Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 42
42 ready, usually around 3-4 years of age, they can be introduced to the Arabic alphabet, either through the Qa ’ idah Yassarnal - Qur ’ an (Arabic primer) or using available Arabic alphabet games. Muslim Television Ahmadiyya (MTA) provides an excellent program for teaching Qa ’ idah and also broadcasts “ At-Tarteel ,” which teaches correct pronunciation of the Holy Qur ’ an. Both programs are available online. In addition, one-on-one or group lessons are available on www. alfurqan. us , providing Lajna members who are certified Qur ’ an teachers. Ramadan By the age of four or five, children can be introduced to Ramadan. Mothers can explain that it is a special month in which the Angel Gabriel first visited the Holy Prophet (saw) and that this is a special time for thanking Allah Almighty and for learning short prayers. Taking children to Darsul-Qur ’ an at the mosque, or conducting Darsul-Qur ’ an at home, is a good opportunity to teach children the importance of the Holy Qur ’ an and to sit quietly while listening, out of respect for it. Islamic Prayers Young children generally have extremely retentive memories, so this stage is ideal for teaching them short prayers and short chapters of the Holy Qur ’ an by simply repeating them constantly. The children learn quickly at this age and usually enjoy reciting them to please grown- ups, especially when given little rewards for their efforts. Some prayers and phrases that can be taught at this stage: Assalamu Alaikum : use this greeting of peace frequently so that the child picks up the habit of greeting everyone with this prayer rather than saying: “ Hi, Hello, or Bye. ” In fact, all family members should have the habit of saying Salam to each