Salaam to all of you my little ones; my dear friends Eid Mubarak to you all, how is everyone doing? Are you all doing well? Are you all full of energy? Who knows what’s so special about today? Why have we all gathered here to celebrate, and are planning to have lots of fun together? Yes, you are all right my dear friends. Today is the greatest Eid of us Muslims especially the Shias of Amir al-Mu’minin Imam Ali (PBHU), it’s the Eid of Ghadir. Who remembers what has happened on this days? Yes, that’s right! Ghadir was the day, which Prophet Muhammad went on to his last pilgrimage to the city of Makkah and he introduced Imam Ali (AS) to everyone as his next successor! For those of you who participated in last year’s program for Ghadir, I am sure you remember the story behind the day of Ghadir. So, everything started, when God asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) that for the religion of Islam to become completed, he must introduce a person which is chosen by God as his successor after himself. So, after he passes away, people would have a guide, an Imam, and don’t forget the right path in Islam. Also for people to not follow those who don’t know Islam well, and not follow their wrong direction.

Alright, before we continue with the other segments of today’s celebration, like always we will start by reciting a few of the beautiful and luminous verses of our heavenly book, the Holy Quran. So, we can illuminate our hearts and eyes with these verses, and ask God to help us to have a wonderful day!

My dears! In Juz’ 30^th of the Qur’an, there is a Surah named “Adiyat”. This surah is about Imam Ali (PBUH) and points out his greatness. Now I will recite this surah for you, and you all can repeat after me, so then I can tell you the story behind this Surah and how it relates to Imam Ali (PBUH).

One day, Prophet told everyone that 12 thousand men in a land named “Yabes” have gathered and plan to kill Prophet Muhammad (PBHU & HP), Ali (PBUH), and get rid of the Muslims. Therefore, Prophet (PBHU & HP) sent a bunch of his followers under the commandment of some of his companions, to look over what is going on; However, they didn’t get anywhere and had to return to the city of Medina. Finally, the Prophet decides to leave this problem in the hands of Imam Ali (PBUH), so everyone would know that he is different and superior to everyone else. Then, Imam Ali (AS) alongside a large army of Muslims goes to war with those people who wanted to destroy the Prophet and Islam. They, surrounded the enemy’s army and introduced Islam to them. But after they saw that they will not accept Islam and want to reach their previous goal of killing the Prophet, they fought with them and at last the enemies’ army was defeated.

And Surah al-Adiyat was revealed to the Prophet, when Amir al-Mu’mimin and his army had not yet returned to the city of Medina.

Prophet then recited this surah to others, and said that Amir al-Mu’minin defeated the enemy’s army. And last night, Gabriel by revealing this surah, brought the good news of the victory of the Muslim army.

The verses of this Surah, talks about the moves of the Muslim army against the enemy, their strong strategies against them and how important this was. It also talks about the great status of Imam Ali (AS), and how he could accomplish this task the best way possible just like the other things he had done before. And no one could do what he had done!

My loved ones, it’s good for you all to know that Imam Ali was a brave man. Who knows what the word brave means? Yes! Great Job! Brave means someone who is fearless! Meaning that when they are needed, they can face danger and not be scared; just like a lion (with a roar).

Story: The Brave Companion of the Prophet (PBUH & HP)

Someone was there, someone was not. Dear God, was there while others were not. Long times ago there was little boy who was born in a very special place, the house of dear God. This little one grew up in the best family. He was the best creation of dear God and God was going to choose him as a leader and guide for the people. This little kind boy, grew up each day and learned everything from that kind man. From a young age, he always strived to be the best servant of God. He always tried to help others in any way possible.

He was very, very kind, and never did anything wrong, and no one had ever gotten mad at him. It seemed that he was going in the right direction to be the best human being, and he for sure one day will achieve his goal.

His kindness and goodness from one side and on the other hand his strength and bravery of this kid who was now a young man was well known among the people. Everyone knew of this boy and would praise him.

In one of the places that the Great God gave Imam Ali (PBUH) strength, was during the battle of Kheibar. In which the Muslims were forced to go to war with Jews who wanted to destroy Islam. As always, in that battle, Imam Ali (PBHU) started guiding the Jews and told them about the many good things of the religion of Islam, told them about dear God who created everyone and chose Prophet Muhammad as his last Prophet.

But, Jews did not accept it! They lived in a castle named the castle of “Khaibar”. Which had very, very large and heavy doors. However, Imam Ali (PBHU) could alone destroy the doors of this castle single handedly! Everyone was surprised to see this scene and could not believe their eyes.

Then the Muslims were able to go in the castle and Imam Ali (PBHU), like always put to display his bravery while fighting with the strongest enemies of Islam, the Jews; and at the end defeated them.

After the victory of the Muslims, when people came to put the doors of the castle of Khaibar back in their place, they were not able to do so; till 70 troops came and helped one another to put the doors of Khaibar back in their place. This meant that God gave the strength of 70 men to Amir al-Mu’minin so he would able to destroy the doors.

This showed how much the dear God loved our Imam and how much he was strong and brave and was fearless and would do anything for the sake of God.

Play: The Imamate of the Imam of Our Time (AJ)

Scene: Roof top or an edge of a wall which is decorated!

Two birds (a mother and its chick) fly over the wall, sit down and begin speaking to each other.

The chick breathlessly says: coo, cooo, coooo, mommy how was my flying today? I tried to follow all the things you told me!

The mother of the bird: coo, coo; Yes, my dear. It was reallyyy good. I very happy for you! I had lots of fun!

Chick: Mom I have a question, why were the streets and the houses decorated? What is going on?

Mother: Today was the day of Eid; didn’t I tell you about it?

Chick: No mom you didn’t tell me anything!

Mother: Today was the Eid of Ghadir. It was the day that the last Prophet of dear God introduced his successor to people. So people would know who to listen to after he passes away and not deviate from the path of Prophet and God.

Chick (Surprised): Not deviate???

Mother (laughs and says): it means that they don’t go the wrong direction and that after the Prophet, people continue the right direction so they can get somewhere in life. And Not be like before, by following those people who did wrong things, and follow the wrong path, and distance themselves from God. Do you understand now my darling?

Chick: well kind of yes! What was the name of the successor after Prophet?

Mother: Imam Ali (AS), who grew up right in the house of Prophet and was very close to him, and learned everything in life from him.

Mother: Yes, my dear. Right now, the Prophet has a successor on this earth. God has said that people will never be left alone and the successor of Prophet will be always there to guide people.

Chick: Mommy, what is the name of this Imam?

Mother: The Imam of Our Time; Imam Mahdi (AJ)!

Chick: Well now Mom can we go and see the Imam of Our Time? I reallyyyyy love to see the guide that our dear God has chosen for its people? What he does? And how kind he is! I’ve heard that the Prophet of God was very kind and had good morals and was the best person on this earth, and I am sure his successor must be like him? No???

Mother: Yep exactly! You are right. Good thinking, you are concluding good conclusions my dear! But… (pauses)

Chick: But what mom???

(Suddenly a sound of nasheed “Come O’ Mahdi” is heard) and once again the chick and his mom looks after the sound.  (The nasheed can be started earlier, on low volume so it won’t distract the kids. The volume can slowly be increased when this scene is being played)

** End of the Nasheed**

Chick: Mom this sound that said “Come O’Mahdi”, what did it mean? Was it referring to the Imam of Our Time? Has he gone on vacation?

Mother: No, my dear. Its story is a bit long! But, just to tell you that the Imam of Our Time by the will of God is hidden from us so he can be safe from his enemies. Meaning that if people see him they won’t recognize who he is. Because if they recognize him, his life will be in danger; God forbid, he will be martyred and he is our last Imam. God never wants His people to be without an Imam. Which means, until the time that the Imam of Our Time doesn’t have the right conditions to be recognizable and to reappear, he will be hidden from us.

The instructions for how to make the pigeons for the play:

Game/Group Activity: Pantomime-Virtues of Imam Ali (PBHU)

My littles ones pay good attention to our game today so you can use it later. I will tell you how you can use this program in a bit.

We are going to play pantomime. I will first act out few pantomimes which will display a few of many characteristics of Imam Ali (PBHU) such as courage, kindness, being with God, helping others, having good morals, being strong, truthful, and …Then you all must guess which one of these characteristics I am trying to act out.

After acting out the pantomimes, have in mind a physical activity for the kids. For example, divide the kids into groups of 4 (proportional to the number of children). Set a starting line and make them run from the start to the finish line, until all the group members have gone once, and whichever group finishes first wins (AKA Relay race). While they are running, a nasheed related to the theme of the program can be played.

Poem: Ghadir:

Ghadir, a boiling spring/Ghadir, a roaring pond

Ghadir, a very special pond/Ghadir a day to be remembered
Ghadir, a very special day/ God’s Greatest Eid

Ghadir, a celebration of leadership/ became a day of guidance
The Prophet said/ the Messenger of God said:

Ali is your Imam/ Ali is your next guide

He is the pious Imam/he is Amir al-Muminin

The words of Satan should not be listened/ Ghadir should never be forgotten
We as shia kids/ will always say together
We love the day of Ghadir/ and will celebrate it always!

Your love O’ Ali is instilled in my soul

How kind are you O’Ali

You are the successor of Sun

You are up in the sky O’Ali

You are my first Imam

You are the best of all

You always radiate

Like a gem O’ Ali

How pure and magnificent you are

You are a gift from the God

We always call your name

Which is familiar to us

Ali, Ali is part of us

Is a peak of our faith

We are all the dust under his feet

And he is the glad tiding for the rain

Recite by: Shokooh GhasemNia

O’ Kids let’s all celebrate (*2)

Eid al-Ghadir has arrived

O’ kids let’s all celebrate (*2)

Eid al-Ghadir has arrived

My mother will tell me again/amiable stories

The best servant of God/companion of Prophet, Ali

He is the first of the Imams/the best leader is Ali

The sound of Holy Quran/can be heard from the streets

Giving glad tidings upon the day of Ghadir/and happiness for us kids

Once again, our city/is filled with beauty

Under the light of chandeliers/night becomes bright

Again, tonight my father/has bought us all sweets and cookies

Again, the fragrant smell of flowers/annunciate the message of Ghadir

The Imamate of the Imam of Our Time (AJ)

My Salaams be upon my Imam, Mahdi/ and upon his heavenly heart

My salaams be upon this pure man / and upon his love and kindness

My salaams be upon the time/ he reappears

My salaams be upon the time/ he passes by

My salaams be upon the kiss/ upon his loving hands

My salaams be upon an Imam/ who embodies prestige and kindness

My salaams be upon his stature/my salaams be upon his eminence

My salaams be upon his hands/ upon his power of Imamate

Like a Radiant Sun…

Like a radiant sun/ behind the fluffy clouds

With courage/with patience like the mountains

Pure and beautiful/embodied in kindness

Who I mean is our Imam/the patron the of the time

Every day and night/you are in our thoughts

I wish I could see / your luminous face

O’ my dear Imam Mahdi/be always in my heart

Prezi: Celebrating Eid of Ghadir Alongside the Family

https://prezi.com/hxnpxnbsmhsc/gadir/

Image 3:

Now tell me, who has ever held a celebration at their house for the 15th of Sha’baan, or Eid of Ghadir, or even for the birthday of our Imams? What I mean is that you organized this celebration, and not your parents! Today I’m here to tell you that we can hold a celebration for Eid of Ghadir right in your homes, and by doing so you can have lots of fun and make lots of good memories.

Image 6:

Now once you’ve decided the time and the programs you want to have in your celebration, you should think about inviting your family members. This all depends on your creativity. For example, you can create cute little invitation cards, and then either ask your parents or siblings to write something in the cards. Then you can give out the invitation cards to your family members.

Image 8:

Now imagine that the day of the celebration has arrived. You welcome everyone, then ask one of your elders to recite verse 67 of Surah al-Maidah along with its translation at the beginning of the program.

This verse is referring to the day of Ghadir. Then, all together recite dua al-Faraj and ask the Imam of our Time to look after your celebration. Then, just like this continue with the rest of the programs you have in your plan. Now what good programs should you plan to have during your celebration? I will now help you with that!

Image 10:

The second program can be a pantomime, just like we played together today. For example, you can whisper in your parent’s ear some of the characteristics of Imam Ali (AS) such as courage, kindness, being with God, Strength, truthful, and …then ask them to act out the pantomime of that specific characteristic and others should guess what’s that characteristic.

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Another thing you absolutely must think of is what??? Who can tell me? Which part of the celebration you have the most fun? Yes, during the time when snacks are given out! So, you must think of having snacks for your guests.

Again, it can be anything that you and your family might like. It can be anything such as fruits, nuts, chocolate or even a cake which you can even make it with the help of your mom.

Today, we were thinking of this segment of your celebration, that is why we made a chocolate box at the start our program so you could use it to serve snacks to others during your celebration at home 🙂

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At the end of the celebration just like our own celebrations, thank everyone that came and participated, and then recite dua al-Faraj by standing up and facing towards the Qibla.

And this was a memorable celebration planned by you and your family. My dears, I must tell you that these kinds of celebrations are a loooooot of fun, and everyone loves them.

Above all, not only are you able to celebrate the great Eid of Ghadir alongside your families but also will make the heart of the Imam of Our Time (AJ) happy, but also show our Imam that as much as we are happy about this Eid, we are counting down till the return of the Imam of Our Time, and we hope that one day he comes, so we can plan a big and great celebration for his arrival.

Take-Home Activity:

Please print from the given scripts at the end of this document per number of participants, and give it to the parents. In case this is not possible, ask the children to give the printed-out items to their parents.

Dear Parents

Salaam-Aleikum,

We extend our warmest congratulations on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Ghadir. In today’s program, we taught our kids the importance of holding a celebration, rather small, at their homes alongside their family members. Furthermore, we tried to create a sense of responsibility for this matter and boosted their confidence levels. It’s good that we instill the love and the importance of celebrating this great Eid in their hearts at this young age. So, God willing, it can be a basis to make the heart of the Imam of Our Time (AJ) content, and for him to guide our kids, and for us to be among those who have listened to the words of the Prophet (PBHU & HP) and have propagated this important message to everyone. In this regard, the kids have prepared a chocolate box, so they are able to serve snacks to the guests in a celebration that will be planned and managed with your help. We hope that you too can help in this effort by encouraging them, and helping them in organizing a festive and jubilant celebration alongside the family.

We also have provided you a script of a short story, which your kids will be telling during this celebration. Please do help them in practicing this story, and make sure they do this on their own so they can have an everlasting experience for this matter.

The following links are also provided for you, so the kids can play them during the celebration they are conducting for the family. Please do help them in this effort.

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVPPckYwDJc&feature=share
2. https://youtube/z4rl-DrHrGI
3. https://youtube/HTdmYl4MYew

Thank You

Story: The Brave Companion of the Prophet (PBUH & HP)

Someone was there, someone was not. Dear God, was there while others were not. Long times ago there was little boy who was born in a very special place, the house of dear God.

This little one grew up in the best family. He was the best creation of dear God and God was going to choose him as a leader and guide for the people. This little kind boy, grew up each day and learned everything from that kind man. From a young age, he always strived to be the best servant of God. He always tried to help others in any way possible.

He was very, very kind, and never did anything wrong, and no one had ever gotten mad at him. It seemed that he was going in the right direction to be the best human being, and he for sure one day will achieve his goal.

His kindness and goodness from one side and on the other hand his strength and bravery of this kid who was now a young man was well known among the people. Everyone knew of this boy and would praise him.

I am pretty sure that by now, you already have guessed who this very kind man and this good boy are! But, I still want to continue my story to reach the exciting part of it! Well, a few years passed by and that kind man came to the house and told his wife and the young boy who grew up in their house the news that God has chosen him as His Prophet and given him the responsibility of guiding the people.

Well, for this important mission of the Prophet, a best friend and a brave man was needed who like a brother would be alongside the Prophet and wouldn’t leave the Prophet of Islam alone. And my dear kids, that person was none other than whom? Yes, you are all right! It wasn’t none other than, that little boy who grew up in the house of the Prophet.

Who knows, what was the name of that boy who was now a young man? Great Job! Yes, Imam Ali (PBUH), who was known as the lion of God, because he was very brave and strong and would use his strength for the sake of our dear God. For example, when he wanted to get the rights of the oppressed people or during the battle that the enemies would start to kill the Muslims.

Imam Ali, showed a very brave soul and heart, that no one, at no time in history showed such bravery. He was fearless and would stand up against oppression.  He would only, and only think about serving the dear God and helping His servants.

In one of the places that the Great God gave Imam Ali (PBUH) strength, was during the battle of Kheibar. In which the Muslims were forced to go to war with Jews who wanted to destroy Islam. As always, in that battle, Imam Ali (PBHU) started guiding the Jews and told them about the many good things of the religion of Islam, told them about dear God who created everyone and chose Prophet Muhammad as his last Prophet. But, Jews did not accept it!

They lived in a castle named the castle of “Khaibar”. Which had very, very large and heavy doors. However, Imam Ali (PBHU) could alone destroy the doors of this castle single handedly! Everyone was surprised to see this scene and could not believe their eyes. Then the Muslims were able to go in the castle and Imam Ali (PBHU), like always put to display his bravery while fighting with the strongest enemies of Islam, the Jews; and at the end defeated them.

After the victory of the Muslims, when people came to put the doors of the castle of Khaibar back in their place, they were not able to do so; till 70 troops came and helped one another to put the doors of Khaibar back in their place.

This meant that God gave the strength of 70 men to Amir al-Mu’minin so he would able to destroy the doors. This showed how much the dear God loved our Imam and how much he was strong and brave and was fearless and would do anything for the sake of God.

End of the Program/Conclusion and Recitation of the Dua:

My dear friend, I hope that you are not too tired? Thank you all for coming to this celebration and listening to all the programs we had for you today. I for sure, had lots of fun spending my day with you all, and I hope you had the same experience as well. Now my dears! I want to know what you all have learned today, what parts of it did you enjoy the most and was interesting to you?

That’s great! We are so happy to see how great of listeners you were today and see you learn so many new facts! I am super happy for you all! You have certainly made my day!

As you all said, today we understood that it’s the Eid of Ghadir, and many of us knew that on the day of Ghadir the Prophet introduced Imam Ali (PBHU) in front of all Muslims as his successor, and that day he became our Imam.

Then we recited together Surah al-Adiyat, and talked about the courage and bravery of Amir al-Mu’minin (PBHU) and how he was always in company and a true friend of the Prophet, he helped him so much in spreading Islam. And lastly how much we are proud and happy that our first Imam was like this and that he and the Prophet were two of the best people on this earth.

Today, we also learned what bravery means! And how important it is to be braver and don’t easily become scared of anything! Also, we must be brave when we do something wrong, take responsibility, don’t blame others for it and apologize for our mistakes.

Another thing, we learned today was that by planning effectively, we can easily celebrate Eid of Ghadir in our homes, and make everlasting memories. At the start of our program, together we made a chocolate box which we can use in our family celebration, and make everyone super happy by giving out chocolates to everyone. Oh, until the next time you see me be sure to tell me about how you celebrated Eid al-Ghadir at home and what you did.

Now my dears, today that it’s the Eid of Ghadir and the succession of Imam Ali (AS), we also celebrate this day for the Imam of Our Time (AJ). Because right now, he is the successor of the Prophet and the best servant of God on this earth. Everyone on this earth and all of God’s creation are waiting for the reappearance of the last successor of our Great Prophet, so he can fill this earth with justice and beauty, and take away badness from this earth. The Imam of Our Time is strong and brave just like Imam Ali (AS) and uses his strength to help people for the sake of God. Not to mention that he is very, very kind and loves everyone; especially you my dear kids who came to today’s celebration and want to hold your own celebration as well. Now my dears let’s all stand up towards the Qibla and pray for our kind Imam.

• Reciting Dua al-Faraj while towards the Qibla, and standing up out of love and respect for his eminence
• http://film.tebyan.net/film/151746
• https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0cXoTGnP1jk26

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