Selected Surahs

Class, let's begin our journey with the Quran. We're starting with Surah Al-Fatiha, which means 'The Opening.' It's the first chapter and we recite it in every prayer. Here is the verse in Arabic: 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.' Watch how I read it — Bis-mil-la-hir Rah-ma-nir Ra-heem. Can everyone try repeating that with me? Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Here is the transliteration, which helps us read it in English letters: 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.' This is how we say it when we are not reading the Arabic script. Practice it a few times silently. What does it mean? In English, it says, 'In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.' So whenever we say Bismillah, we are remembering that Allah is full of grace and mercy. He is kind and caring toward us. Here's an important lesson: we should begin everything with Allah's name. Think about your day — before eating ugali, before playing football with your friends, before starting your homework, just say 'Bismillah.' It's like saying, 'I'm doing this remembering Allah.' It makes every action special. Let's all recite the first verse together one more time. 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.' Beautiful! Keep this verse in your heart. Whenever you start something new today, whisper Bismillah and feel Allah's mercy with you.

Next, let's dive into one of the most important surahs in the Quran — Surah Al-Ikhlas, which means 'Sincerity' or 'Purity of Faith.' This whole surah is about Tawhid — the oneness of Allah. It's short but powerful. First, the Arabic: 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Qul Huwallahu Ahad. Allahus Samad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakul lahu kufuwan ahad.' Here's the transliteration you can follow along with. Notice how simple and clear these verses are. The English translation: 'Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.' What can we learn from this surah? First: Allah is One — no partners, no equals. Just like the Kenyan flag has one design and one meaning, our worship is for one Allah alone. Second: Allah is Eternal — He has no beginning and no end. He is always there, like the sun that rises every day without fail. Third: Nothing and no one is comparable to Allah. He is unique. There is no other like Him. Finally, this surah helps us avoid shirk — associating partners with Allah — and strengthens our faith in Tawhid. Whenever you recite it, remember: Allah is One, and our worship belongs only to Him.

Worked Example 3, where we'll study Surah Al-Falaq, which means 'The Daybreak'. This is a beautiful short surah that teaches us to seek Allah's protection. It starts with 'Qul A'udhu bi Rabbil Falaq', which means 'Say, I seek refuge with the Lord of the daybreak'. Repeat after me: Qul A'udhu bi Rabbil Falaq. [pause] Great job! The main lesson here is that only Allah can protect us from jealousy and all kinds of evil. Imagine you are feeling scared at night or someone is bullying you at school. You can recite Surah Al-Falaq and ask Allah to keep you safe. It's like a shield. For example, here in Kenya, when you feel afraid of the dark or of a bully, you can say these words and know that Allah is with you. Let's all try to memorize this surah as our daily shield.