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Baha'i Children class Free Ruhi Book 3

CHANNELING OUR KNOWLEDGE INTO SERVICE G2 L8

WELCOME

LESSON 8: CHANNELING OUR KNOWLEDGE INTO SERVICE

What knowledge do we have that can be channeled into service?

Can we make a card for a neighbor?

Can we help the elderly by teaching them a new skill like using Zoom?

We are told that when we perform service to the best of our ability, it is like a prayer.

Someone asked ‘Abd’u’ l -Baha :

Should Prayer take the form of action?

‘Abdu’l-Bahá.—‘Yes: In the Bahá’í Cause arts, sciences and all crafts are (counted as) worship. The man who makes a piece of notepaper to the best of his ability, conscientiously, concentrating all his forces on perfecting it, is giving praise to God. Briefly, all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer. A physician ministering to the sick, gently, tenderly, free from prejudice and believing in the solidarity of the human race, he is giving praise’.

EACH SET HAS PRAYERS TO MEMORIZE

For lessons 8 and 9 we will continue to memorize the prayer below

O my Lord! Make Thy beauty to be my food, and Thy presence my drink, and Thy pleasure my hope, and praise of Thee my action, and remembrance of Thee my companion, and the power of Thy sovereignty my succorer, and Thy habitation my home, and my dwelling-place the seat Thou hast sanctified from the limitations
imposed upon them who are shut out as by a veil from Thee. Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the Most Powerful.

Bahá’u’lláh
Quote for class to memorize
You can use the following explanation to help you present today’s quotation to the children:

Knowledge is essential for human progress. In order to build a better world, we must gain knowledge of the sciences and the arts. By applying what we learn, we are able to improve the quality of the food we grow, make advances in medicine that help us live healthier lives, discover ways to communicate with people in far-off places, and create
things that beautify the world. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá encourages learning about the sciences and arts, as well as acquiring spiritual knowledge that comes from the teachings of God. These teachings give us a deeper understanding of the world around us and inspire us to use our knowledge for the benefit of others, to remove conflict, and to promote cooperation and harmony.
Once, while speaking with a teacher from England, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked what subjects he taught in school. The gentleman told Him that he taught Latin, English, Algebra, and Geometry. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá then asked him if he also addressed spiritual matters in his classes. The gentleman replied that there was no time for spiritual education in school.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá made no comment, but He did not need to! From His question and His silence, the gentleman understood that both material and spiritual education are necessary for human advancement. Aware that most schools did not provide spiritual instruction, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá encouraged Bahá’í communities to establish regular classes for this
purpose. To help us remember how acquiring knowledge can help us contribute to the betterment of the world, let us memorize the following quotation:

Exert every effort to acquire the various branches of knowledge and true understanding. Strain every nerve to achieve both material and spiritual accomplishments.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in Bahá’í Education
MEANING OF WORDS
Exert every effort

Collis and his family lived in the countryside.  He was tired from tending the crops but worked hard to finish the day’s work.  He exerted every effort to finish the work before the end of the day.

The teacher spent many hours working with students to make sure they know their lessons well.  The teacher exerted every effort to help her students.

Understanding

Amelia read the lesson twice.  However, only after her sister explained the lesson to her did she gain the necessary understanding.

Arnold’s mother always spoke to him about the importance of unity, but his understanding grew as he made friends with children of many different backgrounds and experienced unity firsthand. 

Strain every nerve

To climb to the top of the mountain required all of Franco’s strength.  He had to strain every nerve to reach the top.

The jar was closed very tightly, and though Zayn strained every nerve, he as unable to open it.

Accomplishments

The old man never talked about his past, even though he had done much during his life.  He was a humble man and never spoke about his accomplishments.

The discovery of fire was one of humanity’s earliest accomplishments.

MEMORIZATION AID FOR QUOTE

PICTURES TO REMEMBER THE QUOTE HERE

ruhi book 3 grade 3 song
STORY RELATED TO LESSON
A Story OF SUSAN MOODY
Story- done as a play

Narrator: We are going to hear a story about Susan Moody, a very brave doctor who was called upon by Abdu’l-Baha to journey from her homeland of the United States to IRAN in order to help the women of that country.  Some years before leaving for Iran, Susan had prayed to God that she would be enabled to dedicate herself entirely to God and act in accordance with His Will.  God blessed her greatly and allowed her to do just that!

Susan: Well hello there!  My name is Susan Moody!  I lived in Chicago in the United States in the early 1900s, about 110 years ago.  At that time, it was very rare for women to be doctors, but at the age of 52, I was inspired to study medicine.  I soon completed medical school and started to work as a doctor.  Around the same time, I was introduced to the Bahai Faith and became an active member of the Bahai community, teaching children’s classes, like the one you are having today, and hosting visitors and gatherings in my home.

Narrator: Now, in Iran, there was a team of doctors who were planning to establish a hospital in the capital city, Tihran.  Perhaps you know that, because of the religious traditions there, many women considered it improper for them to show their faces to a male doctor, and female doctors in the country were very few.  So this team of doctors asked for a female doctor from the United States to join them, and Abdu’l-Baha encouraged Susan Moody to go!

Susan: Not surprisingly, my family and friends objected to the idea of my leaving my medical practice in the United States to help people in a far-off land, where I might have to deal with strange diseases and difficult problems.  But I was ready to respond to Abdu’l-Baha’s call!  Now I realized why I had so strongly felt the desire to study medicine several years earlier. 

Narrator: At almost 60 years of age, she set off at once! Of course, in those days, it took a long time to travel from one part of the world to another, and Iran was very far way from the United States.  On her way to Iran, Dr. Moody was able to stay for a few days in the Holy Land.

Susan: Oh what glorious days spent in the Holy Land with Abdul-Baha!  What a priviledge for me to be in the Master’s presence!  He told me that I would need PATIENCE once I arrived in my new home, but assured me that He would often pray for me and would always be with me!

Narrator: She then started out on the final part of her journey, sailing by boat across the Caspian Sea and arriving in a city in Northeastern Iran called Bandar-e Anzali.  From there she traveled by horse and carriage across the mountains to the capital, Tihran, stopping along the way to meet with the Bahai friends and to treat people who were ill.  Already Susan began to see how pressing was the need for a female doctor, such as herself, for many women came to her for assistance. 

When Dr. Moody finally arrived in Tihran, she immediately began caring for the sick and soon became fluent in the Persian language.  She established a medical practice in her home, in addition to working at the hospital.  She was compassionate, kind and tender-hearted, and everyone loved her very dearly.  A local newspaper praised “her good qualities and kind attributes” and went on to say:

Every day from morning till noon she is in her office, No. 10 Avenue Aladauleh, receiving her patients for consultation, examination and treatment, excepting Friday and Sunday afternoons, when she goes to the Hospital Sehat…We give the utmost thanks and gratitude that such a noble woman, to such a respected person, whose presence here is a great privilege to the country of Persia…

Susan: Not long after establishing a medical practice in Tihran, I saw a need to help others learn about health issues and began to provide instruction to women in nursing and childbirth.  Eventually, I also joined hands with others to set up a formal school called the Tarbiyat School for Girls.  The school offered education to many young women, many of whom went on to become teachers themselves, making it possible to establish other schools for girls throughout the country. 

Narrator: The Tarbiyat School for Girls became highly respected and was attended by young ladies from all backgrounds, until it was forced to close down by the government because of hatred and suspicion.  That, however, is another story, and someday you may want to learn more about this remarkable school.  But today, you should know that Dr. Susan Moody died in Iran at the age of 83, after having spent some 20 years of her life applying the knowledge she gained to better her new homeland and helping others, especially women, to have the opportunity to do the same.

Susan: What a blessing it was to live a life of service to humanity.  I am so thankful that I was allowed to serve and help others through my love for God and knowledge of medicine.  When I entered the next realm and met Baha’u’llah face to face, He was very pleased with me, which has made me eternally happy!

RECORD INFORMATION ABOUT SUSAN MOODY HERE
Draw any part of the story
GAMES FOR GRADE 2 TO PLAY
DRAMA / GAMES

The activities that follow will help the children continue developing the skills and abilities of creative drama.

Ask your students to stand in their imaginary squares.  As you did in the previous lesson, have the children stand about 5 feet apart and imagine that they are in their own squares.  Ask them to walk along the border of his/her imaginary square.

Ask children to: raise up their arms and stretch from the tips of your toes to the tips of their fingers, reaching towards the sky.  Now relax and let your arms and head hang freely.  Repeat this several times.

Next have the children sit in a circle, yourself among them.  Pick up a small item, such as a twig or a pen or pencil, and say, “I could use this, pretending it is a comb.” Then pretend to comb your hair with it.  Then pass the item to the child sitting next to you and ask the child what he or she could use it for.  Following your example, the child should reply and demonstrate how else the item could be used.  He or she might say, for example: “I could use this, pretending it is a harmonica,” or “I could use this, pretending it is a fishing pole”.  The item should then be passed to the next child in a similar manner and each child needs to come up with something new, using their creativity, until everyone in the circle has had a turn.

 (This next activity is to help reinforce the idea that knowledge is central to the advancements of civilization and the betterment of the world.) 

Today, we are going to use DRAMA and ACT OUT different characters from the story you heard about Dr. Susan Moody.  Remember how she went to Iran to help women who would otherwise not have received medical attention?  What spiritual qualities did Susan Moody have to show in order to be of service to the many women in Iran? Assign each character in the story to one child (or a small group of children), remembering that no one should ever assume the Figure of Abdu’l-Baha in a reenactment.  You will each describe Susan Moody from the point of view of a different character. 

(If necessary, more than one child can act out each character, or you may wish to come up with other characters with whom Susan Moody may have come into contact.  The characters may include:

  1. A member of Susan Moody’s family who did not want her to go to Iran but who understood why she decided to move there.
  2. A fellow male doctor working in Iran who knew how much women needed help and who was glad Susan Moody was there to care for them.
  3. A woman who became a patient of Susan Moody
  4. A young girl who attended the Tarbiyat School for Girls and later became a doctor.
Simple Lapbook

As you might remember, we will have lessons, 7, 8, and 9 in one lapbook.

Based on the story, we are going to make a passport with information on Susan Moody. There is a sticker page to print and cut and the children can stick these in the passport. These components went on the left flap.

Download passport components HERE I printed double sided

Download the sticker sheet HERE

For the story I folded in a fan (accordion fold) and attached a rectangle cardstock piece with the theme of the lesson printed

OLD LAPBOOK VERSION

Now it’s time to make another lapbook.

In the lapbook for lesson 8, we will have information for the quote, the prayer, the meaning of words, the story about Dr. Susan Moody, and also what we are learning about how to channel our knowledge into service.

What you will need:

  1. The cover page: this can be a piece of artwork or my cover page a choice of 2 included the PDF
  2. File folder folded for lapbook (see lesson 7)
  3. PDF lapbook to print
  4. glue, staples, a brad
  5. pencil crayons, markers etc.

DOWNLOAD COMPONENTS HERE

CRAFT IDEAS
BRAINSTORM SOME SERVICE PROJECTS

So many service projects to choose from: give to the food bank, plant trees, put care packages together for the homeless, visit the elderly, and make cards for the sick.

use any of the elements from lapbook

Any of the activities found in the lapbook section can be done as a stand-alone activity, or to start the lapbook one mini-book at a time.

DRAW SCENES FROM THE STORY

comic book template

Brilliant Star Magazine

PAPER AIRPLANE

WILD FOR BIO DIVERSITY

MAP YOUR FUTURE

Review the quotation from today’s lesson, and then remind the children of the qualities of trustworthiness and radiance and the quotations they memorized in Grade 1:

Be thou ever hopeful, for the bounties of God never cease to flow upon man

Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-BaháTablets of Baha’u’llah

Be thou happy and well pleased and arise to offer thanks to God, in order that thanksgiving may conduce to the increase of bounty

Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas, vol. 2
ruhi book 3 grade 2 resources
POWERPOINT

HERE AND HERE

BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE

Dr. Moody

Categories
Baha'i Children class Free Kids Can Do Ruhi Book 3

ZOROASTER AND THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD CHARACTER G3 L8

GRADE 3 LESSON 8

WELCOME GRADE 3 RUHI BOOK 3
MUHAMMAD AND THE SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF GOD

The purpose of this lesson is to help us understand that all the Manifestations of God call upon humanity to live in a state of submission to His Will. 

We  will learn specifically about the life of Muhammad, Whose teachings spread among the Arab people, making them, as Abdu’l-Baha explains, “superior to the other nations of the earth in learning, in the arts, mathematics, civilization, government and other sciences.” 

In this connection, we will gain a sense of the power of submission to the Will of God, one of Muhammad’s principle teachings, to unite people around a center and to promote order and prosperity.  

We know that, because of our deep love for God’s beauty, we constantly strive to do all that He asks of us.  The teachings that the Manifestations of God bring to humanity tell us what He wants us to do, and what we should not do.  By allowing the teachings of God’s Manifestations to fill our hearts and minds, we begin to want only what He wants, to desire only what He desires, and to take pleasure in that which is pleasing to Him. 

Order and harmony are brought about as more and more people live in a state of submission to God’s Will, all focused on His good pleasure.  Think of the planets, all circling harmoniously, with the sun at their center.  Through submission to the Will of God, humanity lives harmoniously and makes great progress- governments are just, communities are well organized, education flourishes, knowledge increases, and beauty is manifested in music and the arts. 

Muhammad was a Manifestation sent by God some 1,400 years ago.  He appeared among a people in a desert region at a time when their great capacity and rich potential were hidden behind selfish desires and ignorance.  He taught them to put away such desires, to trust God, and to submit to His Will.  He raised them out of the depths of cruelty and contention and showed them how to live in harmony according to Divine teachings, causing them to become examples of orderly and civilized life.

QUESTIONS

Whose good pleasure do we seek at all times?

Gods

How can we be sure that we are acting according to God’s good pleasure?

Order and harmony are brought about as more and more people live in a state of submission to God’s Will, all focused on His good pleasure

How are the planets that circle the sun orderly and harmonious?  Do they ever fight with one another?  Do the bigger planets ever want to control the smaller ones? 

Obey the laws of physics and are in harmony with one another. Don’t fight or want control

When everyone is focused on God’s good pleasure and carrying out His commands, how does it change people?  How does humanity progress?

humanity lives harmoniously and makes great progress- governments are just, communities are well organized, education flourishes, knowledge increases, and beauty is manifested in music and the arts

Who was Muhammad?

Messenger of God

What effect did the teachings of Muhammad have on the people of His time?

His teachings caused them to become examples of orderly and civilized life

ruhi book 3 grade 3 prayer
REMEMBER TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF TO HELP MEMORIZE THE PRAYERS FROM LESSON 4 IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO!
SET 1

Glory be to Thee, O my God!  Make manifest the rivers of Thy sovereign might, that the waters of Thy Unity may flow through the inmost realities of all things, in such wise that the banner of Thine unfailing guidance may be raised aloft in the kingdom of thy command and the stars of Thy divine splendour may shine brightly in the heaven of thy majesty. Potent art Thou to do what pleaseth Thee.  Thou, verily, art the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.

SET 2

I beseech Thee, O my God, by all the transcendent glory of Thy Name, to clothe Thy loved ones in the robe of justice and to illumine their beings with the light of trustworthiness.  Thou art the One that hath power to do as He pleaseth and Who holdeth within His grasp the reins of all things, visible and invisible.

SET 3

I have wakened in Thy shelter, O my God, and it becometh him that seeketh that shelter to abide within the Sanctuary of Thy protection and the Stronghold of Thy defence.  Illumine my inner being, O my Lord, with the splendours of the Dayspring of Thy Revelation, even as Thou didst illumine my outer being with the morning light of Thy favour.

SET 4

O my God, my Master, the Goal of my desire!  This, Thy servant, seeketh to sleep in the shelter of Thy mercy, and to repose beneath the canopy of Thy grace, imploring Thy care and Thy protection. I beg of Thee, O my Lord, by Thine eye that sleepeth not, to guard mine eyes from beholding aught beside Thee.  Strengthen, then, their vision that they may discern Thy signs, and behold the Horizon of Thy Revelation.  Thou art He before the revelations of Whose omnipotence the quintessence of power hath trembled. No God is there but thee, the Almighty, the All-Subduing, The Unconditioned.

ruhi book 3 grade 3 song
A RING UPON THE HAND
STRIVE THAT YOUR ACTIONS
ONE TREE
ruhi book 3 grade 3 quote

The source of all good is trust in God, submission unto His command, and contentment with His holy will and pleasure

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh/Words of Wisdom

MEANING OF WORDS

Source– where something comes from

  • The source of the river was high in the mountain

Submission- accepting and yielding to a higher force or will

Written submission for children’s class teachers was sent out to our community

Contentment- a state of happiness and satisfaction

They finally found contentment in living a life of service

USE THE WORKSHEET

For any words, you are not sure of or record the ones above and save them in your notebook/lapbook Download here

SEND A POSTCARD WITH THE QUOTE TO A FRIEND PRINT OR EMAIL
RUHI BOOK 3 GRADE 3 STORY

The story has a historical component to give some background content. Also, there may be props for the story, videos, and other resources to use as you like

As the final lesson, we will learn about the life and Mission of Muḥammad, the last Manifestation Who appeared before the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. 

Muḥammad was a Manifestation sent by God some 1400 years ago to the people who lived in the region we know as Arabia. You remember that one of the descendants of Abraham, Ishmael, was the father of the Arab people, and they had believed in the one true God and followed His teachings. But centuries had passed, and they had long turned away from Him and had forgotten how to live together peacefully. There were many warring tribes that worshipped idols and behaved in the most cruel and barbarous ways. The great capacity and rich potential of the Arab people were hidden behind veils of ignorance when Muḥammad appeared among them.

Muḥammad was born in the city of Mecca in the year 570 AD. As a young man, He became a merchant, and in His dealings with people He displayed such a sublime and noble character that He was known as “The Truthful” and “The Trustworthy”. At the age of forty, He became aware of His Divine Mission, while praying and meditating in the Cave of Hira. When Muḥammad began to share God’s Message, the people of Mecca rose up against Him, and for some twelve years, He and those who followed Him were the constant targets of the darts of hatred. At last, when Muḥammad’s very life was under threat, they migrated to the city of Medina. It was there that His Message spread rapidly, and many souls came to recognize His station as a Manifestation of God. He taught them that there is only one God to Whom we should turn in worship. It is God Whom we should trust, and by Whose Will we should all abide.

After several years in Medina, Muḥammad returned to His native city of Mecca, where the people also embraced His Cause. And through obedience to the laws and teachings that He revealed, the Arab people were eventually united and became renowned for their learning in the arts and sciences, reaching the greatest heights of civilization. The word “Islám” means “submission to God”, and the light of Islám, the religion founded by Muḥammad, shone across all of Arabia and beyond. His words were recorded in the Qu’rán, the Holy Book of His followers, and today all of humanity has access to His Divine Revelation.

There are 3 Stories in today’s lesson
story 1

Muḥammad’s father died before He was born, and His mother when He was only six. For most of His childhood and youth, He was raised by His uncle. There were no schools for formal education in Arabia at that time, and Muḥammad was not taught to read and write but learned the trade of His uncle, who was a merchant. Over time, as He helped His uncle with his business, Muḥammad gained a reputation for His integrity. He was called “The Truthful”, because He never told a lie, and “The Trustworthy”, because He never deceived anyone and always kept His word. His noble reputation eventually came to the attention of Khadija, a widow who was known for her purity. She came to admire Muḥammad’s honest and upright character. At the age of twenty-five, Muḥammad married Khadija, and they worked together as merchants.

Muḥammad was deeply disturbed by the way the people of Mecca lived. Thousands of years before, a sanctuary had been built in Mecca for the worship of one God as taught by Abraham. But this sacred place, known as the Ka’bah, had long been filled with idols, some say 360 of them, each with a different name and all worshipped by different tribes. These tribes were constantly at war, and when one tribe claimed victory over another, the women and children of the losing tribe were taken captive and suffered greatly as slaves to merciless masters. The region had sunk to the lowest depths of cruelty and despair. Muḥammad, unable to bear the godlessness and degradation of life in Mecca, would often retreat to the Cave of Hira, concealed in a mountain just outside the city, where He would pray and meditate. It was in this cave that Muḥammad, then forty years of age, became aware of His Divine Mission. All around Him He heard the voice of the Angel Gabriel, calling upon Him to speak out in the name of the Lord, God.

Muḥammad returned home and told Khadija what He had experienced. She became the first to recognize His station as a Manifestation and to accept His Message: that there is only one God, He Who had also spoken to the Manifestations of the past; that people should turn to God with humility, worship Him, trust in Him and be obedient to His Will; and that, in accordance with His Will, all people should be kind to one another, honest, and just. For some time, Muḥammad made His station known only to His close relatives and friends, some of whom chose to follow Him, including His cousin ‘Alí and His friend Abú-Bakr.

Story 2

Eventually, Muḥammad proclaimed God’s Message to the people of His tribe. Only a few, however, understood the importance of His words and began to follow His teachings. They became known as Muslims. The others did not want to give up their old ways and live according to the laws of God. The idea of change angered them. They behaved with the utmost cruelty towards Muḥammad and the small but growing band of His followers. When Muḥammad spoke of God’s Message, they laughed at Him and attacked Him with stones. For years Muḥammad and His followers endured violent persecution. Some of His companions were killed and their property confiscated. From time to time, members of His tribe would try to persuade Muḥammad to stop spreading His teachings, in return for wealth or power. He, of course, would refuse. His uncle and His wife were greatly respected in Mecca, and they were able to act as Muḥammad’s protectors for a time. But after their deaths, both in the same year, life for Muslims in the city of Mecca became even more difficult.

After many years of suffering, Muḥammad was visited by two leaders from other tribes. They had decided to embrace His teachings and offered, in the city of Medina, a safe place for the Muslims to live. Muḥammad instructed His followers to move to Medina, and they gradually left Mecca for that city. His enemies, however, were determined to put an end to His life while they had the chance. They devised a plot to kill Him, and one night they surrounded His house with the intention of carrying out their plan. They could easily see inside the house and would know whether He tried to leave. So Muḥammad turned to His faithful cousin ‘Alí. He asked him whether he would be willing to cover himself with a blanket and pretend to be sleeping in His bed. Without hesitation, despite the danger to his own life, ‘Alí gladly accepted. Such was his love for God’s Manifestation. And, while ‘Alí lay resting on the bed, Muḥammad was able to leave the house undetected and join His friend Abú-Bakr.

According to tradition, Muḥammad and Abú-Bakr then made their way out of the city in the dark of night, guided by the moon and stars, and took shelter in a cave in the mountainous desert. By morning it had been realized that Muḥammad was gone, and His enemies were in fast pursuit of Him. As the sun rose, the sound of galloping horses grew louder, and Abú-Bakr was filled with fear. How could he protect Muḥammad here in the desert, he wondered. Abú-Bakr held his breath and listened as the enemies drew closer and closer until there were footsteps just outside the cave. Abú-Bakr heard voices, but he could not make out the words. He was certain that they would be found. But Muḥammad reassured him, reminding him that God was with them. And, indeed, the search party soon left, without even looking inside the cave. You see, there was a spider at the opening of the cave, and right after Muḥammad had entered, it had spun a huge web, closing off the entrance. When the men searching for Muḥammad reached the cave, they assumed no one could be inside it because the web was perfect and unbroken. It must have been a very long time since anyone had entered that cave, they thought. So they continued looking elsewhere, but with no success. Tired, frustrated and confused, they finally returned to Mecca empty-handed. Muḥammad and Abú-Bakr remained in the cave for three days to make sure the enemies had gone and then left through another opening, preserving the web that had served as their protection. With camels brought by a trusted friend, they set out for Medina, traveling by night for several days, until they, at last, reached that city safely. Muḥammad’s move from Mecca to Medina is known as the Hijrah.

Story 3

From His new home of Medina, Muḥammad was able to teach God’s laws and commandments much more widely, and people from different tribes began to live together in harmony according to His teachings. Those who rejected them, however, were still determined to kill Muḥammad and His followers. The Muslims were steadfast in their faith and devoted to God and His laws. They did their utmost to avoid contention. But,  they knew the cruelty of their enemies, and at times they were forced to take up arms to defend themselves and protect their children from enslavement. Over time, the sacrifices of the Muslims and their transformed way of life helped people to realize the truth of God’s Message.

There are many accounts that show the transformative effect of the spiritual powers that emanated from the Person of Muḥammad. In one such account, it is said that Muḥammad once awoke to find a soldier armed with a sword standing above Him, intending to take His life. The angry man asked, “Who is there now to save Thee?” Muḥammad replied that God would save Him. The soldier became afraid and dropped the sword, which Muḥammad picked up. He then asked the soldier who would save him. The man did not follow God’s teachings and realized that he was alone, with no one to come to his aid. Muḥammad did not harm the soldier but handed the sword back to him, telling him to learn to show forth mercy. The man was changed by this experience and devoted himself to Muḥammad and His teachings.

After several years the people of Mecca agreed to let the Muslims visit the holy sanctuary, the Ka’bah, where they could gather once a year to worship God. But soon the agreement collapsed, and the city was once again closed to the Muslims. The followers of Muḥammad now numbered in the thousands, and they went to Mecca en masse, ready to draw arms if necessary. But the people, seeing the waves of His followers approaching the city, surrendered without resistance. Muḥammad then made a pilgrimage, or hajj, to the Ka’bah, which He restored to a place of worship dedicated to the praise and glorification of the one true God.

Eventually, many of those who had at first rejected Muḥammad’s teachings came to believe in one God and changed their ways, striving to align their will with the Will of God. Through His words, which were recorded in a Holy Book called the Qu’rán, they learned to turn their hearts to God, especially through prayer and fasting, and to reflect those heavenly qualities that Muḥammad had manifested throughout His life. Under His influence, the people of the region rose from the sad condition in which He found them to the highest state of civilization. The warring tribes united and systems for organizing communities into well-ordered nations were established. Great universities were founded, knowledge of arts and sciences expanded, and new and beautiful forms of architecture emerged. At a time when other parts of the world were in decline, the Arab world flourished and the effects of Muḥammad’s teachings ushered in a whole new era of human civilization.

FROM BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE STORY

RUHI BOOK 3 GRADE 3 FACTS ABOUT
FACTS ABOUT MUHAMMAD
  1. Muḥammad was a Manifestation of God born in the city Mecca, in the Arabian region, in the year 570 AD.
  2. While engaged as a merchant, Muḥammad was often referred to as “The Truthful” and “The Trustworthy”.
  3. Muḥammad taught that there is one God, that people should turn to Him, worship Him, trust in Him, and be obedient to His Will.
  4. Muḥammad and His followers were persecuted by the people of Mecca and went to Medina, where His Message reached many souls.
  5. After several years in Medina, Muḥammad returned to Mecca and the people soon embraced His Cause.
  6. The words of Muḥammad are recorded in a Holy Book called the Qu’rán.
  7. Muḥammad’s Message united the Arabian tribes and raised their level of civilization.
Facts Zoroaster
RUHI BOOK 3 GRADE 3 GAMES
ACTING

Today we will act out the story of Zoroaster’s visit to the court of Vishtaspa, culminating in the king’s acceptance of Zoroaster’s Message. 

  1. Need a Narrator: The part of the Manifestation Himself is never portrayed by a person. 
  2. Vishtaspa,
  3. the scheming priests,
  4. and joyful courtiers.  
  • How do the courtiers express the joy in their hearts? 
  • How does Vishtaspa react to Zoroaster’s words?
  • What expressions and gestures does he use to show his eagerness to hear more? 
  • How do the priests act when Zoroaster first arrives? 
  • How does their reaction change? 
  • What might they say to each other in plotting to have Him banished from the court?

Hula Hoop Pass

Have the group form a circle holding hands. Ask two people to let go of their grip long enough for them to place their hands through a hula hoop before rejoining them.

The team task is to pass the hula hoop around the circle in a specified direction until it returns to the starting point.

Silly Willy

  1. Two lines stand facing each other and become teams.
  2. One player from each team, at the opposite end of the line, start by bowing to each other and calling out “Silly Willy”
  3. The two players then walk toward and past each other without laughter or smiling, while the teams attempt to make the passer-by from the opposite team burst into laughter. (specify beforehand that it all needs to be clean and appropriate)
  4. If a player should crack a smile, they join the line of their opponents.

5. The game ends when there is only one team left, or everyone is too laughed out to continue!

RUHI BOOK 3 GRADE 3 CRAFTS/ ACTIVITIES
LAYERED PAPER: INSPIRED BY THE STORY OF ZOROASTER GOING TO THE MOUNTAINS

This is a layered paper scene of the mountain area where Zohrester went to pray and meditate to find the truth. The quote will be attached to this layered paper scene.

Instructions

  1. Download pdf, print, and cut
  2. layer using foam tape or cardboard pieces so that each layer is slightly raised

IMAGES TO DOWNLOAD, PRINT, AND LAYER HERE

ACTIVITIES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN PEACE PACK
THE AUSTRALIAN PEACE PACK

Puzzle for Zoroaster HERE

Craft for Zoroaster HERE

FROM BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE
based on transforming people’s character

Try making a never-ending card. the pictures can be all the same as the video below, or have them transform from something like a cocoon to a butterfly, etc.   

Watch here

SCIENCE transforming kernels to popcorn

Nice activity that becomes the snack. Show the children how kernels transform into popcorn but need something for this to happen: heat and oil. Once it transforms, it takes up a different space and looks different. Here is a link for more information if needed

ruhi book 3 grade 3 review quote

Waste not your time in idleness and sloth. Occupy yourselves with that which profiteth yourselves and others.

Bahá’u’lláh – From “Bishárát” [Glad-Tidings]
dOWNLOAD THE REVIEW QUOTE MEMORY AID HERE
Resource
ALL DONE MONKEY: A GREAT RESOURCE FOR KIDS TO LEARN MORE

LINK TO CONTENT HERE

TWINKL: RESOURCE THAT HAS  FREE AND PAID CONTENT

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Categories
Baha'i Children class Free Ruhi Book 3

THE CAUSE OF GOD HAS THE POWER TO WITHSTAND ALL OPPOSITION Grade 4 Lesson 8

Welcome Grade 4 Rughi Book 3
Grade 4 Lesson 8 Ruhi Book 3

Introducing The Principal Theme

Welcome to Lesson 8 Grade 4

After His Declaration in the Garden of Riḍván, Bahá’u’lláh instructed His followers to proclaim His Mission and spread His teachings—a duty which we all continue to shoulder today.

Do you remember what we learned in the last lesson?

What were the circumstances that led up to the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh? What else do you recall from this lesson?

Today, every April—the season of spring in many parts of the world—we celebrate Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration over the twelve-day period we call the Festival of Riḍván. It is the holiest and most significant of all Bahá’í festivals, and it is a time when we are reminded that the divine springtime is here, when the outpouring of God’s bounties is bringing new life and new possibilities to the world of humanity.

Can you imagine the joy that must have filled the hearts of the believers when Bahá’u’lláh disclosed to them His station when He announced to them that He was the long-awaited Promised One, Who had come to unify humankind and to establish a just and peaceful world where all people can find true happiness and prosperity?

Like fountains brimming over with water for every thirsty one, how they must have wanted to share with others the good news of Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration! And that is precisely what Bahá’u’lláh wished them to do.

Later I am going to tell you the story of Aḥmad, and you are going to memorize the most beautiful passage from a Tablet in which Bahá’u’lláh instructs Aḥmad to return to Persia and convey to the Bábís the new Message of their Lord. As you grow older, you will teach the Cause to more and more people, which means that, whenever you encounter someone who is happy to listen, you will speak about Bahá’u’lláh and His teachings with love and in a spirit of fellowship.

Prayer Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3

Prayer 1

O God, Educate These Children

Prayer 2

Prayer 3

O God, my God! Aid Thou Thy trusted servants
Song Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3
Radiant Heart Sung by Earl Gaston
Teach Ye the Cause Sung by Goleta Burriston
Happy is the Faithful One Sung by Amy Stephen
In The Garden Of Ridvan By Leslie Garrett
Quote Grade 4 Ruhi book 3

In this lesson, you are going to memorize a portion of the Tablet Of Ahmad.

“He is the King, the All-Knowing, the Wise! Lo, the Nightingale of Paradise singeth upon the twigs of the Tree of Eternity, with holy and sweet melodies, proclaiming to the sincere ones the glad tidings of the nearness of God, calling the believers in the Divine Unity to the court of the Presence of the Generous One, informing the severed ones of the message which hath been revealed by God, the King, the Glorious, the Peerless, guiding the lovers to the seat of sanctity and to this resplendent Beauty.”

Bahá’u’lláh

RESOURCES TO LEARN THE TABLET OF AHMAD

Justuscrafting aid

RED GRAMMER

BOOK: LEARN WELL THIS TABLET

ENABLE ME TO GROW

Meaning Of Words

Use the resource to memorize this part of the tablet of Ahmad or the entire prayer. Included in the resources is space to record the meaning of words.

Download it here

SEND A POSTCARD

Send To A Friend Or Neighbour: Use Email, Snail Mail, Or Hand-Deliver It!

Story grade 4 ruhi book 3

Historical Episodes

The historical episode in this lesson focuses on Bahá’u’lláh’s exiles to Constantinople and Adrianople and, in this connection, also shares the story of Aḥmad, as one of many that show how Bahá’u’lláh instructed the believers to convey the glad tidings of His Declaration. 

While listening to the story, feel free to draw. Download the blank drawing book and a comic-style format. Remember not to portray the image of any of the Messengers of God.

Bahá’u’lláh and His family stayed in Constantinople for four months. During that time, the Persian ambassador in the court of the Sulṭán—the ruler of the Ottoman Empire—was constantly spreading terrible lies about Bahá’u’lláh. Many of the Sulṭán’s ministers and their associates were corrupt, and Bahá’u’lláh did not want to have anything to do with them. Finally, the Sulṭán was persuaded to issue an order exiling Bahá’u’lláh to the city of Adrianople, still farther from the Persian border.

Bahá’u’lláh responded to the order with an act of extraordinary courage. He immediately revealed a Tablet in which He addressed the Sulṭán himself and rebuked him and his ministers for the terrible way they ruled over their people. The Tablet was delivered to the Prime Minister in a sealed envelope. It is said that when he opened the letter and began to read it, he turned pale and remarked:

“It is as if the King of Kings were issuing his behest to his humblest vassal king and regulating his conduct.”

The twelve-day journey from Constantinople to Adrianople was extremely difficult for Bahá’u’lláh and His family, who were now going to their third place of exile. It was the month of December and the weather was mercilessly cold. They did not have the necessary clothes to protect them from such harsh weather. Even to obtain water from springs on their way, they had to light a fire to thaw the ice.

Bahá’u’lláh entered Adrianople on 12 December 1863 and stayed in that city for just over four and a half years. As always, suffering followed Him, but so did great victories for His Cause. As the influence of Bahá’u’lláh grew, the fire of jealousy burned more intensely in the hearts of some. Foremost among the foolish people who opposed Him was His half- brother Mírzá Yaḥyá, who had accompanied Him on His exile. Mírzá Yaḥyá tried everything he could to prevent the Bábís from accepting the Manifestation of God for this Day. He caused enormous trouble for the community, and his mischief encouraged the enemies of the Faith to increase their attacks on Bahá’u’lláh and His followers. He even decided to poison Bahá’u’lláh and schemed and schemed until he finally succeeded. The effect of the poison on Bahá’u’lláh was grave, and although He recovered, He was left with a shaking hand until the end of His life.

But you already know that Bahá’u’lláh had no fear of suffering and that no one could stop Him from raising the banner of the oneness of humankind. So in the midst of all these troubles, He continued to reveal the Word of God and sent to Persia dedicated believers to visit the Bábís and give them the glad tidings that the One promised by the Báb—He Whom God shall make manifest—had declared His Mission.

One of the great teachers who traveled throughout Persia during that time was named Aḥmad. He was born in Yazd, a city in the central part of the country, and from early childhood showed an extraordinary thirst for spirituality. By the age of fifteen, he had already begun his search for the Qá’im. He would fast and pray for hours, meditating on how to find the Beloved of his heart. One day, he wrapped his clothes in a small bundle and left home. He traveled from village to village looking for spiritual leaders who could assist him in his search. But all this effort got him nowhere and, finally, with a sad and heavy heart, he settled in the city of Káshán to earn a living as a cloth-maker. In that city, he became a successful and respected businessman. But the comforts of this world did not satisfy him; he was restless.

While in Káshán, Aḥmad began to hear rumors of One Who claimed to be sent by God. This awakened in him the enthusiasm of his youth. He asked and asked about this great Person, but no one could give him any information. Then someone told him to go to the faraway province of Khurásán where a certain learned man could provide the answers to his questions. The very next day he left his home and headed for that province. Though He arrived exhausted and ill, he was not about to rest. He set out in search of the learned man—a task that did not prove to be as easy as he had hoped. Only after some further hardship did Aḥmad, at last, find him. And you will not be surprised to hear that this man was actually a follower of the Báb, which is how Aḥmad finally came to learn that the Promised Qá’im had, indeed, appeared and that He was the Beloved Báb.

Aḥmad returned to Káshán a changed man. He went back to his work, but all he wanted to do was to teach the Faith. He knew, however, that he had to remain cautious. For a while, he thought he was the only Bábí in the city, but to his great happiness, he found another believer. And imagine his joy when one day this new friend told him that the Báb Himself was passing through Káshán and that he would be able to enter into His presence.

The bounties showered upon Aḥmad by God did not cease there. Later he went to Baghdád and attained the presence of Bahá’u’lláh. He was among those fortunate people who lived for several years in close proximity to the Manifestation. Yet every reunion must end in separation. When Bahá’u’lláh was exiled to Constantinople, Aḥmad was not included with those chosen to accompany Him.

Aḥmad spent a few years away from Bahá’u’lláh, but finally, he could stand the pain of separation no longer. He set out for Adrianople hoping that he would be allowed to live in that city, to which his Best Beloved had been further exiled. But he only got as far as Constantinople. Waiting for him there was a Tablet revealed by Bahá’u’lláh with instructions that he should go to Persia and convey to the Bábís the new Message of their Lord. The Tablet is now well known among Bahá’ís, who recite it often, especially in times of difficulty. As you grow up, you will probably learn to say this Tablet by heart in its entirety.

You are already committing to memory the beginning words of this Tablet:

“He is the King, the All-Knowing, the Wise! Lo, the Nightingale of Paradise singeth upon the twigs of the Tree of Eternity, with holy and sweet melodies, proclaiming to the sincere ones the glad tidings of the nearness of God, calling the believers in the Divine Unity to the court of the Presence of the Generous One, informing the severed ones of the message which hath been revealed by God, the King, the Glorious, the Peerless, guiding the lovers to the seat of sanctity and to this resplendent Beauty.”

Aḥmad immediately obeyed. The task before him would be far from easy. But he was reassured by the words of Bahá’u’lláh in His Tablet that

“. . . if thou art overtaken by affliction in My path, or degradation for My sake, be not thou troubled thereby. Rely upon God, thy God and the Lord of thy fathers.”

And so he made his way back to Persia and, unrestricted as the wind, carried Bahá’u’lláh’s Message throughout the country.

Among the places he visited was Khurásán, the very province in which he had received the news of the appearance of the Báb many years before. There he went to the home of a prominent Bábí by the name of Furúghí. Aḥmad explained in clear terms that the One promised by the Báb, to Whom He referred as He Whom God shall make manifest, was Bahá’u’lláh. Furúghí was not a person easy to convince.

Aḥmad, of course, would not give up. In the Tablet addressed to him, Bahá’u’lláh, had told him to be like “a river of life eternal to My loved ones”. Aḥmad went back to Furúghí’s home, knocked on the door and entered into discussion with him once again. How, he asked, could Furúghí deny that Bahá’u’lláh was the Promised One when so many passages in the Writings of the Báb referred to the greatest name Bahá. If Aḥmad could prove this, Furúghí said in response, he would accept. At the time the persecutions against the Bábís were so intense that they had to keep their books hidden from sight, usually in places inside the walls of their houses. So Furúghí went to the wall, tore part of it open and took out a bundle containing the Writings of the Báb. And what do you think happened? The very first page they opened mentioned the word “Bahá”. Furúghí and his entire family instantly recognized Bahá’u’lláh, and he went on to become one of the greatest teachers of the Faith.

Thus, it was through the efforts of outstanding Bahá’ís like Aḥmad who obeyed the commandment to teach that soon the vast majority of the Bábís accepted Bahá’u’lláh and became His faithful followers.

FROM THE EVENTS WE JUST READ, WE CAN SEE THAT:

  1. With the recognition of God’s Manifestation comes obedience to His commands, as two inseparable twin duties. 
  2. Reliance on God, as a source of courage and joy in the path of service to Him, is another. 

Are there any other insights from the events we read?

How about searching for truth?

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOUSE OF BAHAULLAH IN ADRIANOPLE

NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT WHAT THE HOUSE LOOKED LIKE WHEN BAHA’U’LLAH AND HIS FAMILY LIVED THERE

For any of the figures we heard about, use the biography page to write down the information you would like to remember.

Download from Teachers Pay Teachers here

facts about Bahá'u'lláh Grade 4

Facts

  1. Bahá’u’lláh and His family arrived in Constantinople on 16 August 1863.
  2. Bahá’u’lláh remained in Constantinople for about four months.
  3. From Constantinople, Bahá’u’lláh was exiled to Adrianople.
  4. Bahá’u’lláh and His family arrived in Adrianople on 12 December 1863.
  5. Bahá’u’lláh stayed in Adrianople for just over four and a half years.
games/ drama grade 4 ruhi book 3

Like fountains brimming over with water for every thirsty one, how they must have wanted to share with others the good news of Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration! And that is precisely what Bahá’u’lláh wished them to do.

Act out being a fountain, you have the knowledge to share (water) try to be a fountain that is happy, excited, and full of good news

crafts grade 4 ruhi book 3

Based on the theme of the lesson

THE CAUSE OF GOD HAS THE POWER TO WITHSTAND ALL OPPOSITION Activity/craft: Use oil and colored water in a jar. Add beads or other items. When you shake the bottle, the oil and water and items mix ( the trials and tribulations impact of the Cause of God. But when you stop the shaking motion, the oil and water separate and so do all the little items.

PAINTING

Use the quote from the Tablet of Ahmad to help you paint a picture.

Make A Mini Book

Teachers Pay Teachers: Download and print the mini book for Tablet of Ahmad

Fountain

Remember at the beginning of this lesson we said:

“Like fountains brimming over with water for every thirsty one, how they must have wanted to share with others the good news of Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration! And that is precisely what Bahá’u’lláh wished them to do.”

Follow this Website to make an easy fountain using a plastic water bottle, straw, and a balloon

Zen Tangle Art

Use the Nightingale outline to do some Zen Tangle Art: See examples of Zen Tangle Art here.

Other Ideas

  1. Brilliant Star Here And Here
  2. Happiness during hardship
  3. Garden of Paradise word drop
  4. Meeting Baha’u’llah

“These are the appointed days which ye have been yearningly awaiting in the past— the days of the advent of divine justice. Render ye thanks unto God, O ye concourse of believers.”

Selections from the Writings of the Báb 
Download The Memorization Aid
Review Quote G4 L8