This is a simple coloring and craft activity that you can do throughout the month of Ramadan which will help everybody in the family learn and memorize the beautiful names of Allah. So this one is for the kids and their parents!
Al-Bukhaari (2736) and Muslim (2677) narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one. Whoever learns them by heart will enter Paradise.”
Frankly, how many of us parents have “learnt by heart” the beautiful names of our creator? A few of us might have memorized some or all but “learning by heart” doesn’t only mean we write them on a piece of paper and memorize them, although that is the first step. When I decided to do this activity with my kids I realized it is such a great opportunity for me to learn and implement too. Many times we parents over-expect from our kids and want the to accomplish such and such at the age of 4 what we ourselves haven’t done at 40. Learning the names of Allah is a virtuous deed and what better time to do it than Ramadan. So lets get started with this great activity plan for the whole family which you can cover this coming Ramadan.
What you will need:
- An authentic book with the information regarding the Names and Attributes of Allah. I am using this cute little booklet I got from the Names of Allah exhibition in Madinah AlMunawwara
You can download / print the PDF version of this book here from their official website.
- Prints on A4 size paper of these template cut-outs of name cards for coloring and writing the names on. I have designed 2 of these for some variety and they are great for coloring for ages 4 and above. (awesome for adults to color too!) Click on the image below to get the free printable.
You will need 50 print outs of these templates. (or more if you have toddlers around who will inevitably want to join in the coloring fun mess)
- A brush color pen or a thick marker for writing the Arabic calligraphy.
- Coloring supplies depending on the age of your child(ren) – crayons, pens, color pencils, glitter pens etc.
- Scissors & Glue / Tape
- Book, chart or foam boards depending on how you wish to compile the names as you write them.
Step 1 : Learn. Choose a suitable time during the day to sit down together and memorize 3 names for the day. (Can learn 4 during the last ten days so you have all 99 covered in Ramadan)
Learn the correct pronunciation, explain the meanings and discuss it with your children.
Step 2: Prepare the name cards for the names learnt that day– This can be a simple coloring activity or a more elaborate one that you can do depending on the age of the child.
- Let your child color in the details of the design on the corners and the circle in the middle.
- Help / Write for them the names for day in the circle in the middle. I find the brush color pens are best for doing this. You can choose a simpler calligraphy image than the one in this book if you find this difficult. Or another option would be to use tracing paper. Trace the calligraphy from the book onto the tracing paper using a pencil. Color it with the pencil the back and trace back onto the template using and fill in.
- Neatly cut around the circle with the scissors.
Step 3: Compile the name cards. You have several options to do this.
- You can glue them onto the pages of a cute notebook. Write down the meanings in English and any other notes about it.
- Make a chart. Take a large chart paper (or two smaller ones) of any color of you choice, draw 99 evenly spaced circles on it and paste 3 or 4 cards in the circles every day as and when you make them.
- Make a wall art. Cut out circles of the size of the name cards from a large foam board. Use a double side tape to paste it on the wall.
Step 4: Revise and Implement.
- For younger children, memorizing every day would be enough.
- For older children, encourage them to remember all names memorized so far.
- Play a memory game everyday to keep tabs on the names memorized so far.
- Use the names learnt today when making Dua’a.
Assalamualaikum ww, just wanted to say jazakh allah so much for this fantastic idea, my almost 4 year daughter and I have been enjoying this daily activity with great enthusiasm.