Salaam my dear kids! I hope that you all enjoyed making the craft and make a use of it later. Well, we will later tell you how might use it.

As you all know, we have all gathered here to celebrate one of the biggest Eid of God, meaning Eid of Ghadir. Do you all know what days have God specified as an Eid? Yes, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Eid of Ghadir, and Fridays. Of course, other days such as 15^th of Sha’baan- which is the birth of Imam Mahdi (PBUH) are important for us Muslims as well! God has said that Eid of Ghadir is the greatest among these 4 Eid’s. You might say why??? Because on this day, God completed his last religion, Islam by choosing a successor and protector.

On this great day, God ordered his last Prophet, Prophet Muhammad (PBHU & HP) that he must choose a successor after himself, and this successor was chosen by God. This person was none other than Imam Ali (PBHU) who was the companion, protector, friend, son-in-law, assistant, and the first man to believe the last messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (PBHU & HP).

Many, did not agree upon choosing a successor for the Prophet. Because they wanted to hold the position of leadership and rule the people, right after when the Prophet passes away. That is why Prophet was scared to select a successor as some might protest and not allow him to do such a thing. But, dear God, who knew of everything that was going on, assured the Prophet and said: Do not worry! I will distance the bad people from you, and not let anyone hold you back from this important thing.

That is why, Prophet (PBHU & HP), during his last pilgrimage, gathered all the Muslims in a region called Ghadir, and introduced Imam Ali and his children as his successors until the day of judgment. Then after, he ordered everyone to give their allegiance to him as Amir al-Mu’minin-the Leader of Believers.

All those who were present on that day, gave their allegiance to Amir al-Mu’minin, and congratulated him. But, there were some people who got upset about this matter and were looking for an opportunity to break their allegiance.

This story was written in many history books and was passed generation by generation till the time of the Prophet. Since everyone knew that the successor of Moses (PBHU) was Aaron, this matter could easily be understood by everyone; that every prophet, by the command of God must choose a minister and successor for himself. Therefore, Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) was the companion, successor and minister of the Prophet. The Prophet has said:

یا علی أنت مني بمنزلة هارون من موسى

Meaning that: “O’ Ali, status to me like the status of Aaron to Moses”

Alright, now let’s go and see the other segments of the program which has been prepared for you, so we can make lots of good memories along with learning new things on this great day.

Story: The Great Eid of Willayah (Leadership)

It was a cool evening summer day, and the sound of Azhan (the call to prayers) could be heard from the mosque. Maryam was all dressed up ready to head to the mosque for prayers with her mom.

She slowly went near the window and looked at the minarets of the mosque that could be seen from a distance. The decorative lights around the dome and minarets twinkled and illuminated like little stars. Maryam turned to her mom and said: Mom, why have they decorated the mosque? While her mom was getting dressed, she said: My dear, in a few days a celebration for Eid of Ghadir will take place, which is why they are preparing the mosque for this celebration. Let me see, do you remember what is so special about the Eid of Ghadir? Because I know I’ve already told you its story! Maryam exclaimed and said: Yes Mom, and I remember it pretty well. Eid of Ghadir was a day that by the command of God our dear Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (PBHU & HP) chose Imam Ali (PBHU) as his successor and leader for the Muslims. Mother smiled and said: Great Job! Now hurry up so we are not late for the Ja’maat prayers.

While Maryam and her mom were walking towards the mosque, along the way she had deep thoughts. Her Mother asked: What’s wrong my dear? What are you thinking of? Why aren’t you talking?? Maryam replied: I was thinking, if it would possible, if we could help in these celebrations or even hold one ourselves. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small or big celebration, as long it’s a good one, it’s great. I wish it was possible!?

Mother smiled and said: Why wouldn’t it be possible my dear? I think you and your friends with the help of your teacher can hold a very good one right at your school!

Maryam was very happy to see the hands of most of her classmates and friends raised.

Teacher smiled and said: I am very happy to see that most of you want to be part of this great thing. I will also speak with administration, so we can have this celebration held in school’s auditorium which has enough space for everyone. Now, you all must be divided into different groups. One groups should be in charge of decorating the auditorium, a group for serving refreshments, and another group should be in charge of having fun and entertaining programs for everyone. Each of you can join one of these groups according to your interests and abilities, and then you all can start your work.

Sarah raised her hand and said: but teacher, we need money for buying decorative accessories, sweets and or cake. What do we have to do? Then teacher said: To raise money for this matter, you can ask your parents for help. My dears, today I will post a poster on school’s bulletin board and ask everyone who likes to help in this celebration and bring the amount of money they would like to contribute.

Then she turned to Suzie and said: My dear Suzie, you are in charge of collecting the cash donations, take note of the amount, and then notify me. Suzie said: I will definitely do that.

And thus, the kids started doing the work for the celebration. The kids divided into different groups and everyone started with full of energy. In just a very short time, a good amount of money was collected, and even the teacher and the administration donated money for the celebration. And after several days of hard work, finally the day of celebration for Eid of Ghadir arrived. The auditorium was beautifully decorated with different accessories and balloons.

Maryam was so pleased to see how beautiful the place was decorated. She still could not believe that she and her friends were able to plan such a celebration for the Eid of Ghadir. She knew well that this would have been not possible if it wasn’t for God’s help and all the teachers who helped in this effort.

Poem:

Ghadir Khumm

Was born in the Kaaba

Became the single pearl of the world

The companion of the Prophet he became

The soul mate of the lady of the light

Master O’ Ali, Master O’Ali

The order of God came

From the above Heavens

On the blessed day of Ghadir

Master O’ Ali, Master O’ Ali

The Kaaba was in awhh

In heavens the sound of jubilance would be heard

A call came from the above sky

A beautiful sound it was

It announced the next leadership

Master O Ali, Master O’ Ali

As the noon came so near

He went on a pilgrimage

It seemed the sky became luminous

 Master O’ Ali, Master O’ Ali

The sun stood lifting the hand of the moon

Recited the Ghadir Sermon

Announced his next successor and commander

His governor and his executor

Master O’ Ali Master O’ Ali

As Muhammad and Ali are on Light of radiation

As Haroon was to Musa you are to me

The commander of the faithful the, beloved Ali

The one who completed Islam, on the day of Ghadir

-Poetry by: Narges Mir Sadr Dini

Play: Selfishness and Greediness

Scene: Home

The start of the scene: Ali and his friend Reza are sitting looking at different storybooks and are quietly chatting together.

Reza: Ali, you’re really lucky! You have so many storybooks. Did you just buy some of them?

Ali: Yep, and if I finish these books, my dad has promised to buy more books if I help around the house and do well in school.

Reza (joylessly): You are soooo luck! My dad has told me that he can’t buy me books right now (Looks a bit at the storybook he has in his hand). Oh, and Reza may I borrow a few of your books so I can read them as well? I will promise to take good care of them and return them to you as soon as I am done reading. (Smiling) You know me well, I am reliable and trustworthy!

Ali (looks mad and takes his books from Reza’s hand): No, No Reza I can’t. I might want to read them again. Well, let me see, if I didn’t want them for sure I’ll give them to you. But, just tell your dad again, he might buy it for you this time. I think this is better.

Reza (becomes upset and shrugs): Alright Ali, it’s not a problem. Whenever you see you don’t need them, give them to me, I will give them back to you as soon as possible. Because I know for sure my dad can’t buy books for me now. If you could though, he would buy them for me, that’s why I won’t remind him again, I don’t want him to become upset.

Ali (gathers his books): Well I’m sorry. But I will give them to you, when I know for sure I won’t need them. But, it’s hard to tell you now! I hope your dad can soon buy storybooks for you.

Reza (sadly, gets up): Yeah, hopefully. If he buys though I won’t bother you and won’t come back to borrow your books. Well, I think it’s time for me to go home. Bye see you later.

Ali’s mom (enters the room with a tray in her hand): Where are going Reza, sit I have brought a trayful of fruits for you two to eat.

Reza (leaves the room with sadness): No, thanks so much. I must go now. My mom is waiting for me. Bye.

Mother (Looks at Reza): Alright, if you say your mom is waiting then go. Come back soon though! (Mother looks at Reza surprised, then after Reza exits the scene, she places the tray near Ali and says): My dear son! What made Reza leave so soon? Didn’t you plan on reading books and playing together?

Ali (Stutters): I don’t know….Moooom, I thiiinkkkkk he got upset!

Mother: Why?? Why did you let your friend to become upset? Good friends never allow their friend to become upset! Tell me now, what happened?

Mother: Korah (I.e. Qaroon) was a name of a man who long time ago lived at the time of Prophet Musa (PBUH). God had given him great wealth, but he was not willing to share his wealth with the poor and those in need. Whatever Prophet Musa would advise him and tell him that if he continues to be selfish and not share his wealth with the poor, it’s possible for God to take away all the blessings he has been awarded. But Qaroon never listened. It got to the point that Qaroon stood up against Prophet Musa (PBUH) and said: “All the wealth that I have is mine, and have earned it by myself, and I do not want to share it with anyone.”

When things got this bad, God’s anger stuck him, and upon His command, Qaroon along with his all his treasures and wealth was swallowed by the earth.

Ali (became silent and thought to himself): Wow what a bad fate!

Mother: Yeah for sure, and you must know those who are selfish, don’t have much friends around, because they don’t help people much; so, people don’t like this kind of behavior and try to stay away from them.

Ali: No Mom…. I don’t like to be this kind of person…..I want to make up for my mistake. From now on I will try not to be like this and allow others to borrow my personal items if they need to.

Mother (smiling): it’s great that you realized your mistake my dear. Now, I think it’s a great time for you to go and give one of your storybooks to Reza as a gift. This way you two can become friends again. From now on, allow Reza to borrow your books so he may read them as well. This way you two can even talk about the plot of the story together and enjoy reading even more. There are a lot of things we humans can do together and be kind to one another.

Ali (happily gets up): Will do mom…I will go now and choose one of my favorite books to give to my friend. Now, I want my friend to have my best book and I’m happy to do this.

End of scene….

Group Activity: The Consequences of Selfishness

Divide kids into groups of 3 to 4 people depending on the number of kids.

Alright now we would like to do a group activity. I will tell you what you have to do in your groups. Well, we want to think as a group, and see what are some of the characteristics of a person who is greedy and selfish, how is their life, and what are its consequences and effects? You may write your ideas on the piece of paper that we handed out, so you don’t forget. We want to see in what ways it is bad or good! So, we know that if we should be like this or not?

Allot 5-10 minutes for the kids to think or longer depending on what the mentor may think is appropriate.

Then ask from each group to stand up and tell others about their thoughts (They may use examples). Give each group a time frame for example 2 minutes for them to present, and do not violate the given time frame, so kids learn to follow the rules.

If kids do not point to the following points, the mentor should highlight these at the end.

• A greedy and selfish person, because the fear of spending and sharing with people exists in their hearts, they are always anxious and worried. And a greedy person is never calm.
• One of the worst traits a person might have. Others try to distance themselves from these kinds of people and they will be left isolated and alone.
• They will never share their wealth with others and thus their wealth will not be blessed.
• A greedy person will never feel satisfied and happy in this world or the Hereafter.
• It creates a sense of pessimism in humans and they have a cynical attitude towards those who expect him to share his wealth with others. Hence, they are always anxious.
• People do not like greedy people because they cannot benefit anyone, and they are more concerned about their wealth than anything else.

The one who is greedy does not have full confidence in that God is the Provider, everything belongs to Him, He is the Creator of everything and is able to give His blessings to people. and God is also not content with him, and at any moment He may take away His blessings from him.

Animation: The Owners of The Garden-The Consequences of Selfishness

https://youtube/JSI39jGXjRM

Prezi: Hadith of Manzilah

Link: https://prezi.com/m/ra1snztpv3-f/manzelat/

Image 3:

That is why he moved to the city of Median and met Prophet Shoaib, married one of his daughters and lived alongside him for about 10 years as a shepherd.

Image 5:

When Musa (Peace Be Upon Him) reached the place of fire, he heard a sound that said: “O’ Musa, I am your lord, therefore to respect me take off your shoes, indeed you are in the holy valley of Tuwa! And I have chosen you for prophet-hood and therefore listen carefully what is divinely revealed to you! Indeed, it is me God-there is no God except I, therefore worship Me and keep the prayer established for My remembrance…”

Image 7:

Again, that same Holy voice said to him: Put your hand in your pocket and it will come out shining white without any harm. Then its lord said to him: Now with these two miracles, go to Pharaoh and inform him of my message; because in fact Pharaoh has disobeyed all boundaries, and mislead people.

Musa (PBUH) said: I am scared, I might be killed and not be able to complete my mission, due to the conflict I had with Pharaoh, as I had to kill one of its people in defending an oppressed person. To make my task easy for me, send along with me Aaron (Haroon) who speaks better so he can be my companion along this mission. My Lord! Open my heart, make my task easy for me, loosen the knot in my tongue so they may understand my speech, and so they may accept my invitation.

Image 9:

As many of you might’ve heard: Prophet Musa and Aaron went to the palace of Pharaoh and invited them to worship God. It was then planned that one-day Musa along with the magicians of Pharaoh would come to see the divinely gifted miracles of Musa.

While the magicians would show the strength of Pharaoh in an effort to make the divinely miracles small and look like nothing.

Image 11:

After this incident, many believed in Musa and became his follower. After a while, Pharaoh was using any means possible in harming Musa and his followers, this is why Musa and his followers were forced to leave Egypt for good.

Image 13:

Prophet Musa-Peace Be Upon Him, before leaving to the mountain of Tawr to pray to God and leave his nation alone, he said to his nation: I will leave you all for 30 days, and head to the Mountain of Tawr and leave with you my brother Aaron. He is indeed, my successor and you must all listen to his words, till the time I bring with me the religious rulings and the book of Torah-meaning the words of God which you shall follow from now on.

So, as we see not only did Musa ask from God to allow his brother Aaron to be besides him during the start of his prophet-hood in helping him to guide the people, but also during the time he was going to receive the book of Torah when he headed to Mountain of Tawr, he chose Aaron to be his successor among the people. And this was the story of Musa and Aaron. Now I would like to tell you another interesting story and tell you how it relates to the story of Musa and his brother.

Image 15:

When the disbelievers heard this news, they became extremely angry, because they realized that they could not put their plans into action in presence of Imam Ali. Therefore, to ensure that Imam Ali leaves Medina they plotted another plan.

They circulated the rumor that the Prophet had asked Ali to take part in Jihad, but he declined to participate because of the hot weather and the long journey that was ahead of him!

Image 17:

This saying is known as the Hadith of Manzilah or position which shows the succession of Imam Ali during the time of the Prophet as well as after his martyrdom. Just like how God, chose Aaron to be the back brace for Musa, Imam Ali was also chosen as the back brace of our Prophet.

Take-Home Activity:

The Ungraceful act of Selfishness-Holding a Celebration at School or at Another Place

Print off the script of the story that is given at the end of table per number of participants.  If possible give it to the parents otherwise give it to the kids and ask them to re-read the story and try to act accordingly.

My dears the craft that you made, is an invitation card for the Eid of Ghadir. You may make something like this or similar to it and use it as a means to invite different people to the celebration that you will hold. So, by looking at this card you will be reminded as to why you made it and how may make a use of it. You may even use it, if you are planning to hold a celebration for your family.

A cautionary tale can be seen in Surah al-Ghalam called “The owners of the Garden“. A few rich farmers had a father who was a wealthy and pious man. He owned a garden full of green trees laden with fruits.

After the fruits were picked, this rightful man used to distribute some fruits among the poor who would gather at the garden every season to take their share.

This act was done by him so many times, that the poor would count down till the time came for picking the fruits. At last, this great and merciful man passed away, his sons who were greedy and selfish discussed a plan and said to each other that their father was not a wise man.

He did not know how it was difficult to earn livelihood. They did not like the habit of distributing some of the fruits among the poor. They felt as if all their efforts would go to vain if the poor had some share.

Even though they earned a good money, they excluded the poor in coming to the garden and taking their share of the fruits. God said: “They removed all the fruits in the night and thus clearing the garden before dawn so that nobody could come and ask for his share“. But God was not happy of their actions; that is why one night while they were asleep God’s calamity fell upon, and the whole garden was stuck by lightning, the fruits were damaged, and everything became black by the morning, like a pitch-dark night.

In the early morning, all of them woke up, called out one to another as soon as the morning broke, and said that if you want to pick the fruits get up and let’s head to the garden. So, they departed, talking in low voices: “Be careful to not wake up even one poor person and let them enter the garden.” They talked in such a low voice so not even one person would hear them.

When they entered the garden, they were surprised, and said this was not their garden, and that they may have come the wrong direction. But then noticed something has happened to the garden and nothing is like before.

And this is the consequences of those who are greedy and selfish and does not share with others what God has awarded to them. They think as if they have gained all of it on their own, and God has no part in their life.

My dears let’s all try to use the blessings from God the right way and be moderate. We should neither be selfish nor easily give everything out. We must try to use the blessings awarded by God the right way as well as make the hearts of those who are less fortunate happy by being generous to them.

Our Master Amir al-Mu’minin has said: “A greedy person, will never have any friends!”

End /Conclusion and Dua al-Faraj

Alright kids, did you enjoy our celebration? Did you learn new facts? Was it interesting for you the things you learned today? Now think to yourself for a minute, and review all the new things you learned today and then in order, tell me how you can use the new facts you learned, and how can it can be useful for you and others?

Yep, that’s right! Great Job! You all listened so well. Today we mentioned a hadith called Manzilah or Position and tried to explain this hadith to you all. We told you the story of a battle, in which Imam Ali (PBUH) did not participate due to the Prophet’s command. Why? Yes, because by him staying in the city, the plan of the enemies who wanted to destroy Islam, in the absence of the Prophet, would fail, and that’s actually what happened.

The Prophet (Recite a salawat) before going to war with the enemies, he told everyone that Imam Ali (PBUH) is like Haroon (Aaron) to Musa, which meant that he is the brother, companion, aide, and successor of the Prophet, just like we explained in the story of Prophet Musa and the events that happened.

So, as we can see the Prophet introduced Imam Ali as his successor in many different places and it wasn’t just on the day of Ghadir. But, that large event, meaning the great Eid of Ghadir, was the largest event at which the Prophet introduced Imam Ali (PBUH) to everyone; and he said on that day: “Whomever I am his master, this Ali is his Master, and everyone should follow him.”

What else did we talk about? We talked about a very bad characteristic that someone might have, and that was being greedy and selfish. We mentioned how this characteristic can have bad effects on us humans, such as anxiety, losing our trust in God, and how others will distance themselves from selfish people and many other effects that we talked a lot about it. We even decided to try to not be selfish and use the blessings that God has given us the correct way by helping others.

Lastly, a very, very important thing that we all should try doing and examine our skills in, is holding a celebration in our schools, among our friends and family. It’s very important that we decide on doing something for this great Eid and try to create a fun and jubilant atmosphere in telling others about the message of our Prophet. In my opinion right now, promise to yourself that you will do this, so you can fill the heart of the Imam our Time (AJ) with happiness.

Now, to end our program lets all stand up, by facing towards the Qibla and recite together Dua al-Faraj.

• 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