Today's reading is found in surah Al Baqarah (2:259) of the Qur'an. It is a short story that shows how Allah can bring the dead to life.
Or like the one who passed by a town while it had tumbled over its roofs. He said: "Oh! How will Allah ever bring it to life after its death?" So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: "How long did you remain (dead)?" He (the man) said: "(Perhaps) I remained (dead) a day or part of a day". He said: "Nay, you have remained (dead) for a hundred years, look at your food and your drink, they show no change; and look at your donkey! And thus We have made of you a sign for the people. Look at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh". When this was clearly shown to him, he said, "I know (now) that Allah is Able to do all things."
You might like to read Ibn Kathir's commentary in Stories of the Qur'an.
Lesson and Activity
As a sign for the Children of Israel, Allah caused Uzair to die and brought him back to life after 100 years. The lesson for us all is that after we have died, Allah is able to bring us back to life for the Day of Judgement. This is part of iman that we believe in the Day of Resurrection when Allah will raise us all up and we will be judged on what we did in this life.
As an activity, you could have a discussion with your child about the six articles of faith: belief in Allah, the angels, the divine books, the Prophets, the Day of Judgement and predestination.
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.
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 very special story, we focused on Allah's power over all. He can and will bring is back to life on the day of Judgement-right down to our fingertips! My son and I use the trees as an example. We live in Canada and are blessed with the 4 seasons Alhamdoulilah. Every fall we witness the leaves on the trees changing color and then falling off leaving the tree bare. The tree looks as though it has died. No life can been seen on it as in the summer when the leaves move vibrantly in the wind. Then something miraculous happens in the spring. New buds form and soon the tree regains its life and beauty. We spoke about how it is by Allah's will that the tree comes to life again after the lifelessness of winter. This is easy for Allah as it will be easy for him to bring us back to life on the day of judgement. This story is a great reminder of that.
ReplyDeleteThe tree is a fantastic analogy for life and death.
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