A Special Book - The Holy Qu'ran

Introducing the Holy Qu'ran. Exploring the idea of a special book that people live their lives by.

by Lucy Fletcher

Suitable for Key Stage 2

Aims

To introduce the Holy Qu'ran and explore the idea of a special book that people live their lives by and reflect upon.

Preparation and materials

• You will need a copy of the Holy Qu'ran.

Assembly

1. Recap on the assembly on the Bible if you have used it. Which groups of people have the Bible as their special book? Say that another word for special is 'sacred'.
   
   
2. Introduce another special book called the Qu'ran. This book is special for Muslims, who follow the religion of Islam. It is so special (sacred) to Muslims there are many rules relating to it, such as:
   
   It has to be kept in the highest place in the room, e.g. on a high shelf, so that it is closer to Allah - God.
   Nothing should be placed on top of it.
   You have to wash your hands before you touch it to make yourself clean.
   You also need to take off your shoes before you touch it.
   The Qu'ran is always covered with special cloth.
   There is a special Qu'ran stand that is made from wood.
   Sometimes the Qu'ran is raised to the forehead three times, and to the lips, symbolizing the desire to learn from it and showing love.
   
   If appropriate, demonstrate these rituals.
   
   
3. Explain that the Qu'ran is written in Arabic. Muslims believe that the Angel Gabriel came and told the Prophet Muhammad the true words of God. Explain that Muslims always add 'Peace be upon him' after the name of the Prophet as a mark of respect. Muhammad - peace be upon him - remembered the words of Gabriel, telling his friends, who then wrote them down in the form of the Qu'ran.
   
   
4. There are 114 chapters in the Qu'ran. None of the words have been changed. Although the Qu'ran has been translated into 40 different languages, Muslims are still taught how to read it in Arabic. Muslim children all over the world go to Islamic school to learn the words of the Qu'ran.

Time for reflection

The word sacred means very special.
Think of all the people, places and things, which are special to you.
Picture these special people and things in your head.
Look at how lovely they are and how happy they make you feel.

Quietly, in your head, you could say thank you for everything that is special in your life - including books!

Song/music

'Praise him' (Come and Praise, 40)