Today's reading challenge is from surah Ya-Seen (36:13-29). It is about the dwellers of the town when Allah sent them not just two but three Messengers. Did they believe?
And put forward to them a similitude: the (story of the) dwellers of the town, when there came Messengers to them.
When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both; so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily we have been sent to you as Messengers."
They (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Gracious (Allah) has revealed nothing. You are only telling lies."
The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you,
"And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)."
They (people) said: "For us, we see an evil omen from you: if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us."
They (Messengers) said: "Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it "evil omen") because you are admonished? Nay, but you are a people Musrifun (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah).
And there came a man running from the farthest part of the town. He said: "O my people! Obey the Messengers.
"Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided.
"And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned.
"Shall I take besides Him alihah (gods)? If the Most Gracious (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me?
"Then verily, I should be in plain error.
"Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!"
It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew
"That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!"
And We sent not against his people after him a host from the heaven, nor was it needful for Us to send (such a thing).
It was but one Saihah (shout) and lo! they (all) were still (silent, dead, destroyed).
You might like to read Ibn Kathir's commentary in Stories of the Qur'an.
Lesson and Activity
You'd think that the dwellers of that town would listen after three Messengers were sent to them. But they didn't. Their hearts must have been dead.
A lesson here is to believe and listen to the Messenger sent to us. Our Messenger is Prophet Muhammad (s). What was his message and what has he (s) told us to do? There are so many levels you could do this activity. The older the children the more in depth you could take it.
For younger children, you could start with the five pillars of Islam. Here is a simple picture book on the five pillars that you can download free.
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| Download free printable book |
This is just an idea for an activity. If you have any others then feel free to do them and share.
Comments Required
There are so many other lessons to learn. Can you think of any others? I'd love to hear them. Please write in the comment below.
At the end of this Ramadan Reading Challenge, if you or your children have participated then you will get a prize (not sure what yet - will keep you updated). To be eligible, please leave a comment on what lesson you have learnt from the reading of the story and include any activities that you did to extend it. Just a line or two would be fine (so that I can contact you).
This was a really great story to tell. My son was fascinated that Allah sent not one or two but three messengers. And still the people would not listen. We spoke in length about what our beloved Prophet Saws went through and he was alone to convey the message. Here Allah was so merciful and sent three to try to convince the people of the truth and on top of that a fourth person to support their claims. Whom they killed. Subhan Allah. My son particularly liked that the doors of Jannah were opened immediately to this person who defended the messengers and Allah's word. We spoke of how some poeple's hearts are sealed and cannot be opened even to the truth. Allah guides who he wills. To keep Allah's guidance we must do the best we can to obey him and always convey his message. What was extra cute, was when I finished the story. My son went to his little sister and said "Maryam, you know what Mommy told me?" and he repeated the story with an added "the people were not nice they hurt the nice man"! LOL. I have printed your beautiful 5 Pillars book and will be going through it today especially with my 3 year old. We are really enjoying this challenge. I look forward to it every day. Jazak Allah Khairn sister!
ReplyDeleteWa iyaki. MashaAllah, that is too cute! We reinforce our learning when we teach it to others.
DeleteSubhanallah, that's another lesson that we could have focused on - that Allah reward those who stand up for the truth and are steadfast through adversity. I love it how there are so many lessons that could be learnt!