Dua (Supplication)

Let's learn the dua we say before sleeping. Every night, before we close our eyes, we remember Allah. This is the dua: 'Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya.' In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live. Let's read it together – say it after me. The meaning is beautiful: we trust Allah with our sleep. When we sleep, it's like a little 'death' for a while, and Allah is the One who wakes us up again. Here's an example from a Kenyan child named Aisha from Nairobi. She says this dua after brushing her teeth and getting into bed. You can do the same every night! Let's practice saying the dua twice. Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya. One more time! Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya.

Do you know what the best thing to do when we wake up is? We say a special thank you to Allah. Our topic today is 'Dua On Waking Up.' This is the prayer that our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to say the moment we open our eyes in the morning. Here is the dua in Arabic. Let me say it for you first: 'Alhamdulillahilladhi ahyana ba'da ma amatana wa ilayhin nushur.' This means: All praise is for Allah who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him we will return. It's like saying, 'Thank you, Allah, for this new day!' Now let's try saying it together, nice and slow. Meet Kevin from Kisumu! Kevin says this dua every single morning with a big, happy smile. Why? Because he knows that waking up is a gift. Not everyone who went to sleep last night woke up this morning. Kevin starts his day by saying, 'Alhamdulillah — thank You, Allah!' So every morning when you wake up, remember: Allah gave you this brand new day. Say the dua with a smile, just like Kevin. Let's practice it two times together now: 'Alhamdulillahilladhi ahyana ba'da ma amatana wa ilayhin nushur.' Wonderful, keep practicing every day!

Assalamu alaikum, everyone! This important habit reminds us that Allah is the One who provides our food. At this dua. It is very simple: we say 'Bismillah', which means 'In the name of Allah'. Before we take even one bite, we remember Allah. It's like thanking the person who prepared your meal, but even more special because we thank the One who gave us the food. She loves eating githeri. Before she starts, she always says 'Bismillah'. She knows that by saying Allah's name, she blesses her food. You can do the same with your favorite meal — whether it's ugali, chapati, or fruit! Sometimes we might forget to say Bismillah. That's okay — Allah is merciful! If you realize after you have already started eating, just say: 'Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu' — which means 'In the name of Allah at the beginning and the end'. That covers it. Remember: before you eat, say Bismillah. It's a simple but powerful way to start your meal with Allah's name. It makes our food blessed and reminds us to be grateful for every bite.

Assalamu alaykum, class! Whether you're riding a matatu to school, taking a boda boda to the market, or going on a school trip to Mombasa, this dua keeps us safe and reminds us that Allah is in control. Here is the dua in Arabic. It begins with 'Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha' – which means 'Glory to Him who has subjected this to us.' When we say this, we are thanking Allah for giving us the ability to travel. Without Him, we couldn't even move a car or a bus! Let's read it together in English letters: 'Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin wa inna ila rabbina lamunqalibun.' Repeat after me slowly: Sub-han-alladhi... Sakh-khara... Lana... Hadha. This means we admit that we cannot travel by our own power – Allah is the One who makes it possible. At the end we say, 'Indeed, to our Lord we shall return.' That reminds us that every journey ends, and our final return is to Allah. Let me give you an example. Imagine your class is going on a trip to Mombasa. The bus is packed, everyone is excited, and as the driver starts the engine – you recite this dua together. It's like putting your journey under Allah's protection. Even if you're just going to the shop on a boda boda, you can whisper this dua in your heart. It's our turn to practice! The slide says we should say the dua twice. Let's all stand up (or sit up straight), take a deep breath, and say it together – once, and then again to let it stick. 'Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha...' Excellent! One more time. Great job, everyone. Whenever you travel – even if it's just a short ride – you know what to say. May Allah keep all your journeys safe!

Grade 4! We've learned so much today about making dua. It's time to end our lesson with a special closing prayer. Let's say it together: 'Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan waqina azaban-nar.' This means: 'Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.' Repeat after me, slowly... Remember, keep making dua throughout the day – whether you're at home, at school, or playing outside. Allah always listens! Done, everyone. You should be proud of yourselves. That's all for today's lesson. Thank you for your wonderful attention and participation. As-salamu alaykum – peace be with you all!