My First Surahs
Seven short surahs of the Qur'an, from Al-Fatiha to An-Nas, each with a simple lesson for everyday life, in a picture book for children aged 4 to 9.
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What is My First Surahs about?
My First Surahs is an Islamic picture book for children aged 4 to 9 that helps young children read and think about seven short surahs of the Qur'an, each set against a beautiful background and each with one lesson to carry into everyday life.
Each surah comes with a short lesson in plain English. Surah Al-Falaq tells children that Allah will keep them safe, and Surah An-Nas that we need Allah to protect us. Surah Al-Asr teaches them to do good things with their time and not to waste it. Surah Al-Kafirun asks them to hold strong to their Islamic identity. Surah Ash-Sharh reminds them that when things are hard, they will get better. Surah Al-Fatiha, which Muslims recite in every prayer, teaches that Allah is the One we worship and ask for help, and Surah Al-Ikhlas that we can always rely on Allah.
These are among the shortest surahs of the Qur'an, and often the first ones children learn by heart. Reading them one page at a time, with a lesson for each, helps a child understand what they are reciting as well as learn the words, and gives parents something simple to talk about with them afterwards.
The book is by Hajar Ashmawey and illustrated by Jenny Reynish. It takes about six minutes to read aloud and is music-free.
What your child will learn
- Allah keeps us safe, and we can ask Him to protect us.
- We should use our time to do good and not waste it.
- When things are hard, they will get better, because with hardship comes ease.
- Allah is the One we worship and the One we ask for help.
- We can always rely on Allah.
The story of My First Surahs
The book took seven of the shortest surahs of the Qur'an, one at a time. Each one came with a lesson in a few plain words, and then the surah itself, recited in Arabic.
It began with Surah Al-Falaq, and its lesson was to listen: Allah will keep you safe. Then came Surah An-Nas, whose lesson was that we need Allah to protect us. Its verses ask the Lord of people for refuge from the whisperer who whispers in people's hearts.
Surah Al-Asr came next, with a lesson about time: do good things with your time, and do not waste it. Its verses say that people are in loss, except those who believe, do good, and urge each other to truth and to patience.
Surah Al-Kafirun followed, with the lesson to hold strong to your Islamic identity.
Then came Surah Ash-Sharh. Its lesson was that when things are hard, they will get better, and its verses promise, twice over, that with hardship comes ease.
Surah Al-Fatiha came sixth, with the lesson that Allah is the One we worship and the One we ask for help. Its verses praise Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, the Most Merciful, the Master of the Day of Judgement, and ask Him to guide us on the straight path.
The book ended with Surah Al-Ikhlas, and the lesson that we can always rely on Allah. Its verses say that Allah is One, that He is the One everyone depends on, that He does not give birth and was not born, and that there is nothing like Him.
Find more stories about trust in Allah and the Qur'an.
Where this story comes from
- Surah Al-Fatiha 1:1-7: You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
- Surah Al-Falaq 113:1-5: Seeking refuge in the Lord of the daybreak from every harm.
- Surah An-Nas 114:1-6: Seeking refuge in the Lord of people from the whisperer who whispers in people's hearts.
- Surah Al-Asr 103:1-3: By time, people are in loss, except those who believe, do good, and urge each other to truth and patience.
- Surah Al-Kafirun 109:1-6: To you your religion, and to me mine.
- Surah Ash-Sharh 94:1-8: With hardship comes ease.
- Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4: Say, He is Allah, the One, the Eternal Refuge.
Talk about it afterwards
- Which surah do we recite in every prayer?
- What does Surah Al-Asr teach us about our time?
- What does Surah Ash-Sharh tell us when something feels hard?
- Which of the seven surahs do you already know by heart?
Words to know
- Surah
- A chapter of the Qur'an.
Frequently asked questions
Which surahs are in My First Surahs?
Seven short surahs, Al-Falaq, An-Nas, Al-Asr, Al-Kafirun, Ash-Sharh, Al-Fatiha and Al-Ikhlas, each with a lesson in English.
What age is My First Surahs suitable for?
Children aged 4 to 9. The surahs are short and the lessons simple, so it suits children who are just starting to learn the Qur'an.
How long is My First Surahs?
About 6 minutes to read aloud.
Does My First Surahs have music?
No. It is music-free.
