Craft Wheel of the 5 daily Prayers: *Craft Idea from Nidatastic*
Subject: Fiqh of Salah; science; geography; islamic history
Topic: 5 daily prayers and the parts of the day
General learning outcome:
- understand the parts of the day
- Comprehend (visually) the day and night
- recognize the 5 prayers for the second pillar of Islam
- enhance awareness of both time and space, helping them stay attuned to their temporal surroundings
Broader Learning Outcomes
- Religious Awareness: gain a deeper understanding of Islamic culture and practices, fostering discipline and the habit of praying on time.
- Time Management: Through the alignment of craft segments with specific prayer times, children can learn about time management and the importance of punctuality in daily routines.
- Artistic Expression: Crafting and painting the wheel encourages creativity and artistic expression, allowing children to explore their imagination.
- Fine Motor Skills: The intricate nature of painting and assembling the craft wheel enhances fine motor skills, improving hand-eye coordination.
- Mathematical Concepts: Learn basic mathematical concepts like fractions and divisions when dividing the craft wheel into prayer time segments.
- Geographic Knowledge: Understanding the different prayer times can lead to discussions about time zones and routine.
- Spiritual Connection: This activity can foster a sense of spirituality and mindfulness as children connect the passing hours of the day with moments of prayer and reflection.
- Critical Thinking: Crafting a functional prayer wheel requires critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
- Timekeeping: Develop an understanding of the importance of keeping track of time and setting alarms or reminders for daily tasks and prayer times.
- Social Interaction: Group crafting sessions can encourage social interaction, teamwork, and cooperation as participants work together on their projects.
- Narrative Skills: Discussing the significance of each prayer time and its relation to the day can enhance children’s storytelling and narrative skills.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Completing the craft wheel can instill a sense of accomplishment and pride in children, boosting self-esteem.
- Multisensory Learning: Engaging in a hands-on craft activity incorporates multisensory learning, benefiting different types of learners.
Verses from the Quran about prayers and day and night
- Surah An-Nisa (Chapter 4), Verse 103:“Indeed, the prayer is [a] prescribed [obligation] upon the believers at specified times.”
- Surah Al-Mu’minun (Chapter 23), Verse 1-2:“Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive.”
- Surah Hud (Chapter 11), Verse 114 (Throughout the Day) :
- “And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.”
- Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), Verse 238 (Noon):“Guard your prayers, and [especially] the middle prayer, and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.”Surah Al-Isra (Chapter 17), Verse 78 (Dawn and Dusk):“Establish prayer at the decline of the sun until the darkness of the night and the Quran at dawn. Indeed, the Quran at dawn is ever witnessed.”
- Surah Hud (Chapter 11), Verse 114:“And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.”
- Surah Al-Furqan (Chapter 25), Verse 64:“And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer].”
- Surah Al-Muzzammil (Chapter 73), Verse 6 (Night):
- “Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words.” (Night)
Topics by subject: Can be explored alongside this craft
Science
- Astronomy: Explore the science of celestial bodies and their role in determining prayer times. Discuss concepts such as the Earth’s rotation and its impact on day and night. You can even introduce basic astronomical tools like sundials or smartphone apps that track prayer times based on the sun’s position.
- Biology: Discuss the circadian rhythm, the natural internal clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Explore how it relates to the timing of daily prayers and how our bodies are naturally attuned to day and night.
History
- Delve into the historical context of the development of the five daily prayers in Islam. E
- xplore the life of Prophet Muhammad and the story of the Isra and Mi’raj, the Night Journey and Ascension, during which the five daily prayers were ordained.
- Discuss how prayer times have been determined and marked throughout history, from ancient sundials to modern technology.
Geography
- Global Geography: Study the geography of Muslim-majority countries and regions around the world. Discuss how the timing of prayers can vary based on geographic location and the angle of the sun. Compare the prayer times in different regions and the challenges Muslims face in extreme latitudes where day and night durations change significantly.
- Local Geography: For a more hands-on approach, examine your local geography. How does the position of your city or region on the Earth’s surface affect prayer times? What landmarks or geographical features could be used as points of reference for determining prayer times?