to remember this week. They can share with the group if others want to add to their own. Allah is the One at the centre of my life.

I choose what pleases Allah above everything else.

I turn to Allah because He is enough for me.

My worth comes from Allah, not from other people's opinions.

Allah is always with me and I can always rely on Him. FAMILY REFLECTION FOR THE WEEK A question to take home. When during your day did remembering that Allah is Al-Ahad (the One who deserves to be at the centre of your life) or As-Samad (the One you can always depend upon) influence your choices, actions, or attitude? How did that reminder affect the way you behaved?

Print Lesson Plan: Living The Message: Surah Ikhlas for Young Teens (1)

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Living The Message: Quran Reflection for Teens

Learning Objective:

- Help young teens reflect on how the guidance of the Qur’an relates to their everyday lives.

Introduction:

We’re not trying to memorise lots of information or learn facts for a test. We’re going to explore what it actually looks like to live the message of the Qur’an in everyday life.

Every chapter was revealed to change people, not just inform them. 

Each week we’ll take one key message from a Juz Amma surah and ask:

• What is Allah teaching us?

• Why does it matter?

• What might change if I took this message seriously?

The goal isn’t simply to know more. It’s to leave thinking differently, seeing differently, or doing something differently. Because the Quran isn't just a book to syudy but a message to live. 

Lessons:

The lessons are designed as a journey, with each session building on the previous one. Completing the sessions in order will help students see how the Qur'anic messages connect and develop over time.

Surah Ikhlas: What should my life revolve around?

Surah Nas: How can I recognise and respond to negative whispers?

Surah Falaq: What should I seek protection from?

Surah Kafiroon: What do I truly stand for?

Surah Asr: How should my beliefs shape the way I live?

Surah Teen: Who am I becoming through my choices? 

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Surah Story Sacks

Learn about Surahs from the Holy Quran through interactive storytelling sessions using visual objects to engage children.

Watch Surah Story Sack: Al Jumuah 62

Watch Surah Story Sack: Al Quraysh 106

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Surah Al Quraysh 106

Watch Surah Story Sack: Al Quraysh 

Watch: Surah Storytelling Al Quraysh 106

Summarise the surah through story box objects

Quranic Vocabulary

Shitaa - winter

Sayf - summer

Bayt - house

Rabb - Lord

Jewin - hunger

Khawf - fear

Reflection

- Allah is the true giver of safety and food. Two essential things everybody needs.

- We must thank Allah by worshiping Him and using the blessings He has given us in the right way, to do what He has asked us.

Activity: Map of Arabia

Print and label the map with the city of Makkah and the lands of Yemen and Syria. Show the direction that the caravans would travel for each season. Label the neighboring countries.
Make a list of the kind of dangers the Quraysh would have have faced on their journey. Sandstorms/lack of food/thirst/heat/cold nights/getting lost/bandits



Activity: Travelling for Trade

Find out what goods or special items Yemen and Syria are famous for today. Did you know, the Prophet's special blanket under which the Ahlulbayt gathered when ayah 33:33 was revealed, was a Yemeni Kisa, a blanket from Yemen. Quality cloths and special coffee, were some of the things the Arabs travelled to Yemen to buy.

Activity: Dua when leaving home
Learn the dua and recite it every time you leave the house. On your return, thank Allah for the safety He provided you on your journey.

Resources/Worksheet: Juz Amma Resources

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Story of the Elephant

Read: The Story of the Elephant: Surah Al-Fil (Quranic Pop Up Book)

Activity: My Qur'an Story Pop Up Book
Have children create their own A4 folded card pop up books. The cover page can be decorated with the title and Surah chapter reference. The scene together with the elephant play pieces can be used by the children to retell the story in their own words.

Activity: Elephant Blowers

Lesson: God is Most Powerful

Extension Activity:
Imagine you are a reporter for a local newspaper in Makkah in 570 and have been asked to cover the attack of the Ka’ba as it unfolds. Write an account with a headline and descriptive witness statements.

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Surah Lahab 111

Download and Print Summary Sheet

Lesson Objectives:

- Surah background

- Wealth and power in the world are temporary and can not save you from Allah’s punishment

- Only actions done for Allah can help you in the hereafter.

- To become familiar with the meaning of surah Lahab through key Quranic vocabulary

Quranic Verse:

Surah Lahab 111

Activity: Surah Summary Sheet

Activity: Will your deeds reach Janna?

Have the children standing in pairs to face each other a small distance apart.

Give one child labelled up as 'Earth', some balls to throw across to ‘Jannah’.

Actions and deeds which are done to please Allah, will last forever and benefit us in the hereafter.
Have the children continue, naming an action which will benefit us in the hereafter, before each throw. E.g. Charity, kindness, listening to parents, learning useful knowledge.

Next give ‘Earth’ some bubbles to blow across for ‘Jannah’ to catch. They will pop!

Actions and deeds which are done to build a good life only in this world, are temporary and will be left behind on Earth when we die. They will be of no use to us in the hereafter.
Go through a list of actions and deeds which are done to build a good life only in this world. E.g. having lots of money, having a fast car, lots of toys, watching tv, eating delicious food.

For older children:

Discuss the concept of intention and how sometimes even good actions can become bubbles and pop – why? If an action is done to show off etc, not only to please God, even if it is a good deed, will not reach Jannah. Similarly, an action may appear a waste of time like watching tv, but if done in moderation and with the intention to relax and refresh ourselves so that we can serve God better, it becomes beneficial. Use the activity as a self reflection tool - How many balls and bubbles have I thrown across today?

Download Complete Lesson Plan: Surah Lahab

Book: Quranic Treasures: Surah Al Masad 
Part of an enlightening series which helps children to understand the story and context behind the surahs. It ends with a section on practical lessons which can be learnt and applied to our own daily lives.

Book: Yasser and Zahra Discover Surah Lahab
Join Grandfather, Yasser, Zahra, and their friends on a journey through time as they learn lessons from Surah Lahab!

See Also: Juz Amma Rescources

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Surah Kawthar 108

Download Worksheet

Quran Verse:

Surah Kawthar 108

Lesson Objectives:

- to know the context to the revelation of Surah Kawthar

- to understand how the Prophet is not ‘abtar’

- to understand what kawthar could refer to

Background story of the revelation 
The Prophet (SAW) had a son called Tahir, but he died when he was very young. Some of the unbelievers would tease the Prophet, calling him ‘abtar’. The word 'abtar' means an animal without a tail. The cruel people were saying that the Prophet was 'abtar', because he didn’t have children to carry on his family. The enemies thought that this meant there would be no one to remember the Prophet in the future, or to keep teaching his message of Islam after his death. But they were wrong. When Lady Fatima (as) was born, Allah revealed Surah Kawthar.

Indeed, We have given you Kawthar,

So pray to your Lord and make a sacrifice

For sure, it will be the enemies who will have their future cut off.

Allah comforted the Prophet, reminding him that he has been given kawther, and that it would infact be the enemies of Islam, who would became ‘abtar’, forgotten after they had died. 
When the Prophet was asked what kawthar meant, he replied that it was a stream in heaven especially for the believers. He said that Kawthar also meant abundance, plenty, and the birth of Lady Fatima showed that through her, his family, his descendants, would grow to an abundance! 

The promise of Allah was certainly true. The disbelievers thought the name of the Messenger would be cut off, yet 1400 years later, The Holy Prophet is still remembered and loved long after those disbelievers were dead and forgotten! You hear the the name of Muhammad (SAW) all around the world, in the adhaan, during salaa and in the salawaat. Allah made sure the Prophet was never forgotten by those in the heavens and the Earth! Allah gave the Prophet Kawthar, abundance of good, in this world and in the hereafter. 

Activity: Special Link

Lady Fatima (as) was the daughter of the Holy Prophet and the wife of Imam Ali. She is the special link between the Prophets and the Imams. The Ahlulbayt and their families, all the descendants of the Prophet (SAW),  have all come through Lady Fatima (as). 

Activity: Poem
The enemies of Islam were mean, and they would make fun, as the Holy Prophet, didn't have a son.
Some say 'kawther' means Lady Fatimah and the abundance of her descendants around,
Yet those very enemies of the Prophet, today none of their descendants can be found.
Surah Kawther is the shortest Surah, it's small and concise.
‘Kawther' also means good in abundance and is a river in paradise.
I pray to get a chance to drink this blessed water,
With the Holy Prophet Muhammad and Lady Fatimah his daughter.
(Taken from 'The Brothers and Sisters Learn about Juz 30')

Activity: Surah Facts and Quranic Vocabulary

Surah Kawthar is the shortest surah in the Qur’an! 

The surah is so small that it has only three verses. 

The ayaat are so small that there are only eleven words altogether in the whole surah!

Find and highlight the words:

inna - indeed, for sure, 
Kawthar, abundance, plenty 
abtar, cut off, without children to carry on the family
salli, pray

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Juz Amma Resources

View sample pages and purchase online from Love For Qur'an

Your Surahs Made Easy

A brilliant resource that really does live up to its title. Colourfully illustrated and clear to understand, each of the last ten Surahs have a simplified translation, background story, key lessons and engaging worksheet questions.

Learning about the last 14 Chapters of the Qur'an by QFatima

Key concepts of each surah together with vocabulary words and worksheets. The book is also available to buy or downloading online.

My First Quran With Pictures - Juz' Amma Part 1

Helps children visualise the simple meanings of the verses through engaging storyboard illustrations.

The Holy Qur'an for Kids - Juz 'Amma by Yahiya Emerick

Contains the full Arabic text, along with simple English translations and transliterations of the last 37 chapters of the holy Qur'an. With chapter introductions, graphics, review questions and activities.

The Brothers and Sisters Learn about Juz 30

An illustrated summary of every Surah in the last Juz of the Qur'an, written in rhyme!

Qur'an Progress Marking Chart
Each circle’s size is relative to how long the Surah is, and each color represents one quarter of the Juz, helping to break down the goal further into smaller parts. Free to download and print online.

Juz Amma Memorisation Chart by Allamah Education
With pictorial images for each surah title

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Surah An Naas 114

Lesson Objectives:

- To understand that only Allah can provide protection from the unseen.

- To understand the need for our hearts to be protected from the whispers of bad thoughts

- To know that with Allah’s protection, we have the power to choose not to listen to these whispers.

- To become familiar with the meaning of surah Naas through Quranic vocabulary of each word.

Quranic Verse:

Surah Naas 114

Surah Naas, nuber 114, is the last surah in the Qur’an. It is one of the surahs we have been taught to recite to have Allah’s special protection. 

In this surah, we ask for Allah the Rabb, the King and God of all people, to protect us and keep us safe from the ‘waswas’, the bad thoughts that are whispered into our hearts.

The waswas may be from friends who want you to do something you know you shouldn't, or it could be a thought telling you not to listen to your mummy. These whispers could be from people or from Jinn like Shaytan, who we can not see.
Allah has given us a brain so that we can control and choose what we do. No one can make you do anything. They might ‘whisper’ and give you ideas to do something wrong, but with Allah’s protection, you have the power and strength to fight the bad whispers away and choose not listen to them.

We must recite Surah Naas with surah falaq, everyday to keep us safe and under Allah’s protection from all types of harm, especially from the things we can not see.

Activity: Allah's Protection

Fill a bowl with water and scatter pepper over it.

Have the children recite Surah Naas and explain how it is like wearing an invisible coat of protection. 
Have them dip their finger into liquid soap and place it in the middle of the dish. Watch the pepper scatters away and explain how Allah’s protection keeps all harm away.

Activity: Signing Surah Naas

Use face and hand gestures to vividly animate the translation

Say: 
Two hands cupped by sides of mouth like shouting
I want to be safe and protected with: 
Fists closed, arms crossed across chest
The Rabb/Lord of the people: 
Hands in qunoot
The King of the people: 
Hands on either side of head 
The God of people: 
Show one finger
From the bad thoughts: 
Thumbs down
Whispered: 
Hand on side of mouth
Into the hearts of people: 
Form a heart shape with both hands and place on chest
By jinns: 
Wiggling fingers with hands raising up like flames
Or other people: 
Run hands down body

Download Surah Naas Images
Download Quranic Vocabulary Worksheet

See Also: Shaytan

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God Is One: Surah Ikhlas

Learning Objective:
- To understand the basic concept of Tawheed through the translation of Surah Ikhlas

Lesson Introduction:

Tawheed is believing that there is only one God, Allah.

At the time of the Prophet, people used to worship in different ways. They used to believe in many Gods, for different things. Sometimes their Gods were made of wood, stone or even animals. They would give gifts and food to the idols and pray to them. They even believed their gods had families.

Prophet Muhammad (saw) came to teach people about worshiping only Allah. The people wanted to know more about who Allah was, and so Angel Jibrael brought surah Ikhlas of the Qur’an from Allah to answer their questions.

Surah Ikhlas tells us all about Allah!
There is only one God, Allah and everyone needs Him. He wasn’t born, He doesn’t give birth and there is no one like Him.

Download complete lesson plan Tawheed and Asmaul Husna

Watch Online: Misri Bunch: Episode 05 The one and Only

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