The Quest for Light! Ali and Taha's Journey to Be Friends of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)

📋 Parental Guide: The story in celebration of mid-Sha’ban is built around the deep-rooted belief that every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a better world—a world ready for a leader like Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s).

Once upon a time in the bustling city of London, lived two young Muslim brothers, Ali and Taha. Every morning, they woke up early, prayed, and got ready for school. They respected their parents, were polite to their teachers, and kind to their friends. But beyond this daily routine, they had a higher purpose—preparing themselves and their community for the return of Imam Mahdi by being better humans.

One day, news broke out at their community center. The annual charity event that brought joy and relief to so many needy families was at risk of being canceled. The stakes were high. If the event didn’t take place, countless families would go without essential supplies and support. The room was filled with worried faces and heavy hearts.

Ali and Taha couldn't stand by and watch. They decided to step in and save the event. Ali was good at organizing things, thanks to his knack for solving puzzles and building blocks. Taha, on the other hand, was an eloquent speaker, often reciting poetry and giving talks at school. Despite their skills, they felt nervous but were determined to make a difference.

Their journey was far from easy. Volunteers were scarce, and resources were limited. To make matters worse, some of their peers mocked them for believing in the teachings of Imam Mahdi.

Doubts began to cloud their minds, and challenges started to test their resolve. But Ali and Taha remembered their purpose.

At this low point, they remembered Imam Mahdi, who will fill the earth with justice and equity. If they wanted to be friends of Imam Mahdi, they had to embody his virtues: they had to be strong, kind, and never give up.

Ali took out his notebook and started jotting down a plan, breaking down the tasks that needed to be done. Taha began drafting a speech that would not only encourage people to donate but also to foster a spirit of community and shared responsibility.

Their persistence paid off. One by one, volunteers started to join. Neighbors, friends, and even some of the kids who had mocked them pitched in. Resources began to flow in as well. Bags of food, clothes, and toys were donated. They realized that their daily acts of kindness and wisdom had a bigger impact than they thought. These virtues were precisely what would prepare them and their community for the coming of Imam Mahdi.

The day of the charity event arrived, and the community center was filled with love, laughter, and generosity. Ali managed the flow of the event flawlessly, while Taha gave a moving speech about the significance of preparing for Imam Mahdi by helping those in need.

The room was filled with applause, and more importantly, with a renewed sense of purpose. This wasn’t just about a charity event; it was about embodying the virtues of Imam Mahdi.

As the years passed, Ali and Taha grew into young men, becoming pillars in their community. They continued to organize events, give talks, and most importantly, embody the virtues of kindness, wisdom, and justice. They realized that their small but steady acts of goodness could create a ripple effect, inspiring others to be better too.

Through these humble acts of kindness and leadership, Ali and Taha not only served their community but also became friends of Imam Mahdi. Their story serves as a shining testament that the light of goodness can illuminate the darkest corners, just as the return of Imam Mahdi will illuminate the world.

And so, Ali and Taha continued to live their lives, each day becoming a little better, a little more prepared, and a little closer to being the best friends of Imam Mahdi they could be.

☀️ Discussion Points:

• Purposeful Actions: Discuss with children the importance of having a purpose beyond daily routines. Ask them how Ali and Taha's purpose of preparing for Imam Mahdi influenced their actions and decisions. What can we learn from their dedication to being better humans?

🌱 Activities for Growth:

• Imam Mahdi's Virtues Poster: Have children create a poster that depicts the virtues of Imam Mahdi. They can use drawings, magazine cutouts, or words to represent justice, kindness, and determination. Displaying the poster in their room can serve as a daily reminder of these important virtues.