Imam Mahdi (aj) – Idea 18: Hold an Imam Mahdi (aj) Day!
One community did exactly that!
Stations were set up around the hall – these are the details:
1. Remembering the Imam: out of my mystery box I will pull out around items on imam mahdi and stick onto my felt board explaining each one (M/meem for Mohamed Mahdi, compass for ‘the guide, sun behind the cloud, last prophet (I did a picture of people in line with arrow on last one), the number 12, Money (to show he will have all the wealth and distribute it equally), a cave with three books (I ask children what books they think came out —Quran, Bible, Torah because he will guide each religion through their own books), a peace on earth felt, a united group of people for bringing unity etc. ( I will send a picture). Then I will turn over my board and sing a funny song about ‘something happening to my board’ song while removing all items and tell children they must or tell me what things were on the board for me to bring it out and if they get all they get a prize. Kids who guess all the items correct have one more mission to recite Dua Faraj (I had a copy ready one child to read and lead the group) and they all got to pick one small lollipop before moving to next station)
2. Pledging to the Imam: Using magnet sheet squares kids write or have written their ‘pledge to the imam’ on the middle and then paint/decorate around it. Eg: I pledge to help everyday with my chores.
3.Celebrating the Imam: We purchased plain cupcakes and bought frosting and sprinkles, mini mnms etc to decorate cupcakes. Each kid will get a candle and they will end station by singing happy birthday to the imam
4. Eagerly awaiting the imam: This document covers what happened in this fun obstacle course. We made a large sun behind the cloud on a wall and after each accomplished task, kids would have to ‘touch’ it and shout “Ya Mahdi”
5. Preparing for the Imam: a worksheet with a suitcase called “preparing for imam” and kids would get another worksheet with images of good and bad actions to prepare like giving Sadaqa, kicking etc. kids will cut out the good actions. This was adjusted for older kids by having them write down what they can do to prepare for imam inside suitcase instead of cutting and gluing out images
The event ended with cake of course! Everyone cried out ‘Ya Mahdi!’ as they wished the Imam a very happy birthday. A fun day full of learning for all 🙂
