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Islam for Children

The Qur'an is the Muslim's holy book. It is the word of Allah (God) as told to the prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The Qur'an is the word of God as it was given, in Arabic. Muslim's believe that it is the most important book in the world. It is not translated except for study, and people learn it in Arabic.

• Before one touches the book one must must perform ritual washing or ablution i.e. beginning with the intention of ablution and the washing of the face, followed by the washing of 2 hands up to the elbows, to be followed by washing part of the head and finally the washing of the 2 legs up to  the ankles.
  
• Muslims are to listen in attentively whilst the Qur'an is being read.
  
• For the ease of reading so that we can pay attention to the meanings of the Qur’an) a special book stand (rihal) is used to keep it of the floor in respect of the Holy Book.

There are various customs in different areas - these include:

• The Qur'an is covered with cloth to keep it clean and protect it.
   
• It is keep on a high shelf with nothing above it.
  
• Before some readers will read it they touch their forehead with the book and kiss the cover.
  

The Quran was given to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh - peace be upon him) over  23 years (13 years whilst he was  in Makkah and 10 years while he was  in Medinah).  The longest chapters are  at the beginning of the Holy Book and the shorter ones at the end of the Quran.

Children start with memorising the smaller chapters at the end.

The first chapter is recited in every prayer. It is as important to Muslims as the Lords prayer is for Christians. It can be translated as follows:

All praise is for God, the Lord of the worlds, The most kind, the most merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement, You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help.
Guide us along the straight path,
The path of those whom you rewarded,
not those who earned your anger, nor those who went astray.

 

Thanks to Mujahid Islam for additional information.

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