How do I tell my child about the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ childhood?

Question

Bloomtivo Academy · Accepted Answer

Tell it in five short parts: born in Makkah in the Year of the Elephant, after his father had died; raised in the desert by Halimah; his mother Aminah died when he was six; cared for by his grandfather, then his uncle Abu Talib; and working as a shepherd. Allah says: “Did He not find you an orphan and give you refuge?” (Quran 93:6). Children connect deeply with his childhood. Children relate to the Prophet ﷺ most easily through his childhood: a boy who faced loss and hardship, and grew up kind and honest.Five partsPartStoryFor children1Born in Makkah, in the Year of the Elephant; his father ‘Abdullah had already diedLink to Surah Al-Fil2Lived with Halimah in the desert as a baby and young boyFresh air, pure Arabic, a loving foster family3His mother Aminah died when he was about sixHe knew sadness, like children who lose someone4His grandfather ‘Abd al-Muttalib cared for him, then his uncle Abu TalibFamily looking after each other5He worked as a shepherd and later travelled with his uncle for tradeHard work and responsibilityThe Quran on his childhood“Did He not find you an orphan and give you refuge?” (Quran 93:6). Read Surah Ad-Duha together after the story.Lessons to draw outAllah looks after those who have lost loved ones.Kindness to orphans: the Prophet ﷺ himself was one.Honesty from a young age: he became known as Al-Amin.Questions to askHow do you think he felt living with Halimah?Who looked after him when his mother died?How can we help children who have no parents?Teacher’s tip: link the story to sponsoring an orphan or giving to an orphan charity as a family. It turns the Seerah into action.Our Seerah programme continues the story. Related: Loving the Prophet ﷺ.

Part	Story	For children
1	Born in Makkah, in the Year of the Elephant; his father ‘Abdullah had already died	Link to Surah Al-Fil
2	Lived with Halimah in the desert as a baby and young boy	Fresh air, pure Arabic, a loving foster family
3	His mother Aminah died when he was about six	He knew sadness, like children who lose someone
4	His grandfather ‘Abd al-Muttalib cared for him, then his uncle Abu Talib	Family looking after each other
5	He worked as a shepherd and later travelled with his uncle for trade	Hard work and responsibility

How do I tell my child about the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ childhood?

Five parts

The Quran on his childhood

Lessons to draw out

Questions to ask

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