Activity 3: Story - Muhammad Of Makkah
Activity time: 10 minutes
Materials for Activity
- A copy of the story, "Muhammad of Makkah"
- Optional: “Muhammad of Makkah” coloring sheet, and crayons
Preparation for Activity
- Review the story, "Muhammad of Makkah" and prepare to tell it, rather than read it, to the children.
- Optional: Print the coloring sheet and copy for all participants. Place coloring sheets and crayons where children can use them when invited but will not be distracted beforehand.
Description of Activity
Introduce the story in these or your own words:
Islam is a religion that many people follow, in many different places in the world. People who follow Islam are called Muslims. Many Muslims live in here in the United States. As part of their religion, many Muslims hope to visit a city they consider holy. That city is called Mecca and it is in the country of Saudi Arabia. Some people say its name "Makkah."
The Muslim religion was begun by a prophet named Muhammad. When he was a young man, he had to leave Mecca. His beliefs about many things were so different from most of the people in Mecca that he could not stay there. He had to leave many members of his family behind. Muhammad did this because it was very important to him to be free to follow his own beliefs. Later, he was able to come back to Mecca, bringing his own beliefs with him.
Before telling the story, ask if any of the children have heard of Muhammad or Mecca. Ask what they have heard. Affirm correct information.
Tell the story. Once you have finished it, ask the group:
- Even though he lived with different relatives, in different homes, he had always lived in Mecca. How do you think Muhammad felt when he had to leave Mecca?
Including All Participants
Offer children the opportunity to color the illustration provided for “Muhammad of Makkah” to engage different learning styles and to help children focus on or relate to the story. A coloring activity can be a "preview" of a story. It can work as a quiet activity to help children physically settle. You might use it afterward to help the group recall and respond to the story.