bismillah

Teaching Toddlers: Bismillah

Bismillah Activity 
For playgroup in Week 2, we focussed on the theme Bismillah: 
“In the Name of Allah”

For Moms: By saying this before we begin anything, it is a  way of remembering and thanking Allah. It is a practical way of making us more mindful of Allah. When we get into this routine, then we remember Allah and always try to do things that please Him. We get maximum benefits from whatever task we are doing by remembering to take Allah’s name before it.
Aishah [R] related that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When one of you eats food, then let him say: ‘Bismillah.’ If he forgets in the beginning, then let him say: ‘Bismillah Fi Awwalihi Wa Akhirih (In the Name of Allah in its beginning and its end.)” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1858] A simple act, such as eating becomes a source of blessing (by the permission of Allah) and an act of worship. 
Additionally, various Hadith and saying from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) show us that saying this phrase enables us to gain Allah’s blessings.
So how do we teach this to kids:

We always begin our playgroup with Salaam song( Omar Hannah) and “Nabil & Noura say salaam” each week to build consistency.
Related to the topic this week, we chose these concepts:
Song: Bismillah song by Dawud Wharnsby Ali (lyrics here). It’s a really simple song so ideal for toddlers.
Book : “Don’t forget to say Bismillah” with sounds from Desi Doll Company. It’s interactive so kids enjoyed pressing the buttons to hear the sayings in English and Arabic. Highly recommend.
Activity : Create your own Bismillah placemat – sticking fruits and food for fine motor skills.
I cut out colourful fruits and these placemats from Karima Krafts.  (Ps we’re outdoors in the park hence the setting in the pics below!)
                                       
We always end with a snack and for sunnah snack I offered dates and cucumber. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him) combined cucumbers with ripe dates saying: “the heat of the latter is reduced by the coolness of the former.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah).
We also had fresh fruit and crackers to keep the young ones going!
This is a great beginner activity but of course the main learning comes from daily practice – so remembering to say bismillah when beginning to eat, changing clothes, putting on shoes, leaving the house – and every little or big action.

How will you teach “Bismillah” to your little ones today?