Teaching 99 Names Of Allah: Play-Based Learning

Teaching Your Child The 99 Names Of Allah(SWT)

As Muslims, we know that Allah (SWT) has 99 names or attributes, that we can use for praise and invocation. Each of these names is perfect and unique, and as we learn these names we also gain insight to better understand the All Mighty (Al-Aziz). For example, the name Al-Ghafoor (The Forgiving) reminds us of the forgiving nature of Allah, Azawajal. Similarly, the attribute “As-Salaam (The Peace)” is a perfect reminder for us that even in the midst of internal/external distress, we must turn to him as he is the bestower of peace. In this same way, by teaching our children the 99 names of Allah, we can help them grow closer to Him(SWT) and learn how turning to Him(SWT) is helpful for them in their daily life.

You might think that teaching your child all 99 names of Allah(SWT) is difficult because, in most cases, children are more interested in playing than they are in sitting still to learn. That’s why the strategies we go through here will allow them to play while learning rather than sitting still. This play-based learning approach we discuss here may be effective for children 6 to 12 years old. Let’s discuss.

What is the meaning of “play-based learning?”

Play-based learning is a type of early-childhood education method in which children are allowed to explore and learn through play. This approach is based on the belief that children learn best by doing, and that they are more likely to retain information if they are actively engaged in the learning process. As such, play-based learning typically involves a lot of hands-on activities, rather than traditional lectures or rote memorization.

Advocates of play-based learning assert that this method allows children to develop important life skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, in a fun and supportive environment. Furthermore, play-based learning has been shown to improve academic achievement in young children.

While it is not the only educational approach that works for children, play-based learning can be an effective way to help children retain the information they have learned long-term.

Using Play-Based Learning To Teach The 99 Names Of Allah

Muslim parents looking for ways to engage their children in learning about Allah(SWT) can use play-based learning as a fun and interactive way for kids to learn. Here are some ideas for putting this strategy into practice in your child’s learning.

Using 2 Sets Of Flashcards, Play The Memory Card Game

The game that this play-based learning technique is based on may be familiar to many of us from our childhood. In this game, you would lay out all the cards from a deck face-down and then turn them over one by one to reveal the matching card number. If you flipped over two cards with matching numbers they were yours to keep. At the end of the game whoever held the most matched card was the winner. This play-based education approach for teaching the 99 names of Allah(SWT) uses the same methodology.

The only distinction in the way you will play this game using the 99 Names of Allah(SWT) is that each card has a name printed on it rather than a number. Once two matching cards are flipped over the name must be read aloud by either you or your child. The player who flipped the matching set must also briefly explain what the attribute displayed on the card tells them about Allah(SWT) in order to take possession of the matching set and add it to their stockpile. For this game, you can create your own Memory cards or purchase a set of ready-made 99 Names matching cards using this link.

Note: You should not lay these cards out on the floor or any other dirty surface as they do contain the attributes of Allah(SWT). Instead, choose a clean surface like a table or countertop to lay out the cards.

Play With Suction Darts

If you’d like to give this game a go, write a number (30 -50) of attributes on its own Post-it® and then stick them to a wall or door. Get a Sturdy Dart with Suction Cup and stand a few feet away from the names on the wall. Choose a name and say it aloud in Arabic. Your child must toss the suction dart so that it hits the right Post-it® with the matching name. If the dart lands and sticks then that player gets to keep the Post-It note. For your turn, the opposite will take place. Your child chooses a name and says it aloud for you to land on.

Fun Fact: You’ll actually have more fun if you miss, so don’t dwell on having bad aim.

Make It More Challenging: You can play to see who collects the most Post-it notes or determine the winner based on who can translate to English the most Post-it notes from the ones they’ve collected.

The Most Exciting Word In The Gaming World…Bingo!!!

For those of you who are not familiar, Bingo is a game in which players attempt to create certain patterns using random numbers. You set up one regular bingo board for yourself and your child. If more people are playing, you may have teams or ensure that there is one card for each player. This game is perfect for households with multiple children of varying ages.

You will need blank bingo cards large enough to write legibly 1 name in each box. Tell your children to pick 24 names, or have each child choose a few names but the total number from all children should be 24. The same names will go on all boards, but in different places on each board. Then write the names on index cards. The memory game we mentioned earlier can also be useful in bingo by using one set of flashcards that came with it. Then, you will flip over the cards so you can’t see the names and then mix them up.

Each player will take turns choosing a card — reading the name aloud and finding each word on their card while other players also mark the name on their own card. The first player to get five names in a row wins. Bingo!

Play is an important part of children’s learning and development, and incorporating games into learning can help children to consolidate their knowledge and understanding. These three play-based learning games are designed to help children learn the Arabic and English meanings of each attribute. They each incorporate an element that allows for reflecting on how the meaning of the name allows them to understand more about Allah(SWT). By playing these games, children will not only learn about Allah(SWT)’s attributes, but they will also have fun and develop their thinking and memory skills.