Teachers Book Surah Al-Falaq

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq SURAH 113: AL-FALAQ ‫سورة الفلق‬ The Daybreak Learning Outcomes: At the end of this Surah, the students will learn: 1. To read Surah al-Falaq for general protection. 2. How Allah can protect us from things they afraid of. 3. To practice reading it every day, and before going to bed. SURAH OVERVIEW Surah Al-Falaq is a Meccan surah. It was revealed during an incident where black magic was cast on Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬by a man named Labid bin al-Asham. Two angels helped Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬to break the spell. Later, Allah revealed two surahs to teach Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬and every Muslim to seek help from Allah against all kinds of evil. The students should be encouraged to recite these surahs daily for general protection and whenever they feel afraid. “Al-Falaq” means daybreak and it is when night transitions into day.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq TAFSIR CORNER 1. Allah teaches us how to seek refuge from Him: “Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the Daybreak,” The word “daybreak” used in the Qur’an can have two meanings. One is in the more literal context where Allah alone controls the transition of night and day. Another meaning is more symbolic – the light of day represents goodness and truth. 2. Evil from creations: “from the harm of what that He has created;” Everything that exists is created by Allah. Therefore, every evil that comes from His creation is under His power to extinguish. Therefore, we must seek His protection from His creations. 3. Evil from darkness: “from the harm of darkness when it comes;” Night-time can be a more dangerous time as the darkness makes it difficult to see – we could trip and fall or come across a venomous animal. Darkness also means the evil that can result from placing our reliance on those other than Allah. So, we should seek Allah’s protection from any kind of harm. 4. Evil from magic: “from the harm of those who blow on knots (black magic)” Evil also comes from magic casted by magicians. However, we should fear and trust in Allah’s powers more than we fear the shaitan or evil. We should also never use magic to harm others in any way. 5. Harm from envy: “from the evil of the envious when he envies.” Envy is another form of harm. It is when a person feels hate and strong jealousy that someone else is enjoying some blessings from Allah. This is harmful for two reasons. Firstly, because the envious person may try to stop or take away the happiness or good thing that someone else is experiencing, even by harmful means. Secondly, envy is a form of sickness of the heart, and something that we should try to remove from ourselves. This surah in its entirety is about the battle between good and evil. Where evil exists, there will always be good that battles it. And that good is backed up by Allah Himself.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq LESSON 1: FACING THE OBSTACLES Introduction: The theme of the week is “obstacles”. This lesson introduces the nature of this worldly life that is full of obstacles. Set Induction: In the first verse, Allah mentions Himself as the Lord of the Daybreak. The daybreak is a symbol of obstacles that Allah has put in this worldly life. Why did He install obstacles as a part of life? Let us find out! Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify the nature of worldly life. Materials: 1. Blindfold cloth 2. Area 3m x 3m with obstacles 3. Polystyrene or plastic cups Procedure: 1. The teacher prepares the place as a “minefield”. For this exercise, you need a large empty area. Form the area with cellophane tape around it and fill it with a lot of polystyrene or plastic cups 2. The students are divided into two teams. One person from each team wears a blindfold. The blindfolded member then has to complete a task while the partner verbally guides them safely through it. 3. The blindfolded member needs to navigate the area without bumping into anything, while his or her partner guides him or her safely through the obstacle course. Lessons: 1. Life is a journey that is ultimately to know God. 2. Living without guidance from Allah and His Prophet will be strayed from the right path. 3. Teaching the students that life is full of obstacles and tests. Therefore, we must be prepared. Lesson Assessment: Formative: 1. Was it easy to navigate through the minefield? 2. How did you succeed in going through the minefield? Summative: 1. Is life easy? No. 2. Is hardship a part of life? Yes. 3. Why did Allah put hardship as a part of life? Ans: So that we remember Allah and ask for His help only. Consequently, we will become stronger. 4. How can we succeed in overcoming the difficulties? Ans: by asking Allah’s help and protection.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq LESSON 2: LET’S GLOW! Introduction: This lesson explores the compensation for the hardship that we encounter every day. This compensation comes in the form of hidāyah (guidance). Set Induction: Previously, we have seen that Allah put obstacles in the path of our worldly life. If that is the case, wouldn’t that mean that we are living a difficult life? Well, it does not have to be so. How is that possible? Let us find out! Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify the solution for a difficult life. Materials: 1. A recycled jar – it must be transparent 2. Glow in the dark paint 3. Paintbrushes Procedure: 1. Paint the inside of your jar with the glow in the dark paint 2. Use as many colours as you wish 3. Once the paint is dry, bring the jar into a darkened room. See how your artwork glows! 4. Use the jar to decorate your room. Lessons: 1. Al-Falaq means the splitting between day and night. 2. Allah is the creator of Falaq, and He brings out the dawn from the darkness of night. 3. Although there is the harm in the darkness, we can also benefit from the light. 4. The darkness helps us appreciate how beautiful the light is. 5. And the obstacles in life help us to appreciate the blessings in life. 6. Also, the daybreak is an indicator that the light of day will always come after the darkness of night. 7. And the light for our “dark” life is God’s guidance. Lesson Assessment: See Day 1.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq LESSON 3: FIND ME! Introduction: The focus here will be on the concept of sharr (evil) as presented by Surah al-Falaq. This lesson introduces the types of evil that we cannot see with our naked eyes. Set Induction: In this surah, Allah says that we need to ask Him for protection from the evil that lurks in the dark. Why do we need to do ask for protection from the evil that lurks in the dark? Are there evil things that we cannot see? Let us find out! Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify the concept of sharr in surah al- Falaq. Materials: 1. Magnifying Glass Procedure: 1. The teacher makes a tiny dot on a piece of paper, then shows it to the students. 2. Students need to find the dot on the paper using their naked eyes. 3. Next, give them a magnifying glass to find the dot. Lessons: Just because we cannot see something with our eyes, it doesn’t mean that it does not exist. Lesson Assessment: Formative 1. What does a magnifying glass help us to see? Ans: Small things. 2. How does a magnifying glass help us see things that we cannot see clearly with naked eyes? Ans: it enlarges the objects that are being observed. Summative 3. Are there evil things that we cannot see? Ans: Yes.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq LESSON 4: GAME – LEGO MARKET Introduction: This lesson explores the evil that can come not only in physical forms but also in emotional forms such as envy. Set Induction: Previously, we have seen that evil comes in many forms. Some are even unseen. What is one of the examples of unseen evil? Let us find out! Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify an example of the unseen evil. Materials: 1. Paper – cut up into rectangles to make fake money. 2. Lego blocks – imagine each block is worth $1.00. Procedure: 1. Distribute the “money” among the students – some will get more, and some will get less 2. They can “buy” Lego blocks with their money 3. They can make anything they want with the blocks they have bought 4. They show their creation to their friends. 5. Lead a discussion on jealousy and comparing what we have with others. Emphasise the importance of gratitude to Allah. Lessons: 1. The unseen evil comes in many forms. One of the forms comes from inside us. It is envy. 2. Envy emerges when we are unsatisfied with what Allah has given us. And we vie for what are others’. 3. We cannot compare what we have with what others have. 4. We should be grateful to Allah for what He gives us. 5. And we should make the best use of what Allah has given us. 6. If we succeed in doing so, Allah will bestow us with unlimited bounties in Jannah. 7. Or He might even bestow us with blessings that are more than what we expected. Lesson Assessment: 1. Is it hard when we do not have the same opportunity as others? Ans: Yes, but that is the nature of this worldly life. 2. Should we feel envious of what others have? Ans: No, we should not. Because envy is one of the unseen evil. 3. Where does envy come from? Ans: From ingratitude. 4. What should we do when we feel envious? Ans: We should remember that all blessings belong to Allah, and He has the right to give whomsoever He pleases. Ans we should strive to do the best with what we have.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq LESSON 5: ACTIVE PROTECTION Introduction: This lesson explores the means that are taught by Allah to keep away from evil. Set Induction: Previously, we have learned about the unseen evil. We also have learned about one of the worst examples of unseen evil, envy. So, how do we protect ourselves from this unseen evil? Who can protect us from all of these? Let us try to find the answer. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to practice the surah as a prayer according to the sunnah of the Prophet. Procedure: 1. Teach the students to recite al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās together. 2. Raise your hands during the prayer. 3. Gently blow some air at your palms. 4. Rub the “prayer” on your entire body with your hands. 5. Start from your head to your feet. Lessons: 1. This was practised by the Prophet s.a.w. before he went to sleep, which makes it a part of his sunnah. 2. This is a way of asking for Allah’s protection. 3. It is to protect us from jealousy, harm, propaganda, and black magic. Lesson Assessment: 1. How can we protect ourselves from the unseen evil? Ans: by reciting the 3 quls. 2. How did the Prophet practice these surahs? Ans: see activity.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq LESSON 6: HIDE AND RESCUE Introduction: These activities explore the concept of invisibility of the harms that can be caused by God’s creations. This activity touches on one of the benefits of memorizing the Quran, which is it gives us protection from the unseen dangers. Set Induction: In verse 3, Allah says that there are evils that are not visible to our perceptions. We cannot see it, hear it, smell it, taste it – nothing! So, how do we protect ourselves from the things that we cannot see? We build fortresses. How? Let us find out! Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to: 1. Identify one of the protective benefits of memorizing the Quran. 2. Practice memorizing the Quran as a way to protect ourselves from harm. Materials: 1. Students Procedure: 1. Divide the students into three groups 2. Group 2 has two minutes to “hunt” and try to catch members from Group 1. 3. At the end of the hunt, Group 3 has two minutes to try “release” the captured members of Group 1 by reciting surah Al-Falaq from memory. 4. After these two minutes, if there are any members of Group 1 still captured, Group 2 wins. If all the members of Group 1 have been released, Group 3 wins. 5. Repeat a few rounds if suitable. Lessons: 1. When we memorize the Quran, our memorization resides in our hearts. 2. And when the Quran is in our hearts, Allah will never let that servant be in harm’s way. 3. Therefore, memorizing surahs from the Quran can protect us from unseen harm. Lesson Assessment: 1. Are there dangers that we cannot see? 2. How do we protect ourselves from dangers that we cannot see? 3. What is one of the benefits of memorizing the Quran?

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq LESSON 7: BLACK BOX Introduction: This activity stresses the need to really believe in the efficacy of the benefits of memorizing the Quran. Set Induction: Sometimes, we know that something is the case, but we somehow doubt the actuality of the case. We know that memorizing the Quran can protect us from unseen dangers. However, we never really have faith in the benefits of the Quran. Why is having real faith in what we know important? Let us find out! Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify the importance of having faith in what Allah has taught us. Materials: 1. Boxes 2. Black cloth 3. Wet sponge 4. Metal brush 5. Fish Procedure: Before class: 1. Ready 3 empty boxes or more. Make sure the boxes have holes at the top. 2. Put things of various textures in each box. It can be a wet sponge, metal brush, fish, and so on. During class: 1. Ask the students to queue in a line. 2. Let them touch the things in the boxes. 3. Ask them to guess what is inside each box. Lessons: 1. We need to have faith in Allah to overcome our fear. If we are scared, we should ask for protection from Allah. 2. If we do not have trust in Allah, it will not work. Because His help is only for those who believe in Him. Lesson Assessment: 1. Why do we need to have faith in what Allah has taught us?

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq LESSON 8: MUTED TV Introduction: This activity explores the silent side of unseen things. Set Induction: During the night, unseen things are not only unidentifiable because they are out of our sight’s reach, but also because they are silent. How does silence work? Let us play a game. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify silence as another aspect of unseen sharr. Materials: 1. Students Procedure: 1. Students are divided into two groups. Each group has to form a line. 2. A teacher will demonstrate a movement or action to the first student in the line for both groups. 3. The first student for each group has to relay the action to the second person, and so on until the last person. 4. The last person will present that action in front of the class and tell the teacher what it is about. 5. The winner is assessed based on the accuracy of the action between the first and last person and their correct understanding. Lessons: 1. This activity trains students to explain something properly until others can understand their idea. 2. It encourages them to be creative in finding alternative ways to convey messages. Lesson Assessment: 1. When we cannot see the objects around us, what do we depend on? Ans: our hearing. 2. If we cannot hear silent things, what do we depend on? Ans: our sight. 3. What if we can neither see nor hear the objects around us? Ans: we depend on the protection of Allah.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq LESSON 9: LIGHT AND DARKNESS Introduction: The activities here will be focusing on the word “falaq” which means “daybreak”. This lesson explores the symbolization intended by the choice of the word “falaq”. Set Induction: Previously, we have learned about the types of evil that lurk in the darkness of night. But why is darkness being used to describe evil? Let us conduct an experiment to find out. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify Allah as the Lord of al-Falaq. Materials: 1. Black marker 2. Baby oil or cooking oil 3. Recycled water bottle 4. Tape Procedure: 1. Add water into the bottle until it is half full. 2. Soak the tip of the marker in the water until the ink turns the water black. 3. Pour a few tablespoons of water into the bottle. 4. Secure the lid with some strong tape. Shake the bottle. 5. Observe how the oil doesn’t mix with the water. The oil represents light while the water represents darkness, and the two will never mix. Lessons: 1. Light is separated from darkness. Likewise, goodness and evil do not mix. 2. We must always ask Allah to keep us on the path of goodness and to protect us from harm. Lesson Assessment: 1. What does al-Falaq mean? Ans: daybreak. 2. Why is al-Falaq used to describe evil? Ans: because some evil cannot be seen, just like the darkness of night.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq LESSON 10: DUʿĀ CARD Introduction: This lesson it explores the implication of understanding God as the Lord of Daybreak. Set Induction: Previously we have learned about the meaning of al-Falaq. And we have learned about the reason why evil is described with the word al-Falaq. So, why does Allah describe Himself as the Lord of daybreak? Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to explain the implication of knowing God as the Lord of al-Falaq. Materials: 1. Colour paper 2. Pen/marker 3. Decoration materials (glitter, sticker, crayon, watercolour) Procedure: 1. Ask the students to make a duʿā card and write down something that they want. 2. Let them decorate the card how they wish. 3. Then, they should take it home and paste it on their wall. 4. Tell the students to make duʿā to Allah every day for what they have written on their cards Lessons: 1. If you want something, ask Allah for it. 2. Don’t get jealous of what others have and appreciate what we have now. 3. We should only rely on Allah for everything that we need. Lesson Assessment: 1. If God is the Lord of al-Falaq, does it mean that He is the only one capable of controlling the evils of the dark? Ans: yes. 2. If God is the only one who can control the evil beings, does it mean that He is the only protector that can ward off the evil beings from harming us? Ans: Yes.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Falaq LESSON 11: JOURNAL OF SURAH AL-FALAQ Set Induction: Let us write a journal to record everything that we have learned. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to recall all the lesson of this surah. Materials: 1. Papers 2. Colour pencils 3. Paper decorations Procedure: 1. Give the students a few pieces of paper printed with pictures of the sunrise, the night sky, a place of shelter, jealous emoticon, some du’as for protection, and so on. 2. They also can draw extra pictures by themselves of what they have been learning throughout the month about the surah. 3. They may decorate their papers as they wish! The teacher will check their journal once a month. Lessons: Repetition and self-directed learning are part of effective revision. The student easily to revise what they learnt throughout the surah.