The Moonlit Prayers of Lady Fatima
🏷️ Themes: #Kindness, #Selflessness, #CommunityCare, #Prayer, #MothersDay, #LadyFatima, #Neighbours || ⏳ Age: 5 and above
4 min read
📖 Parental guide: The goal of this story is to introduce your child to the virtues of kindness, selflessness, and the power of prayer, as exemplified by Lady Fatima (peace be upon her). The story is inspired by a narration from Lady Fatima (peace be upon her), in response to her son, Imam Hassan (peace be upon him), who had asked, "Why do you pray for neighbors and others, and not for yourself?" said: "The neighbor first, then the house." [Source: 'Ilal al-Shara'i', Volume 1, Page 183.]
In a small, cozy house, in a lively neighborhood, a mother gathered her two children, Hadi and Zainab, around her. The room was filled with the warm glow of a bedside lamp, casting soft shadows on the walls. Outside, stars twinkled in the night sky, and a gentle breeze whispered through the leaves. It was the eve of Mother's Day, and the air was filled with anticipation and love.
The mother began, her voice soft and melodious, “Children,” “tonight, I want to tell you a story about a very special mother from our history, Lady Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him and His Family). She was known for her immense kindness, wisdom, and a heart full of compassion.”
Hadi and Zainab snuggled closer, their eyes wide with curiosity. They loved their mother's stories, each one a journey into a world of wonder and wisdom.
The mother's voice softened, filled with deep respect, as she transported them back in time. “In the heart of Medina, under the light of the moon, Lady Fatima would rise in the early hours of the night. It was a quiet time, just before dawn, when the world was still, and hearts were open to prayer.”
Hadi and Zainab imagined Lady Fatima, in the tranquility of her home, the moonlight streaming through her window, casting a serene glow over her as she prepared for her nightly prayers, Tahajjud.
“Lady Fatima’s son, Hassan, a young boy not much older than you, noticed something very special about his mother's prayers. She prayed not just for herself or her family, but for all the Muslim men and women. She remembered them, asking Allah (SWT) to bless them, and to shower His grace upon them.”
Young Hassan in the story, filled with curiosity, finally asked his mother, “Why do you pray for everyone else before us, Mother?”
Lady Fatima, with a gentle smile and eyes full of love, replied, “O my dear son, remember, we must think of our neighbors first, and then our house.”
The mother paused, letting the words sink in. Then, in a soft and heartfelt tone, she said “It is in caring for others that we find true fulfillment and blessings.”
She paused again and then recited one of the supplications of Lady Fatima: “O Allah (SWT), Guide me to do good things, make it easy for me to do them, help me along the way, and let me be among those who do good. And please give me good manners in everything I do for You.”
As the mother finished the supplication, there was a moment of silence. Hadi and Zainab, in the present day, were deep in thought, reflecting on the profound words and the selflessness of Lady Fatima.
“Children,” the mother said gently, “Lady Fatima’s life teaches us the importance of thinking of others, of praying for our community, and being humble and selfless. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us remember these virtues and strive to practice them in our lives.”
Hadi and Zainab nodded, a new sense of understanding dawning in their young minds. They promised themselves to be more thoughtful, to care for their friends and neighbors, and to always remember the lessons from Lady Fatima's life.
That night, as they drifted off to sleep, their hearts were filled with inspiration and a desire to spread kindness and love, just like Lady Fatima. The story their mother had shared was more than just a tale from the past; it was a guiding light for their futures.
And as the moon continued its silent vigil over the world, two young hearts dreamt of kindness, compassion, and the gentle, loving spirit of Lady Fatima, a mother whose legacy would inspire generations to come.
🌟 Discussion Points
Understanding Selflessness: Ask the children why Lady Fatima chose to pray for others before herself. Discuss the importance of thinking about others' needs.
The Power of Prayer: Explore how prayers can be for everyone, not just ourselves. Discuss how praying for others can make us feel more connected and caring.
Inspired by Lady Fatima: Discuss how Lady Fatima's actions can inspire us in our daily lives. Ask children how they can be kind and thoughtful like her.
The Importance of Community: Talk about the role of community in our lives and how we can contribute positively to it.
🌱 Activities for Growth
Creating a Kindness Tree: Have the children create a ‘Kindness Tree’. Each leaf can represent an act of kindness they will do for someone else, inspired by Lady Fatima’s story.
My Prayer Journal: Encourage children to keep a prayer journal. They can write prayers for their family, friends, and even people they don’t know, just like Lady Fatima.
Crafting Prayer Beads: Engage children in crafting their own prayer beads. This activity can be coupled with teaching them simple prayers or supplications.
Neighborly Acts of Kindness: Organize a small project where children can do something kind for their neighbors – baking cookies, drawing pictures, or writing kind notes, embodying Lady Fatima's teaching of "Neighbors first, then the house."