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Qur'anic stories

Stories of the prophets

Children remember stories long after they forget lists. These stories are told from the Qur'an itself, with the surah and ayah numbers so an older child can go and read the account for themselves. We never draw a prophet, so each picture shows the place or the object at the heart of the story.

A clay wooden ark floating on soft blue-grey waves under a clearing sky
A clay garden of soft green leaves and gold fruit with two small clay figures of footprints

Story 1 · ages 5-7

Adam — the first human

Allah created Adam, peace be upon him, taught him the names of things, and made him the first human and the first prophet. When he slipped, he turned back to Allah and was forgiven.

  1. Made by Allah

    Allah created Adam from clay and gave him knowledge no other creation had.

  2. The angels honoured him

    Allah told the angels to bow to Adam, and they obeyed.

  3. Iblis refused

    Iblis refused out of pride, and became the enemy of every child of Adam.

  4. One mistake

    Adam and his wife ate from the one tree they were told to leave — and were sorry immediately.

  5. Tawbah works

    They asked Allah for forgiveness and He accepted it. Nobody is too far gone to say sorry.

Surah Al-Baqara · 2:31

وَعَلَّمَ ءَادَمَ ٱلْأَسْمَآءَ كُلَّهَا ثُمَّ عَرَضَهُمْ عَلَى ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ فَقَالَ أَنۢبِـُٔونِى بِأَسْمَآءِ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ

Wa 'allama Aadamal asmaaa'a kullahaa summa 'aradahum 'alal malaaa'ikati faqaala ambi'oonee bias maaa'i haaa'ulaaa'i in kuntum saadiqeen

“And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, "Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful."”

Surah Al-Baqara · 2:34

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ ٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِءَادَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ وَٱسْتَكْبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

Wa iz qulnaa lilmalaaa'i katis judoo liAadama fasajadooo illaaa Ibleesa abaa wastakbara wa kaana minal kaafireen

“And [mention] when We said to the angels, "Prostrate before Adam"; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers.”

Surah Al-A'raaf · 7:23

قَالَا رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

Qaalaa Rabbanaa zalamnaaa anfusanaa wa illam taghfir lanaa wa tarhamnaa lanakoonanna minal khaasireen

“They said, "Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers."”

Do this before next time

Say sorry to Allah for one thing today, the way Adam did — quickly and honestly.

A clay wooden ark on gentle waves with pairs of small clay animals aboard

Story 2 · ages 5-7

Nuh — the ark

Prophet Nuh, peace be upon him, called his people to Allah for hundreds of years. Only a few listened. Allah told him to build a ship, and the flood came.

  1. A very long dawah

    The Qur'an says he stayed among his people for a thousand years minus fifty, calling them to Allah.

  2. They laughed

    People mocked him while he built a huge ship far from any water.

  3. Two of each

    Allah told him to take pairs of the animals and those who believed.

  4. The flood

    The water came, and the ark carried the believers safely.

  5. Family is not enough

    One of his sons refused to board and was not saved — belief is a choice each person makes.

Surah Al-Ankaboot · 29:14

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ فَلَبِثَ فِيهِمْ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ إِلَّا خَمْسِينَ عَامًۭا فَأَخَذَهُمُ ٱلطُّوفَانُ وَهُمْ ظَٰلِمُونَ

Wa laqad arsalnaa Noohan ilaa qawmihee falabisa feehim alfa sanatin illaa khamseena 'aaman fa akhazahumut toofaanu wa hum zaalimoon

“And We certainly sent Noah to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years minus fifty years, and the flood seized them while they were wrongdoers.”

Surah Hud · 11:37

وَٱصْنَعِ ٱلْفُلْكَ بِأَعْيُنِنَا وَوَحْيِنَا وَلَا تُخَٰطِبْنِى فِى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُم مُّغْرَقُونَ

Wasna'il fulka bi-a'yuninaa wa wahyinaa wa laa tukhaa tibnee fil lazeena zalamoo; innahum mughraqoon

“And construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are [to be] drowned."”

Surah Hud · 11:42

وَهِىَ تَجْرِى بِهِمْ فِى مَوْجٍۢ كَٱلْجِبَالِ وَنَادَىٰ نُوحٌ ٱبْنَهُۥ وَكَانَ فِى مَعْزِلٍۢ يَٰبُنَىَّ ٱرْكَب مَّعَنَا وَلَا تَكُن مَّعَ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

Wa hiya tajree bihim fee mawjin kaljibaali wa naadaa Noohunib nahoo wa kaana fee ma'ziliny yaa bunai yarkam ma'anaa wa laa takum ma'al kaafireen

“And it sailed with them through waves like mountains, and Noah called to his son who was apart [from them], "O my son, come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers."”

Surah Hud · 11:43

قَالَ سَـَٔاوِىٓ إِلَىٰ جَبَلٍۢ يَعْصِمُنِى مِنَ ٱلْمَآءِ ۚ قَالَ لَا عَاصِمَ ٱلْيَوْمَ مِنْ أَمْرِ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا مَن رَّحِمَ ۚ وَحَالَ بَيْنَهُمَا ٱلْمَوْجُ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُغْرَقِينَ

Qaala sa aaweee ilaa jabaliny ya'simunee minal maaa'; qaala laa 'aasimal yawma min amril laahi illaa mar rahim; wa haala bainahumal mawju fakaana minal mughraqeen

“[But] he said, "I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water." [Noah] said, "There is no protector today from the decree of Allah, except for whom He gives mercy." And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned.”

Do this before next time

Do the right thing once this week even if someone laughs at you for it.

A clay cube-shaped House being built from stone blocks with a small wooden ladder beside it

Story 3 · ages 8-11

Ibrahim — the friend of Allah

Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, broke his people's idols, was thrown into a fire and saved by Allah, raised the Kabah with his son Isma'il, and passed the test of the sacrifice.

  1. Questioning idols

    As a young man he showed his people that statues cannot hear, help or even protect themselves.

  2. The fire

    They threw him into a fire, and Allah made it cool and safe for him.

  3. Building the House

    He and his son Isma'il raised the Kabah in Makkah and prayed for it to be accepted.

  4. The great test

    He was tested with sacrificing his son, obeyed Allah, and Allah replaced the sacrifice with a ram.

  5. Why we do Eid al-Adha

    The qurbani at Eid al-Adha remembers this obedience every single year.

Surah Al-Anbiyaa · 21:66

قَالَ أَفَتَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنفَعُكُمْ شَيْـًۭٔا وَلَا يَضُرُّكُمْ

Qaala afata'budoona min doonil laahi maa laa yanfa'ukum shai'anw wa laa yadurrukum

“He said, "Then do you worship instead of Allah that which does not benefit you at all or harm you?”

Surah Al-Anbiyaa · 21:69

قُلْنَا يَٰنَارُ كُونِى بَرْدًۭا وَسَلَٰمًا عَلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ

Qulnaa yaa naaru koonee bardanw wa salaaman 'alaaa Ibraaheem

“Allah said, "O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham."”

Surah Al-Baqara · 2:127

وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَٰهِۦمُ ٱلْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ ٱلْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَٰعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّآ ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ

Wa iz yarfa'u Ibraaheemul qawaa'ida minal Baitiwa Ismaa'eelu Rabbanaa taqabbal minnaa innaka Antas Samee'ul Aleem

“And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael, [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.”

Surah As-Saaffaat · 37:102

فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ قَالَ يَٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ

Falamma balagha ma'a hus sa'ya qaala yaa buniya inneee araa fil manaami anneee azbahuka fanzur maazaa taraa; qaala yaaa abatif 'al maa tu'maru satajidunee in shaaa'allaahu minas saabireen

“And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast."”

Surah As-Saaffaat · 37:107

وَفَدَيْنَٰهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍۢ

Wa fadainaahu bizibhin 'azeem

“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice,”

Do this before next time

Name one thing you would find hard to give up for Allah, and one small step towards it.

A clay stone well beside a striped coat folded on the sand, eleven small gold stars above

Story 4 · ages 8-11

Yusuf — the dream and the forgiveness

Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, dreamed of eleven stars bowing. His brothers threw him in a well out of jealousy. Years later he ruled Egypt's stores in a famine — and forgave them.

  1. The dream

    He saw eleven stars, the sun and the moon bow to him, and told his father Ya'qub.

  2. Jealousy

    His brothers put him in a well and told their father a wolf had taken him.

  3. Sold and jailed

    He was sold in Egypt and later imprisoned for something he did not do — and stayed honest throughout.

  4. The dream of the cows

    He explained the king's dream: seven good years then seven hard ones, and planned the food stores.

  5. Forgiveness

    When his brothers came for food, he forgave them: 'No blame on you today.'

Surah Yusuf · 12:4

إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَٰٓأَبَتِ إِنِّى رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًۭا وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِى سَٰجِدِينَ

Iz qaala Yoosufu li abeehi yaaa abati innee ra aytu ahada 'ashara kawkabanw wash shamsa walqamara ra aytuhum lee saajideen

“[Of these stories mention] when Joseph said to his father, "O my father, indeed I have seen [in a dream] eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me."”

Surah Yusuf · 12:15

فَلَمَّا ذَهَبُوا۟ بِهِۦ وَأَجْمَعُوٓا۟ أَن يَجْعَلُوهُ فِى غَيَٰبَتِ ٱلْجُبِّ ۚ وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْهِ لَتُنَبِّئَنَّهُم بِأَمْرِهِمْ هَٰذَا وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

Falammaa zahaboo bihee wa ajma'ooo anyyaj'aloohu fee ghayaabatil jubb; wa awyainaaa ilaihi latunabbi 'annahum bi amrihim haaza wa hum laa yash'uroon

“So when they took him [out] and agreed to put him into the bottom of the well... But We inspired to him, "You will surely inform them [someday] about this affair of theirs while they do not perceive [your identity]."”

Surah Yusuf · 12:47

قَالَ تَزْرَعُونَ سَبْعَ سِنِينَ دَأَبًۭا فَمَا حَصَدتُّمْ فَذَرُوهُ فِى سُنۢبُلِهِۦٓ إِلَّا قَلِيلًۭا مِّمَّا تَأْكُلُونَ

Qaala tazra'oona sab'a sineena da aban famaa basattum fazaroohu fee sumbu liheee illaa qaleelam mimmaa taakuloon

“[Joseph] said, "You will plant for seven years consecutively; and what you harvest leave in its spikes, except a little from which you will eat.”

Surah Yusuf · 12:48

ثُمَّ يَأْتِى مِنۢ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ سَبْعٌۭ شِدَادٌۭ يَأْكُلْنَ مَا قَدَّمْتُمْ لَهُنَّ إِلَّا قَلِيلًۭا مِّمَّا تُحْصِنُونَ

Summa yaatee mim ba'di zaalika sab'un shidaaduny yaa kulna maa qaddamtum lahunna illaa qaleelam mimma tuhsinoon

“Then will come after that seven difficult [years] which will consume what you saved for them, except a little from which you will store.”

Surah Yusuf · 12:92

قَالَ لَا تَثْرِيبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ ۖ يَغْفِرُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ

Qaala laa tasreeba 'alaikumul yawma yaghfirul laahu lakum wa Huwa arhamur raahimeen

“He said, "No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful."”

Surah Yusuf · 12:99

فَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ ءَاوَىٰٓ إِلَيْهِ أَبَوَيْهِ وَقَالَ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ مِصْرَ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ءَامِنِينَ

Falammaa dakhaloo 'alaa Yoosufa aawaaa ilaihi abayaihi wa qaalad khuloo Misra inshaaa'al laahu aamineen

“And when they entered upon Joseph, he took his parents to himself and said, "Enter Egypt, Allah willing, safe [and secure]."”

Do this before next time

Forgive one person this week and tell nobody about it except Allah.

A clay wooden staff standing upright between two walls of parted blue clay water

Story 5 · ages 8-11

Musa — standing up to Fir'awn

Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, was placed in a basket on the river as a baby, raised in Fir'awn's own palace, and sent back to tell the most powerful man on earth to worship Allah.

  1. The basket

    His mother placed him in the river to save him, and Allah brought him back to her.

  2. Called at the mountain

    Allah spoke to him at the mountain and gave him signs — the staff and the shining hand.

  3. 'Go to Fir'awn'

    He was sent to Fir'awn, who claimed to be a god, and asked Allah to make his task easier.

  4. The sea splits

    Allah told him to strike the sea with his staff; his people crossed and Fir'awn's army drowned.

  5. The Tawrah

    Allah gave him the Tawrah as guidance for the Children of Israel.

Surah Taa-Haa · 20:39

أَنِ ٱقْذِفِيهِ فِى ٱلتَّابُوتِ فَٱقْذِفِيهِ فِى ٱلْيَمِّ فَلْيُلْقِهِ ٱلْيَمُّ بِٱلسَّاحِلِ يَأْخُذْهُ عَدُوٌّۭ لِّى وَعَدُوٌّۭ لَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَلْقَيْتُ عَلَيْكَ مَحَبَّةًۭ مِّنِّى وَلِتُصْنَعَ عَلَىٰ عَيْنِىٓ

Aniqzifeehi fit Taabooti faqzifeehi fil yammi fal yul qihil yammu bis saahili yaakhuzhu 'aduwwul lee wa 'aduwwul lah; wa alqaitu 'alaika mahabbatam minnee wa litusna'a 'alaa 'ainee

“[Saying], 'Cast him into the chest and cast it into the river, and the river will throw it onto the bank; there will take him an enemy to Me and an enemy to him.' And I bestowed upon you love from Me that you would be brought up under My eye.”

Surah Taa-Haa · 20:25

قَالَ رَبِّ ٱشْرَحْ لِى صَدْرِى

Qaala Rabbish rah lee sadree

“[Moses] said, "My Lord, expand for me my breast [with assurance]”

Surah Taa-Haa · 20:26

وَيَسِّرْ لِىٓ أَمْرِى

Wa yassir leee amree

“And ease for me my task”

Surah Ash-Shu'araa · 26:63

فَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنِ ٱضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ ٱلْبَحْرَ ۖ فَٱنفَلَقَ فَكَانَ كُلُّ فِرْقٍۢ كَٱلطَّوْدِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ

Fa awhainaaa ilaa Moosaaa anidrib bi'asaakal bahra fanfalaqa fakaana kullu firqin kattawdil 'azeem

“Then We inspired to Moses, "Strike with your staff the sea," and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain.”

Surah Al-A'raaf · 7:145

وَكَتَبْنَا لَهُۥ فِى ٱلْأَلْوَاحِ مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ مَّوْعِظَةًۭ وَتَفْصِيلًۭا لِّكُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ فَخُذْهَا بِقُوَّةٍۢ وَأْمُرْ قَوْمَكَ يَأْخُذُوا۟ بِأَحْسَنِهَا ۚ سَأُو۟رِيكُمْ دَارَ ٱلْفَٰسِقِينَ

Wa katabnaa lahoo fil alwaahi minkulli shai'immaw 'izaanw wa tafseelal likulli shai'in fakhuzhaa biquwwatinw waamur qawmaka yaakhuzoo bi ahsanihaa; wa ooreekum daaral faasiqeen

“And We wrote for him on the tablets [something] of all things - instruction and explanation for all things, [saying], "Take them with determination and order your people to take the best of it. I will show you the home of the defiantly disobedient."”

Surah Al-Maaida · 5:44

إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَا ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةَ فِيهَا هُدًۭى وَنُورٌۭ ۚ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا ٱلنَّبِيُّونَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ هَادُوا۟ وَٱلرَّبَّٰنِيُّونَ وَٱلْأَحْبَارُ بِمَا ٱسْتُحْفِظُوا۟ مِن كِتَٰبِ ٱللَّهِ وَكَانُوا۟ عَلَيْهِ شُهَدَآءَ ۚ فَلَا تَخْشَوُا۟ ٱلنَّاسَ وَٱخْشَوْنِ وَلَا تَشْتَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِى ثَمَنًۭا قَلِيلًۭا ۚ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْكَٰفِرُونَ

Innaaa anzalnat Tawraata feehaa hudanw wa noor; yahkumu bihan Nabiyyoonal lazeena aslamoo lillazeena haadoo war rabbaaniyyoona wal ahbaaru bimas tuhfizoo min Kitaabil laahi wa kaanoo 'alaihi shuhadaaa'; falaa takhshawun naasa wakhshawni wa laa tashtaroo bi aayaatee samanan qaleelaa; wa mal lam yahkum bimaaa anzalal laahu fa ulaaa'ika humul kaafiroon

“Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah, and they were witnesses thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the disbelievers.”

Do this before next time

Ask Allah for courage the way Musa did — learn the dua in ayah 25–28 of Surah Ta-Ha.

A clay throne beside a hoopoe bird and a line of tiny ants crossing a gold path

Story 6 · ages 5-7

Sulayman — the king who understood the ants

Prophet Sulayman, peace be upon him, was given a kingdom no one has had since: he understood the speech of birds and ants, and the wind and the jinn worked by Allah's command.

  1. A gift, not his own power

    Everything he had came from Allah, and he thanked Allah for it.

  2. The ant

    He heard an ant warn her people, and smiled and praised Allah.

  3. The hoopoe

    A bird brought him news of a woman ruling Saba and her people worshipping the sun.

  4. The queen believes

    She came, saw the truth, and submitted to Allah.

  5. Power with justice

    A king who prays and judges fairly is stronger than a king who is only rich.

Surah An-Naml · 27:15

وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا دَاوُۥدَ وَسُلَيْمَٰنَ عِلْمًۭا ۖ وَقَالَا ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى فَضَّلَنَا عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍۢ مِّنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Wa laqad aatainaa Daawooda wa sulaimaana 'ilmaa; wa qaalal hamdu lil laahil lazee faddalanaa 'alaa kaseerim min 'ibaadihil mu'mineen

“And We had certainly given to David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, "Praise [is due] to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants."”

Surah An-Naml · 27:16

وَوَرِثَ سُلَيْمَٰنُ دَاوُۥدَ ۖ وَقَالَ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ عُلِّمْنَا مَنطِقَ ٱلطَّيْرِ وَأُوتِينَا مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ ۖ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلْفَضْلُ ٱلْمُبِينُ

Wa warisa Sulaimaanu Daawooda wa qaala yaaa aiyuhan naasu 'ullimnaa mantiqat tairi wa ooteenaa min kulli shai'in inna haazaa lahuwal fadlul mubeen

“And Solomon inherited David. He said, "O people, we have been taught the language of birds, and we have been given from all things. Indeed, this is evident bounty."”

Surah An-Naml · 27:17

وَحُشِرَ لِسُلَيْمَٰنَ جُنُودُهُۥ مِنَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ وَٱلطَّيْرِ فَهُمْ يُوزَعُونَ

Wa hushira Sulaimaana junooduhoo minal jinni wal insi wattairi fahum yooza'oon

“And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows.”

Surah An-Naml · 27:18

حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَتَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ وَادِ ٱلنَّمْلِ قَالَتْ نَمْلَةٌۭ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّمْلُ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ مَسَٰكِنَكُمْ لَا يَحْطِمَنَّكُمْ سُلَيْمَٰنُ وَجُنُودُهُۥ وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

hattaaa izaaa ataw 'alaa waadin namli qaalat namlatuny yaaa aiyuhan namlud khuloo masaakinakum laa yahtimannakum Sulaimaanu wa junooduhoo wa hum laa yash'uroon

“Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, "O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not."”

Surah An-Naml · 27:19

فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكًۭا مِّن قَوْلِهَا وَقَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِىٓ أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَىَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَٰلِدَىَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَٰلِحًۭا تَرْضَىٰهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِى بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِى عِبَادِكَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ

Fatabassama daahikam min qawlihaa wa qaala Rabbi awzi'nee an ashkura ni'mata kal lateee an'amta 'alaiya wa 'alaa waalidaiya wa an a'mala saalihan tardaahu wa adkhilnee birahmatika fee 'ibaadikas saaliheen

“So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants."”

Surah An-Naml · 27:44

قِيلَ لَهَا ٱدْخُلِى ٱلصَّرْحَ ۖ فَلَمَّا رَأَتْهُ حَسِبَتْهُ لُجَّةًۭ وَكَشَفَتْ عَن سَاقَيْهَا ۚ قَالَ إِنَّهُۥ صَرْحٌۭ مُّمَرَّدٌۭ مِّن قَوَارِيرَ ۗ قَالَتْ رَبِّ إِنِّى ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِى وَأَسْلَمْتُ مَعَ سُلَيْمَٰنَ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

Qeela lahad khulis sarha falammaa ra at hu hasibat hu lujjatanw wa khashafat 'an saaqaihaa; qaala innahoo sarhum mumarradum min qawaareer; qaalat Rabbi innee zalamtu nafsee wa aslamtu ma'a Sulaimaana lillaahi Rabbil 'aalameen

“She was told, "Enter the palace." But when she saw it, she thought it was a body of water and uncovered her shins [to wade through]. He said, "Indeed, it is a palace [whose floor is] made smooth with glass." She said, "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allah, Lord of the worlds."”

Do this before next time

Be kind to the smallest creature you see today — Sulayman cared about ants.

A large clay whale under moonlit waves with a soft glow inside it

Story 7 · ages 5-7

Yunus — the dua inside the whale

Prophet Yunus, peace be upon him, left his people before Allah told him to. He ended up in the dark inside a great fish — and one honest dua brought him out.

  1. He left too early

    His people would not listen, so he left before Allah gave him permission.

  2. Into the sea

    The ship, the storm, and then the great fish swallowed him.

  3. Darkness

    Inside, in total darkness, he called on Allah and admitted he was wrong.

  4. Allah answered

    Allah saved him — and says He saves the believers like this.

  5. His people believed

    When he returned, the whole city turned back to Allah.

Surah Al-Anbiyaa · 21:87

وَذَا ٱلنُّونِ إِذ ذَّهَبَ مُغَٰضِبًۭا فَظَنَّ أَن لَّن نَّقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَىٰ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ أَن لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

Wa Zan Nooni iz zahaba mughaadiban fazaanna al lan naqdira 'alaihi fanaanna al lan naqdira 'alaihi fanaadaa fiz zulumaati al laaa ilaaha illaaa Anta Subhaanaka innee kuntu minaz zaalimeen

“And [mention] the man of the fish, when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. And he called out within the darknesses, "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers."”

Surah Al-Anbiyaa · 21:88

فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ وَنَجَّيْنَٰهُ مِنَ ٱلْغَمِّ ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُۨجِى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Fastajabnaa lahoo wa najjainaahu minal ghamm; wa kazaalika nunjil mu'mineen

“So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.”

Surah As-Saaffaat · 37:139

وَإِنَّ يُونُسَ لَمِنَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ

Wa inna Yoonusa laminal mursaleen

“And indeed, Jonah was among the messengers.”

Surah As-Saaffaat · 37:148

فَـَٔامَنُوا۟ فَمَتَّعْنَٰهُمْ إِلَىٰ حِينٍۢ

Fa aamanoo famatta' naahum ilaa heen

“And they believed, so We gave them enjoyment [of life] for a time.”

Memorise this

لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin

There is no god except You; glory be to You. I have surely been among the wrongdoers.

Qur'an 21:87 — the dua of Yunus, peace be upon him.

Do this before next time

Learn the dua of Yunus by heart and say it next time you are scared.

A clay date palm beside a small clay cradle and a clear spring of water

Story 8 · ages 12-15

Isa — a word from Allah

Prophet Isa, peace be upon him, was born to Maryam with no father by Allah's command, spoke as a baby, healed the sick by Allah's permission, and is a prophet — not divine, and not Allah's son.

  1. Maryam

    Allah chose Maryam, and the Qur'an has a whole surah named after her — the only woman named in it.

  2. Born by Allah's word

    Allah says 'Be' and it is. Isa was created without a father, just as Adam was created without parents.

  3. He spoke as a baby

    He defended his mother's honour as an infant, saying he was a servant of Allah.

  4. Miracles by permission

    He healed the blind and the sick and brought the dead to life — always by Allah's permission, never his own power.

  5. Not Allah's son

    Muslims love Isa deeply and believe he is a mighty prophet. Allah has no son, and Isa was not killed — Allah raised him.

Surah Maryam · 19:16

وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مَرْيَمَ إِذِ ٱنتَبَذَتْ مِنْ أَهْلِهَا مَكَانًۭا شَرْقِيًّۭا

Wazkur fil Kitaabi Marya; izin tabazat min ahlihaa makaanan shariqyyaa

“And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east.”

Surah Aal-i-Imraan · 3:47

قَالَتْ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِى وَلَدٌۭ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِى بَشَرٌۭ ۖ قَالَ كَذَٰلِكِ ٱللَّهُ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَآءُ ۚ إِذَا قَضَىٰٓ أَمْرًۭا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ

Qaalat Rabbi annaa yakoonu ee waladunw wa lam yamsasnee basharun qaala kazaalikil laahu yakhluqu maa yashaaa'; izaa qadaaa amran fa innamaa yaqoolu lahoo kun fayakoon

“She said, "My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?" [The angel] said, "Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is.”

Surah Maryam · 19:30

قَالَ إِنِّى عَبْدُ ٱللَّهِ ءَاتَىٰنِىَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَجَعَلَنِى نَبِيًّۭا

Qaala innee 'abdullaahi aataaniyal Kitaaba wa ja'alanee Nabiyyaa

“[Jesus] said, "Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.”

Surah Aal-i-Imraan · 3:49

وَرَسُولًا إِلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ أَنِّى قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِـَٔايَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ أَنِّىٓ أَخْلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطِّينِ كَهَيْـَٔةِ ٱلطَّيْرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْرًۢا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَأُبْرِئُ ٱلْأَكْمَهَ وَٱلْأَبْرَصَ وَأُحْىِ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِى بُيُوتِكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَءَايَةًۭ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

Wa Rasoolan ilaa Baneee Israaa'eela annee qad ji'tukum bi Aayatim mir Rabbikum annee akhluqu lakum minatteeni kahai 'atittairi fa anfukhu feehi fayakoonu tairam bi iznil laahi wa ubri'ul akmaha wal abrasa wa uhyil mawtaa bi iznil laahi wa unabbi'ukum bimaa taakuloona wa maa taddakhiroona fee buyootikum; inna fee zaalika la Aayatal lakum in kuntum mu'mineen

“And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], 'Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead - by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.”

Surah Maryam · 19:35

مَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ مِن وَلَدٍۢ ۖ سُبْحَٰنَهُۥٓ ۚ إِذَا قَضَىٰٓ أَمْرًۭا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ

Maa kaana lillaahi ai yattakhiza minw waladin Subhaanah; izaa qadaaa amran fa innamaa yaqoolu lahoo kun fa yakoon

“It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He! When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, "Be," and it is.”

Surah An-Nisaa · 4:157

وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا ٱلْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ٱبْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ لَفِى شَكٍّۢ مِّنْهُ ۚ مَا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنْ عِلْمٍ إِلَّا ٱتِّبَاعَ ٱلظَّنِّ ۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًۢا

Wa qawlihim innaa qatal nal maseeha 'Eesab-na-Maryama Rasoolal laahi wa maa qataloohu wa maa salaboohu wa laakin shubbiha lahum; wa innal lazeenakh talafoo fee lafee shakkim minh; maa lahum bihee min 'ilmin illat tibaa'az zann; wa maa qataloohu yaqeenaa

“And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.”

Surah An-Nisaa · 4:158

بَل رَّفَعَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًۭا

Bar rafa'ahul laahu ilayh; wa kaanal laahu 'Azeezan Hakeemaa

“Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.”

Do this before next time

Explain kindly to a friend why Muslims love Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, and what we believe about him.

Cracked clay ground with a small spring bubbling up and a bare tree sprouting green leaves

Story 9 · ages 8-11

Ayyub and the long illness

Prophet Ayyub, peace be upon him, lost his health and his wealth and was ill for years. He never complained about Allah — he made a gentle dua, and Allah healed him.

  1. He was tested hard

    Illness, loss of property and loss of family — over a long period, not a bad afternoon.

  2. His dua was polite

    The Qur'an records him saying that hardship had struck him, and that Allah is the Most Merciful of the merciful.

  3. Allah answered

    Allah removed the harm and restored his family and more.

  4. Patience is not silence about pain

    You may say it hurts; sabr means not accusing Allah of being unfair.

  5. For a sick child or parent

    This story is what to read when someone you love is ill for a long time.

Surah Al-Anbiyaa · 21:83

۞ وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنِّى مَسَّنِىَ ٱلضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ

Wa Ayyooba iz naadaa Rabbahooo annee massaniyad durru wa Anta arhamur raahimeen

“And [mention] Job, when he called to his Lord, "Indeed, adversity has touched me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful."”

Surah Al-Anbiyaa · 21:84

فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ فَكَشَفْنَا مَا بِهِۦ مِن ضُرٍّۢ ۖ وَءَاتَيْنَٰهُ أَهْلَهُۥ وَمِثْلَهُم مَّعَهُمْ رَحْمَةًۭ مِّنْ عِندِنَا وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْعَٰبِدِينَ

Fastajabnaa lahoo fakashaf naa maa bihee min durrinw wa aatainaahu ahlahoo wa mislahum ma'ahum rahmatam min 'indinaa wa zikraa lil'aabideen

“So We responded to him and removed what afflicted him of adversity. And We gave him [back] his family and the like thereof with them as mercy from Us and a reminder for the worshippers [of Allah].”

Do this before next time

Make dua for someone you know who is ill, using Ayyub's words: Ya Arhamar-Rahimin.

A clay mountain with small birds above, a chain-mail shirt on a stand and an open songbook

Story 10 · ages 8-11

Dawud, the psalms and the mountains

Prophet Dawud, peace be upon him, was given a beautiful voice, the Zabur, and a special skill: Allah taught him to shape iron into armour. Even the mountains and birds joined his praise.

  1. A prophet and a king

    Dawud ruled with justice and judged between people fairly.

  2. Mountains and birds

    The Qur'an says Allah commanded the mountains and the birds to echo his praise of Allah.

  3. He worked with his hands

    Allah taught him to make coats of mail — a prophet with a trade.

  4. The Zabur

    He was given a scripture, the Zabur (psalms), full of praise of Allah.

  5. Work and worship together

    Being skilled at something useful is part of being a good Muslim, not separate from it.

Surah Al-Anbiyaa · 21:79

فَفَهَّمْنَٰهَا سُلَيْمَٰنَ ۚ وَكُلًّا ءَاتَيْنَا حُكْمًۭا وَعِلْمًۭا ۚ وَسَخَّرْنَا مَعَ دَاوُۥدَ ٱلْجِبَالَ يُسَبِّحْنَ وَٱلطَّيْرَ ۚ وَكُنَّا فَٰعِلِينَ

Fafahhamnaahaa sulaimaan; wa kullan aatainaa hukmanw wa'ilmanw wa sakh kharnaa ma'a Daawoodal jibaala yusabbihna wattayr; wa kunnaa faa'ileen

“And We gave understanding of the case to Solomon, and to each [of them] We gave judgement and knowledge. And We subjected the mountains to exalt [Us], along with David and [also] the birds. And We were doing [that].”

Surah Saba · 34:10

۞ وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا دَاوُۥدَ مِنَّا فَضْلًۭا ۖ يَٰجِبَالُ أَوِّبِى مَعَهُۥ وَٱلطَّيْرَ ۖ وَأَلَنَّا لَهُ ٱلْحَدِيدَ

Wa laqad aatainaa Daawooda minnaa fadlany yaa jibaalu awwibee ma'ahoo wattaira wa alannaa lahul hadeed

“And We certainly gave David from Us bounty. [We said], "O mountains, repeat [Our] praises with him, and the birds [as well]." And We made pliable for him iron,”

Do this before next time

Learn one skill with your hands this month, and say Alhamdulillah when you finish something with it.

Every ayah on this page comes from the Tanzil Uthmani text of the Qur'an with the Sahih International translation, and every hadith carries its collection and number so you can check it yourself. Back to the learning path

Next on this shelf: The Companions — 8 lessons.

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