You've read Yajuj and Majuj already in yesterday's challenge because their story is a part of Dhul Qarnain' s story. So today's challenge is to reread the section with Yajuj and Majuj in surah Al Kahf (18: 92-98).
Then he followed (another) way,
Until, when he reached between two mountains, he found, before (near) them (those two mountains), a people who scarcely understood a word.
Until, when he reached between two mountains, he found, before (near) them (those two mountains), a people who scarcely understood a word.
They said: "O Dhul-Qarnain! Verily Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog) are doing great mischief in the land. Shall we then pay you a tribute in order that you might erect a barrier between us and them?"
He said: "That (wealth, authority and power) in which my Lord had established me is better (than your tribute). So help me with strength (of men), I will erect between you and them a barrier.
"Give me pieces (blocks) of iron;" then, when he had filled up the gap between the two mountain-cliffs, he said: "Blow;" then when he had made them (red as) fire, he said: "Bring me molten copper to pour over them."
So they [Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog)] could not scale it or dig through it.
(Dhul-Qarnain) said: "This is a mercy from my Lord, but when the Promise of my Lord comes, He shall level it down to the ground. And the Promise of my Lord is ever true."
You might like to read Ibn Kathir's commentary in Stories of the Qur'an.
Lesson and Activity
Yajuj and Majuj were a group of people who terrorised their neighbours. So as a result of their misdeeds they were locked away behind a barrier until near the end of time when Allah will release them. May Allah protect us from them.
A lesson you could focus on is that we should treat people well and not create mischief. Or, if you want to focus on Dhul Qarnain, you could discuss how a leader is someone who takes care of the people. This reminds me of Umar Ibn Al Khattab when he was Khalif. He would walk through the streets at night time incognito to see who needed help and he would help them without asking for anything in return.
This is just two ideas for lessons. 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).
For this challenge we focused on how we should treat our Neighbors. I try to emphasize often the importance of respecting our neighbors and helping them if they need help. This includes not being too loud when playing outside- whether in the early morning or for an evening walk, It includes smiling and greeting them as we pass them by. Actually last year for Ramadan we chose one day and made different drawings for several neighbors and made some cake and distributed them. The neighbors were pleasantly surprised and it brightened their day. Most of our neighbors are also elderly people. We plan on doing something similar this year Insha Allah. Being kind to our neighbors is so important and our prophet was a prime example for us to follow. We should never be mean or oppress our neighbors. As Gog and Magog did. This would make Allah unhappy with us.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you're sharing cakes with your neigbours. Maybe your children can make a special gift along with the cake and give it to your neighbours on Eid day.
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