Birth Anniversary of Imam al-Mahdi – Level 1- 2nd Year

Topic Overview: The Story of Lady Narjis Khatoon and the Birth of the Imam of our Time (May Our Souls be His Ransom) – The Similarities Among Different Religions Regarding the Concept of the Existence of a Savior and the Adherent of Christians to Imam Mahdi (AJ) After his Reappearance-Introducing the Imam of Our Time (AJ) as the Kindest Father

  • Objective(s):

    1.Since the children arrive at different times, it is recommended that before the start of the official program a craft that is related to the theme of the program is planned for the kids who come earlier.

    2.Make kids familiar with the concept of the existence of a savior in different religions and his reappearance from the Ka’ba.

    Procedures- Supplies Needed:

    1.Any colored paper and or construction Paper

    2.Toothpicks

    3.Flower and butterfly stickers

    4.Colored Pencils

    5.Scissors

    6.Glue Sticks

    Duration:

    30-40 Minutes

    Instructions and materials needed:

    1. Construction paper and poster board in your desired color
    2. Toothpicks
    3. Flower and butterfly stickers
    4. Colored pencils
    5. Scissors
    6. Glue sticks

    Print the given images at the end of this file and cut around them.

    image001

    In your desired color, prepare a piece of cardboard in size of A4 and draw two rectangles on either side. The size of these two rectangles should be about the same size as the images prepared in the first step

    image002

    Prepare a small rectangle from red construction paper and write the phrase (O’ Hussein) on them. To make this a bit easier you may write this phrase in a word document and print it on a red construction paper and cut them out. Glue a corner of this flag, place the toothpick on it and wrap it around the toothpick.

    image003

    Color in the images and place the flag according to the image in the right place. There is no need to use a glue, you may use the sharp end of the toothpick and stick it in the paper like a needle.

    image004

    Place the colored images according to the given image.

    image005

    Decorate the background with flower and butterfly stickers, and then fold the poster-board inwards so that the two images are standing right in front of each other. Afterwards glue the desired note to the exterior of this card and decorate it accordingly

    image006

    image007

    image008

    image009

  • Objective(s):

    1.Seeking means to the Holy Qur’an to illuminate our hearts that is means to salvation.

    2.Recognizing the Holy Qur’an as the means to salvation and guidance of humans.

    3.Becoming familiar with Surah al-Asr (Time) and its meaning.

    4.Becoming familiar with the phrase “Wa-ajal-farajahum” (May God hasten his reappearance) and its meaning.

    Duration:

    10 Minutes

    Beginning:

    Salaam everyone! How is everyone doing? I hope you are all doing well! Welcome to our celebration my dears! Eid Mubarak to you all!  My little ones, we are excited to have you all here; and we are looking forward to spending time with each other and have lots of fun. But before anything, we would like to start our celebration with God’s name by reciting a beautiful verse from a surah named “al-Anbya” which means the Prophets. This verse that I am going to recite is verse 105 of this Surah; You guys also try to recite this verse along with me.

    وَلَقَدْ كَتَبْنَا فِي الزَّبُورِ مِن بَعْدِ الذِّكْرِ أَنَّ الْأَرْضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِيَ الصَّالِحُونَ * ۱۰۵

    We have written in the psalms which We had revealed after the Torah that the earth will be given to Our righteous servants as their inheritance.  (For the mentor)

    (Recite over the verse three times, slowly, so the kids can become familiar with the verse)

    Alright, in this beautiful verse dear God says that: it is mentioned both in the Holy book of Jew’s and Christians that good and righteous servants of God will inherit this earth. Meaning that throughout history, no matter how much bad and evil people oppress, harass, deviate other people and violate their rights, this situation will be reversed. Dear God, wants his good servants to inherit this earth and therefore this whole earth will be ensured for the noble servants of God.

    That day, is the day that the 12th Imam of us Shias, meaning the Imam of Our Time reappears, which will make people around the world very happy. This is because God has promised that by the return of the Imam of Our Time, our world will be filled with goodness, and beauty, while evilness and badness will have no place on this earth.

    And today is the birthday of this rescuer of this earth. It’s a very biiiiiiiigggg day, and all of God’s creatures are happy and cheerful about this great event. And we hope that day comes very soon, when we celebrate his birthday in his presence, can look at him and congratulate him upon his birthday.

    That day is going to be a day that only kindness is going to exist on this great earth and the earth is going to be given to the noble servants of God.

    Now please recite a very loud salwat with “wa ajjal farajahum” and clap your hands so we can go and see the other various segments of this celebration that has been planned for you all.

  • Objective(s):

    1.Becoming familiar with the Imam of our Time (AJ), the era after his reappearance and the dissolution of the adversities during that time.

    2.The importance of praying for the reappearance of Imam of our Time (AJ).

    3.The importance of performing good deeds to make the heart of the Imam of our Time content and how to be amongst his soldiers.

    Procedures- Supplies Needed:

    1.Becoming familiar with the skills of storytelling and how to appeal to children.

    Duration:

    15-20 Minutes

    Story: The similarities among different religions regarding the concept of the existence of a savior and the adherent of Christians to Imam Mahdi (AJ) after his reappearance

    Today like every day in the week, even though she really wanted to stay in the bed and sleep for a bit longer; the sound of alarm meant that she had to get up and go to the bathroom, then to the kitchen and then get ready for school. Like always her lovely mom had her breakfast ready, as well as had her lunch ready in front of the door so she wouldn’t forget to take it with her. Before getting out the house, she hugged and kissed her mom tightly said bye to her and went to the bus stop. Like every day, the big orange bus was on time, and ready to pick up kids from their stops. You could hear the bus driver with her big smile who said: Bonjour, which means hello in French. Maryam also replied with a big smile.

    Maryam always tells herself that she must have good morals, be smiley, and kinder than her friends because everyone knows that she is a Muslim. If she doesn’t do so, then everyone thinks that Muslims are like that and, so it would be bad. Oh, and I forgot to tell you all, that it’s for few years that Maryam has moved to Canada for her mom and dad’s continuation of education. She also attends a French school and her friends have all moved from different countries to Canada. Maryam loves the fact that she is friends with different people, cultures and beliefs, even though she misses her old friends.

    The bus arrived at school. Maryam entered the school and headed to her class. The friend that sits to the right of Maryam is from Spain and is a Christian. Her friend that sits to the left of Maryam is a Jewish but doesn’t know for how long she has been living in Canada. Its right that Maryam’s best friend is a Shia from Lebanon, but these three are good friends, they talk a lot together, they accept each other’s opinions and in most cases, they respect each other’s beliefs.

    Today in the first recess time a very interesting discussion took place between Maryam and her friends. The discussion started by Alice nagging about a robbery that took place in their neighborhood few days ago which had caused her family to get worried and, so they wouldn’t allow Alice to go to the street and play with her skate. Then the discussion continued as Elliana and Maryam started nagging about the sad things that had been happening around them, and around the world. The atmosphere got a bit heavy, and everyone was tired of the current situation that humans had created, when all the sudden Elliana who was Maryam’s Jewish friend said with pride and arrogance: you know what; we believe that one day all of this badness and sadness will end. That a person will come and fill the world with goodness. Everyone will believe in him, but those who oppress, continue with their wrongdoings, and don’t believe in him will no longer be living. We are also looking forward for him to come soon. Oh, and I forgot to mention that our Prophet Moses (Musa) will also come with him, that is why we are impatiently waiting for that day to come.

    When Elliana finished her talk, Maryam and Alice looked at each other with a surprise. They were surprised but it looked like as if they had something to say as well. Maryam was shocked, because the things that Elliana mentioned was exactly like the things we Muslims believe in. She couldn’t believe that even Jewish people have such a belief, which is why she was in a total shock. That is when Alice started answering. Maryam was even more surprised when she heard what Alice had to say. Alice said: Wow Elliana, we also believe in the same thing. We are waiting for the son of Adam to come and remove badness and evilness from this earth and make everyone believe in the same thing. Some of the Christians believe that the person who will come is our Prophet Jesus. However, others say that it’s another person who is the best creation of God; but Jesus will come with him. And true Christians are waiting for him.

    After Alice finished her talk, both looked at Maryam, and it was as if they were waiting to see Maryam happy of their beliefs. Well Maryam was happy, but not because she learned something new or good; but because she understood that other heavenly religions just like us believe that dear God will send his best servant to help the people on earth. And finally, it comes a day that this earth will be empty of badness and everything becomes beautiful and good.

    Maryam didn’t let them wait and continued by saying: Wow how interesting! We Muslims or should I said better we Shias believe that a person will come who is the savior of the people and the oppressed. Just like both of you! And I have to add, that this person, whose name is Imam Mahdi, is alive right now and has a long life, just like Prophet Noah. And when he reappears, meaning that God will allow him to introduce himself to people, many heavenly religions such as Jewish and Christians, when they see his morals, behaviors and hear his beautiful words, will embrace Islam and will become Muslims. Even Jesus, who is the Prophet of Christians, will go to Masjid al-Haram which is the place where Imam Mahdi will return, stand behind him, and pray just like Muslims. Many Christians will also do the same thing.

    Maryam continued: yes, my dears! At that time, good people of different faiths and beliefs, will believe in him and go to his help. So all together can wipe out evilness and oppression, and by him the world will be filled with beauty, happiness, and goodness. But let us not forget that it is not only important for us to wait for this savior or Imam Mahdi; but we should also try to do good things, distance ourselves from doing bad things so we can become closer to him, make his return to be sooner, and be one of his followers.

    When Maryam finished her talk, she felt as if Alice and Elliana were a bit surprised but also pleased. It was as if they couldn’t believe that even Muslims have such a belief. It was especially interesting for Alice that there is such a special connection between Imam Mahdi and the Christians, and just in general it was interesting for her the love, and kindness that Imam Mahdi has and wants to spread on this earth among people. So, this was another interesting thing that happened between Maryam and her new friends which made the three of them very happy.

  • Objective(s):

    1.Familiarize children with the Imam of our Time as the kindest father.

    2.Creating that loving relationship with the kindest father.

    3. Familiarize children with the culture of saying salaam to the Imam of our Time (AJ) and giving sadaghah on his behalf for his wellbeing and health.

    Procedures- Supplies Needed:

    1.Actors: narrator, Zahra, Zahra’s mom, Leila, Zainab, Fatemeh, Fatimah’s mom, 3-5 school kids.

    2.Greeting cards, and balloons enough for all the children.

    3.A decorated room and sparklers.

    4.Birthday cake

    Duration:

    15 Minutes

     Play: The Kindest Father

     

    First Scene:

    Narrator: The beautiful sun slowly brightened the sky, and the birds came out of their nests, chirping with joy and happiness to tell each other the start of a new day. Zahra woke up to the sound of the birds, and like always stood up and gave her salaam to her kindest father. After washing her face, and eating her breakfast she turned to her mom and said:

    Zahra: Mom! You didn’t give me money, so I can put aside as sadaqah for the wellbeing of my kind father

    Zahra’s mom gives her a bit of change: Here you go my dear. Here is the money for sadaqah. Look after yourself, and don’t forget to recite ayatul kursi!

    -Bye Mom

    -Bye my dear

    Zahra exits the house.

    Second Scene:

    Zahra goes to a charity box and says: Dear God, please look after my beloved father! Give him good health and protect him where ever he might be (Puts the money in the charity box).

    Zahra (Waits for a bit, continually looks at the clock, and then with fear and apprehension says 🙂 ugh, where is Leila? The bell will ring now! It’s too late, what might’ve happened? ( ……)

    -Zahra anxiously goes to Leila’s house (whose house is nearby), rings the doorbell. Nastran’s mom opens the door.

    Zahra: Hello Mrs. Miller, how are you? Is Leila not coming? I’ve been waiting for her right at the corner of the street; I got worried, is she not coming to school?

    Leila’s Mom: Leila is not feeling well at all. She is sick and has a fever. We must take her to the doctor. I was going to call your mom and let her know but I was busy trying to make her fever lower. And now her dad and I, we are taking her to the hospital.

    Zahra (gets sad) and says: Awhhh… I am very sorry. Hopefully she gets well soon. I will pray for her!

    Leila’s mom: Thank you my dear Zahra! You go to school, it’s pretty late! Bye my dear! We should go as well, it is getting late!

    Zahra: Alright, I will come this afternoon to see Leila. Please give my Salaams to her. Bye.

    Third Scene:

    Narrator: Few days pass by and Leila comes back to school.

    Zeinab: oh, look everyone, loooook over there! Leila has come back, she finally feels well! (Kids hooray, and happily run towards Leila)

    – Zahra: Salaam Leila, Thank God you feel better. We missed you so much!

    Zeinab: Salaam Leila, we were all worried about you!

    (At the same time, few kids said hi to Leila and asked how she is doing!)

    Zeinab: These few days that you were absent we were all worried about you. But thank God at least Zahra lived nearby you and she would tell us how you were doing.

    Zahra: But I was sure that you will get well soon, and our kind father would pray for your wellbeing. Our father prays for all his friends and kids, so their problems would be solved as soon as possible so they could again smile and be happy.

    Leila says happily: Woooow, for real Zahra? But I don’t understand who our kind father is? I know that you father is very kind, but you said our kind father! Who is our kind father?

    Zeinab is standing by Zahra and Leila: Yeah Leila is right; I’ve heard a lot of good things about your kind father. The way I’ve understood, is that your father loves kids a lot. I even heard from you that he is the best person in this world and is kind to everyone. You must promise to us show your kind father one day. Promise?

     –Zahra smiles and says: Yeah, yeah for sure. Hmmm, I thought of something right now, so you guys can get to know our kind father. (School bell rings)

    Zahra: Let’s to go to class right now, I am sure Ms. Taylor will be happy to see Leila. (Everyone laughs)

    Zeinab says with a smile: Zahra is right. Mrs. Taylor kept asking about you. Because for sure you are the top student in her class (winks)

    Fourth Scene:

    Zahra happily enters the class with a box of chocolate. Everyone was surprised.

    Leila: Zahra what’s up with the box of chocolate you brought to the class? What is going on?

    Mahsa from the end of the class: Uhmmm YEssss Chocolate! Zahra why did you bring a box of chocolate?

    Zahra: These chocolates are for a very special event! Excuse me, teacher, may I give out the chocolates to my friends?

    (Zahra gives out a card to her friends along with a chocolate. The students look at the cards with surprise.)

     –Zahra (after giving out the box of chocolate): Now, anyone knows what’s up with the box of chocolate I gave out?

    Leila: Is it your birthday?

    Zahra: Nope

    Zeinab: umm, was your sister born?

    Zahra (Laughs and says 🙂 hahah, Noooo, it’s the birthday of someone that you all wanted to know and see!

    Leila: uwhhh, is it the birthday of your kind father? Or our kind father? Well we still don’t know who you are talking about!

    Zahra: Great Job. Because of this, I have a great celebration at my house, and you are all invited.

    Zeianb and Leila hooray and jump up and down

    Zeinab: Greaaaat, a birthday party!

    Leila: Great, finally the mystery of this kind father will be solved for us (Winks at Zeinab)

    Fifth Scene:

    The day of the birthday celebration:

    Zeinab and Leila enter the house of Zahra’s together. Zahra and her mom say salaam to them, and welcome them.

    (All the house is decorated with colorful lamps and flags)

    -Fun Nasheed should be played and refreshments should be served for the guests

    -Zahra gives out colorful balloons to her friends as a gift

    (At this segment of the program refreshments can either be only given to Zahra’s friend or refreshments can also be served to the kids as well)

    (Everyone must quite down for the continuation of the play)

    Zahra’s friends talk with one another quietly:

    Leila: Where is Zahra’s dad?

    Zeinab: Leila is right! I hope her dad comes sooner so we can tell him happy birthday.

    Leila: Yayyyyyy. Everyone look they are bringing out the cake. Now where ever Zahra’s father is, he has to show up soon to blow out the candles. Hurayyyyyy!!!

    (Kids clap, and are happy. They turn on their sparklers. They sing happy birthday along with a happy sound effect)

    -The narrator brings the cake and calls out Zahra to come by the cake!

    Leila: Let’s all go and sit by the cake, so we can clap when Zahra’s dad comes.

    (Kids sit by the cake, right across Zahra and wait)

    Zahra turns towards the kids who have come to this ceremony and her friends and says:

    My kind father Salaam!

    My dad and mom always say: The Imam of our Time is a kind father for everyone. A father for elders and kids. A kind father in the whole wide world!

    My kindest father, Dear Imam Mahdi! Today as we celebrate your birthday, I wish that you were with us, so you, yourself, could have blown out the candles on your cake, and we could give our gifts to you. I wish we could see you, and congratulate your birthday in person. Although I feel that you are always besides me, and take care of me and I know for sure that wherever you may be, you can hear my voice. I am always waiting for you. The birthday gift that we, kids have for you, our kindest father is that we will always pray for your return, do good things, and distance ourselves from doing bad things.

    O’ dear God please make the Imam of Our Time return sooner, and make the heart of our kindest father happy from us playful kids J

    Zahra’s friends, who just realized the story behind Zahra’s kindest father, bring their hand up, say amen and clap their hands for Zahra.

    Leila to Zeinab: Zahra is so lucky that she knows so much about the Imam of Our Time! So, does that mean that Zahra was giving Salaam every morning to Imam of our Time? Would she put away sadaghah on the behalf of the Imam of our Time? Ohhhh wooow, does that mean the time when I was sick it was the Imam of Our Time who prayed for me to get well?

    Zeinab: Yesss, the one person who is kind with everyone, and loves all us of kids is the Imam of Our Time; and just like Zahra, I like to say father or dad to the Imam of our Time!!

    -Then Zeinab, Leila, Zahra, Zahra’s mom, all turn towards kids and say:

    <<MY KINDEST FATHER, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!>>

    Narrator: My dear ones let’s all, also congratulate our kindest father on his birthday:

     <<MY KINDEST FATHER, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!>>

  • Objective(s):

    1.Make this celebration more appealing to the audience.

    2.Demonstrate the importance of having common spiritual and doctrinal mindset when finding friends.

    3.Paying more attention to the similarities that exists among kids.

    Procedures- Supplies Needed:

    1.It is required for the mentor to show excitement and have an expressive voice to make this game fun for the kids.

    Duration:

    10-20 Minutes

    Game: The Importance of Having Common Spiritual and Doctrinal Mindset when Finding Friends and the Closeness of Friendships

    Alright my dear ones! Now together we want to play an interesting game! Who likes to play? Now who likes to play alone? Who likes to play as a group? Now why? Tell me your reasons. Now let’s play! I will divide you all in groups of 10 (divide based on how many people they are). Every group stands in one corner, think and divide based on common things that they share. For example, 3 people are wearing blue shirts, 2 people are wearing glasses, 2 people have white shoes, 3 people are very kind (meaning based on physical characteristics, spiritual, and materialistic things). Then this group of 10 people for example divides into 4 groups (blue shirt, glasses, white shoes, and kindness). Then tell them this: my dears which one of you, find your friends based on the common things you just told me? Or maybe you don’t find your friends based on these things?

    Then guide the kids to the importance of having common mental and spiritual ideas. For example, if a person is kind, I will become friends with them, or if they are Muslim and kind then that person is more preferred, than if they are not Muslim but are kind. This reason shows the importance of having common mental and spiritual ideas in a friendship and being close with someone.

    My dears, when Imam Mahdi reappears, such things happen, because everyone unite under the flag of the Imam of Our Time, become Muslims, will have a common belief and will have one teacher. That is why everyone will become closer and friendlier than a friend. This is just one of the beauties during the time when Imam Mahdi returns. Now did you all understand why most of the people try to become closer to Imam of our Time? Because everyone shares one thing and that is the love they have towards the savior, the messenger of dear God, and the need to be good and become better people. That day, different people with various colors, races, religions will go to the help of Imam of Our Time (AJ). With the hopes that one day we soon get to see him and become one of his close followers.

  • Objective(s):

    1.Becoming familiar with the honorable mother of the Imam of Our Age (May our souls be his ransom), her marriage with Imam Hassan al-Askari (PBUH) and the birth of the Imam of Our Time (May God hasten his return).

    2.The objective is to strengthen kids’ relationship with the Imam of Our Time as well as narrating the story of his birth.

    3.Understanding the difficulties faced by the Imams and the oppressions and tyranny’s afflicted upon them by the rulers of their time.

    Procedures- Supplies Needed:

    1.Need projector, and an appropriate place to present the prezi slides.

    Duration:

    20-25 Minutes

    Prezi: Lady Narjes Khatoon and the Birth of the Imam of Our Time (AJ)

    Prezi Link: https://prezi.com/6_j8_izuinie/mrs-narjes/

    Slide 1: Years ago, there was a country called Rome, which was very big and powerful. At that time, God gave the great emperor of the country a granddaughter who was named Melika. The parents of Melika would do everything they could for her comfort.

    Slide 2: Melika lived in tranquility and peace in the palace of her grandpa but inside she felt different, however she didn’t know what that feeling was? When she became 8 years old, slowly she felt that the religion of her parents meaning Christianity could no longer answer her questions. And she felt as if she had lost something and somehow, she must find it.

    Slide 3: No one could guess why Melika was so sad and was not happy like other kids, even though she was given so many blessings. That’s why the emperor made a very big decision. He decided to make Melika the wife of his brother’s son, so maybe it’s was going to cheer up Melika, and make her feel better. Then he announced to everyone to prepare a big and glorious party. When Melika heard of this news she became very sad, and started crying. Nobody knew that Melika has accepted the religion of Islam and Prophet Muhammad and she loves to become a Muslim, pray, and pray to God.

    So finally, the day of the wedding arrived. The groom entered and sat on a throne decorated with jewels. The pastor wanted to recite the prayers for them to get married, when suddenly an earthquake shook the pillars of the palace, all the crosses fell on the ground, and the groom fell off the throne as well. All the participants got really scared and fled the palace. That was a bitter sweet day for the king and for the memories of that day to get erased off his mind; a few days later the castle was repaired, and the wedding ceremony was held again. This time, right when they wanted to make their marriage official, the same thing happened again, and the wedding party got ruined. So finally, Melika did not marry.

    Slide 4: Melika became very happy of this incident, and went to bed to sleep. That night Melika dreamed of something strange. In her dream, she saw a place that Jesus was there, the successor of Jesus meaning Prophet Simeon who was the great grandfather of Melika was also there. Then in her dream she saw that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) the prophet of us Muslims was there as well, and to the right of him was one of his grandsons meaning our 11th Imam, Imam Hassan al-Askari.  Jesus (PUBH) went to greet Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) and Prophet Muhammad said: O’ the Spirit of God! I came to propose to the daughter of your successor Simon for my son, pointing out Imam Hassan al-Askari (AS). Jesus and Simon became very happy of this news and agreed upon it. Then Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) recited the wedding sermon of Melika and Imam Hassan al-Askari.

    Slide 5: When Melika woke up, she was very happy of her dream. But because she was worried that something would happen to her, she did not tell her dream to anyone.

    Melika constantly was thinking of her dream, and wanted her dream to become a reality soon, but didn’t know what to do! She constantly was looking forward to seeing Imam Hassan al-Askari (AS). That is why she would not eat nor sleep and every day she grew thinner and thinner until she got sick. The great emperor did everything he could for his granddaughter’s health, but nothing would work. It’s interesting to know that Melika had asked her grandfather to free one of the Muslim prisoners, who was caught by her grandfather’s army during a battle; her grandfather agreed to do so, but Melika did not get well!

     

    On another night, Melika saw another dream. This time she saw lady Fatemeh (PBUH), and lady Maryam along with a few heavenly maids who had come to greet her and lady Maryam (Mary) told her: “this is Fatemeh, the leader of the women of the world’s, and is your husband’s mother. Melika hugged, cried and complained to lady Fatemeh (PBUH) that Imam Hassan al-Askari (PBUH) has not yet come to see her.  Lady Fatemeh (AS) told Melika that Imam Hassan will not see her until she becomes a Muslim, and just there, Lady Maryam asked Melika to say her shahadatain (i.e. testimonies) and become a Muslim. After that lady Fatemeh (AS) said that from now on Imam Hassan al-Askari will come to see her. That is exactly what happened as lady Fatemeh (AS) said, and Imam Hassan (PBUH) visited Melika every night in her dream ever since.

    Slide 6: Until one of these nights in a dream Imam Hassan al-Askari (PBUH) told Melika: “Your grandfather Caesar will send out a big army to fight the Muslims on day so and so.” You will enter this army dressed as a maid, wearing the cloth of a maid until the Muslims defeat the Roman’s army and take you all as prisoners. On the other hand, Imam had written a letter for Melika in the Roman language and had given it to one of his followers along with a bag of coins, and had asked him to go to that place that they will bring the war prisoners. Imam had told him how Melika looked like and said: “show Melika this letter so she knows you are coming by my order, and that you want to take her to Imam Hassan al-Askari (AS).”

    This is exactly what happened, the follower of the Imam easily distinguished Melika among the prisoner from the signs that Imam Hassan al-Askari had told him, gave the gold coins to the person in charge of the prisoners, and along with Melika they traveled back to the house of the Imam.

    Slide 7: Imam Hadi, the dear father of Imam Hassan al-Askari chose the name Narjis khatoon for Melika, and made the marriage between Imam Hassan al-Askari and her official. He also asked her sister Hakimeh khatoon to teach Narjis Quran and make her familiar with religious rules, so Narjis could become ready for a very special event.

    On the other hand, the evil king of the city of Samarra martyred Imam Hadi (AS) with a poison. And because the king had heard that Imam Hassan al-Askari will soon have a child who will remove the entire oppressors, he had the house of Imam Hassan al-askari under watch, so no child would be born. Not to mention that just for this, Imam Hassan was arrested several times.

    The evil king even ordered for some women to continually go and visit lady Narjis, and if they noticed that she is pregnant, and was going to have a child; they would let him know quickly, so they would kill her.

    Slide 8: But those evil people didn’t know that God is the greatest and if He wants a child to be born without anyone knowing, it is totally possible.

    One of these days, Imam Hassan al-Askari told his aunt Hakimeh khatoon to stay overnight at his house because soon a sun will be born in the Imam’s house on the lap of Narjis. Hakimeh khatoon was very surprised because Narjis showed no signs of pregnancy. But she was very happy of what she was told and stayed overnight at Imam’s house. And she helped Narjis in the birth of the last Imam, the person that we are all waiting for. Finally, the Imam of Our Time, Imam Mahdi was born and made the world glow, and started worshiping God just at that beginning.

    We ask God to make the return of our Imam sooner, so we can all see him. And help him fill this world with goodness, kindness and friendship. And live during the time he rules, and get the true taste of this life along with him.

  • Objective(s):

    1.Becoming familiar with the culture of poetry and literature regarding a religious setting.

    2.Encouraging them to memorize religious concepts in form of a poem.

    Procedures- Supplies Needed:

    1.Mentor should try to practice reciting the poems before the start of the program to be able to recite it coherently. Even trying to memorize few lines from the poem.

    2.Ask kids to recite along with you the lines of the poem that seems to be a bit easier, to create a happier atmosphere.

    Duration:

    5-10 Minutes

    Poem:

    Glad tidings, glad tidings

    My dear ones, it’s the day of Eid

    It’s the 15th of Shab’aan

    The Imam of our Time has come

    Our beloved Imam

    That holy man

    The one that will make the world luminous

    When he reappears

    Let us all come my dear ones,

    When the time for prayers comes

    From the Dear God we ask

    To make his return sooner (x2)

    O Flower of Nargis and Askari

    Imam of our time, the savior Mahdi

    Hear our prayers we’d love to see

    You are the one who will make this world fair

    You will spread peace and justice everywhere

    We are all waiting for you in despair

    We spend every second of our live waiting for you

    We hope, and we pray to feel your presence too

    Without you we’re lost what shall we do?

    Your name gives us all the hope that we need

    Striving to do our best you’re nothing every deed

    We want you to reappear now we plead

    You’ll save this world and take away injustice

    You will bring peace and hope for the hopeless

    You’ll remove the world from its darkness

    Now we make a promise O Imam Mahdi

    We’ll be the best in making you happy

    We’ll live our lives just how you’d like to see

    My mother says/ A person is on his way

    From his footsteps/ I am aware of his coming

    When he comes/the dandelions will smile

    He will close/ all the bad gates

    The clouds will rain/ The fountains will sprinkle

    All the trees in the gardens/ will blossom

    My mother says/ he is very handsome

    Even though we are apart from him/ he is always with us

  • Objective(s):

    1.Maximize their ability in learning and memorization by doing related work at home.

    Procedures- Supplies Needed:

    1.Print the table located at the end of this file.

    Take Home Activity: A Gift for the Kindest Father in the World

    A table has been provided at the end of this file. Please do print the table and give it to the parents. Then (if possible) explain briefly about the content of this table, which they should fill out this table daily for the kids. The parents should remind the kids that their good deeds are as a gift to their Imam of the Time (AS), and the parents should also encourage and remind their kids of their good work that they did the day before.

    If none of this is possible, do give the table to the kids: My dears this table is in fact a very valuable gift for the kindest father in the world meaning the Imam of Our Time (AJ). As you all know gifts don’t always have to be material gifts and most of the times spiritual gifts which means gifts that you don’t need to spend any money on are the best gifts. Our gift is also spiritual. As you all are aware, the Imam of Our Time likes us to continue the right path in our life, love him, get closer to God through him, and be the best we can be in doing good actions. Now with this table that we have, we want to practice in doing more good things, and lessen the bad things we sometimes God forbid do, and not do them anymore. We should try every day to become better Muslims and human beings. This is the best gift we can give to the Imam of Our Time (AJ), which makes him very happy, and even makes his return to be sooner. With this, by trying to be our best, not only have we given a gift to our Imam, but we also have tried to be one his followers as well having a role in beautifying this world.

    Loader Loading...
    EAD Logo Taking too long?
    Reload Reload document
    | Open Open in new tab
  • Procedures- Supplies Needed:

    1.speakers and laptop

    Duration:

    2 Minutes

    Clip: Call Imam Mahdi (AJ)

     

    Link: https://youtu.be/ZQ2dUXfaoMw

  • Objective(s):

    1.Concluding and reiterating the overall theme which includes: the story, the birth, the similarities among different religions believing in the Mahdaviat doctrine (the concept of a savior), and lastly consider the relationship between Imam of our Time and his Shias as a kind father to its child.

    2.Emotional bond with the Imam of Our Age (PBUH) and praying for him.

    3.Mentioning this point that by performing good deeds and prayers we can help in hastening the reappearance of our Imam so he could return sooner and fill the world with love, compassion and tranquility.

    Procedures- Supplies Needed:

    1.It is important for this part of the program to be done in a quiet and calm environment, while paying utmost attention to the prayers.

    2.Starting the dua after reminding the kids about the importance of praying for the reappearance of the Imam of our Time- Imam Mahdi (May God Hasten His Return).

    3.It is suggested that while the dua is being recited the Arabic version of the dua to be presented simultaneously along with the translation in the local language.

    Duration:

    5-10 Minutes

    End/Conclusion/Reciting Dua al-Faraj:

     

    Alright, today’s celebration is quickly coming to an end. Who is happy about coming and participating in today’s celebration of the birth of the Imam of Our Time? Well, thank God that we could make this beautiful day a day for you all to remember and its memories to be always with you forever.

    Now I want to know who was paying attention to our programs. Who can tell me what they’ve learned today in our celebration? Like from the story, the play, the Prezi, or the clip?

    Yes, yes you were all paying attention pretty well, and have learned many good things, and have made the heart of the Imam of Our Time happy on the day of his birthday! This is a great gift for him! Great job you all!

    Today we became more familiar with the story of the birth of our Imam. We learned that the mother of our Imam was the granddaughter of the great emperor of Rome. Her family was Christian, but lady Narjis was so good and pure that God had chosen her as the wife of Imam Hassan al-Askari and as the mother of the Imam of Our Time! That is why we love her very much. My dears! Please recite a loud salwat for lady Narjis Khatoon!

    There was an important point we all learned and that was we understood that all the great prophets of God have given their people this great news that there comes a time when a person will come, who will remove injustice, badness, and just every bad thing you can ever imagine, and make this world full of beauty and good things. All the prophets by giving this news, wanted people to be hopeful of a better situation in this world, and don’t lose their hopes. But also by knowing this news, they would ask God from bottom of their hearts for that day to come sooner.

    But just because Islam is a complete religion and is the last religion for people’s guidance, it has exactly told us that the person is none other than Imam of our Time who is one of the children of lady Fatemeh (Peace be upon her) and Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn abi Talib (peace be upon him), the 11th of them, and his name is Mahdi. But right now, he is hidden from our eyes till the time God wants him to reappear. Until the time the number of his followers increase so that with the help of people and his followers he can fill the world with goodness and beauty.

    There was an important point we all learned and that was we understood that all the great prophets of God have given their people this great news that there comes a time when a person will come, who will remove injustice, badness, and just every bad thing you can ever imagine, and make this world full of beauty and good things. All the prophets by giving this news, wanted people to be hopeful of a better situation in this world, and don’t lose their hopes. But also by knowing this news, they would ask God from bottom of their hearts for that day to come sooner.

    But just because Islam is a complete religion and is the last religion for people’s guidance, it has exactly told us that the person is none other than Imam of our Time who is one of the children of lady Fatemeh (Peace be upon her) and Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn abi Talib (peace be upon him), the 11th of them, and his name is Mahdi. But right now, he is hidden from our eyes till the time God wants him to reappear. Until the time the number of his followers increase so that with the help of people and his followers he can fill the world with goodness and beauty.

    Another good thing that we learned, is we understood that Imam of our Time (Peace be upon him) is like a father to us. But even kinder than our fathers. Isn’t true that we love our fathers, because they are kind to us, help us, and guide us, and aren’t we proud to have such a good father? Right it’s true! And we can even have a better and stronger relationship with the Imam of Our Time. We can talk our hearts to our Imam. And ask him good things, and even make promises with him. My dears! It feels soooooo good to talk our hearts with our Imam, open our hearts to him and ask him for his help! Its feellllsss very very good to do this!!!!!!!

    My dears let’s all promise to Imam of Our Time to be one of his good Shias, and by being good people make the return of our Imam sooner, so we can make his heart happy. Now please stand up, face the Qibla, and bring your hands up high, so we can all recite together dua al-Faraj.

     

     

     

    Translation of Dua al-Faraj

    [In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

    O’ God, send your blessing upon Muhammad and the Household

    of Muhammad

    O’ God, at this moment and every moment

    Be a guardian, a protector, a leader, a helper

    a proof, and an eye for Your representative & proof, Mahdi son of Al-Hassan,

    Your blessings be upon him and his ancestors

    guard him as long as he lives on this earth as a ruler

    benefit him and bless him with everything You and this earth has to offer]