Based on the hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah and recorded by Imām at‑Tirmidhī (no. 3367), presented in child‑friendly language for families using ILMBEE e‑books at home.
When families read together, stories become anchors for daily behaviour. The Gift of Life from ILMBEE’s Lessons from the Qur’an & Sunnah Series takes one profound narration about Prophet Ādam (عليه السلام) and turns it into simple, memorable guidance for modern homes. In a few short scenes—Ādam receiving his soul, praising Allah, greeting the angels, seeing his descendants, showing care for Prophet Dāwūd (عليه السلام), and learning the value of writing and witnesses—the hadith teaches gratitude, peace, responsibility, and wise use of time.
This article retells that narrative in plain language for children, highlights practical lessons for parents, and offers short activities that pair naturally with ILMBEE e‑books. Quotations are paraphrased for clarity and age‑appropriateness; please consult the cited hadith for the full text.
A Child‑Friendly Retelling
Receiving the soul and praising Allah. When Allah created Ādam and breathed the soul into him, Ādam sneezed and said, “All praise is for Allah.” It is as if the very first breath of life led to praise and gratitude. Children can recognise this moment: whenever we feel good, safe, or helped, we say al‑ḥamdu lillāh.
Learning the greeting of peace. Allah then told Ādam to go to a group of angels and greet them with as‑salāmu ʿalaykum (peace be upon you). They replied with an even fuller greeting: wa ʿalaykum as‑salām wa raḥmatullāh (and upon you be peace and the mercy of Allah). Allah told Ādam that this would be the greeting for him and for all his children. Families can see how one small word—salām—sets a tone of kindness at the start of every conversation.
Choosing from Allah’s two closed hands. Allah showed Ādam two closed hands and asked him to choose. Ādam chose the right, and the narration says that both of Allah’s hands are right and blessed. The companions accepted this description as it came, without arguing; for children, the key lesson is simple: Allah is perfect, generous, and always just.
Seeing all descendants—and noticing Dāwūd. Allah opened what Ādam chose and showed him a vision of his descendants. Among them, Ādam noticed one shining person and asked who he was. Allah said, “This is your son Dāwūd; I have written forty years for him.” Ādam asked that Dāwūd’s lifespan be increased, even offering years from his own life—an act of care and compassion that children easily understand: when you love someone, you want more good for them.
Remembering our limited time. Later, when the angel of death came to Ādam, he remembered that a thousand years had been written for him and thought the time had not yet come. He was reminded that he had already gifted sixty of his years to Dāwūd, and the narration notes that Ādam forgot and his descendants also forget. It is a gentle reminder that humans make mistakes and need reminders, writing, and witnesses to keep matters clear and fair.
Why we write agreements. From this story the Prophet ﷺ explained that writing and taking witnesses were established—to reduce disputes, protect rights, and encourage honesty. It’s a practical habit families can start early: write the plan, note the promise, and keep track of responsibilities at home and school.
Ten Big Lessons for Small Hearts
1) Life is a gift. We do not create our own breath or heartbeat; life is given to us. The first words Ādam spoke were words of praise. Families can mirror that by making gratitude the first words at mealtimes, wake‑up time, and bedtime.
2) Start with peace. The chosen greeting for this ummah is salām. Beginning with peace trains the tongue to be gentle and sets expectations for how we talk, even when we disagree.
3) Praise nurtures the soul. Saying al‑ḥamdu lillāh builds a habit of noticing blessings. It steadies children in difficult moments: “What can we thank Allah for right now?”
4) Allah’s generosity is perfect. The narration shows Allah’s hands described as right and blessed—reminding us that His generosity and justice are not like ours, and always free of weakness.
5) Care for others grows our hearts. Ādam’s request for Dāwūd teaches empathy: we want good, life, and benefit for others.
6) Time is limited—use it well. Lifespans are written, and our days are numbered. Families can talk about priorities: prayer, learning, kindness, and rest.
7) People forget; writing helps. The story directly links forgetting with the need to write and witness. From chore charts to school schedules, writing builds fairness and fewer arguments.
8) Accountability matters. When promises are clear, trust grows. Children learn that honesty means keeping track of what we said we would do.
9) Mercy runs through every scene. From Allah’s mercy to Ādam to Ādam’s mercy for Dāwūd, kindness is the thread that connects every moment in the narrative.
10) Study strengthens faith. We only know this story because the Prophet ﷺ taught it. Reading reliable e‑books and verifying sources connects families to authentic knowledge.
Simple Practices for Everyday Life
- After a sneeze: Teach children to respond with al‑ḥamdu lillāh. Another family member can reply with yarḥamuk‑Allāh (may Allah have mercy on you), and the sneezer answers yahdīkum‑Allāh wa yuṣliḥ bālakum (may Allah guide you and set your affairs right). Keep it brief, friendly, and cheerful.
- Greeting habit: Enter rooms with as‑salāmu ʿalaykum and reply fully. Make it your family’s “hello.”
- Peaceful starts: Begin meals, car rides, and study times with a short bismillāh and a quiet moment.
- Write it down: For siblings, write clear rules about turns, sharing, or chores. Use stickers, simple charts, or a shared digital note.
- Time map: Draw a weekly schedule with prayer times in the centre. Around them, place school, reading, play, and sleep.
- “More life for others” moment: Once a week, each child chooses one way to give time to someone else—helping a sibling, reading to a younger cousin, or calling grandparents.
Discussion Prompts While You Read ILMBEE E‑Books
- Gratitude: “What is one thing in this chapter we can thank Allah for right now?”
- Peaceful speech: “How did the characters greet each other? Could they have used kinder words?”
- Choosing good for others: “If you could gift someone more time for a good deed, who would you choose and why?”
- Writing agreements: “What could be written down in this story to make it fair for everyone?”
- Using time well: “If you had 30 extra minutes today, what would you do to please Allah?”
A Family Reading Plan (One Week)
- Day 1 — Read the story together. Keep the narration simple. Pause at the sneeze, the greeting, and the scene where Ādam sees Dāwūd.
- Day 2 — Words of praise. Collect moments when your child said al‑ḥamdu lillāh. Share a favourite at dinner.
- Day 3 — Greeting game. Practise greetings at the door and on family chats: first to greet earns a smiley sticker.
- Day 4 — Time and choices. Draw a circle for 24 hours. Shade the time for prayer, sleep, school, and play. Talk about balance.
- Day 5 — Writing for fairness. Make a “promise card” for one chore or study goal and sign it. Check it off together.
- Day 6 — Gift of time. Each child gives a small block of time to help someone: reading to a sibling, setting the table, or watering plants.
- Day 7 — Reflection and duʿāʾ. Share one lesson you loved and ask Allah to help the family remember and practise it.
Gentle Answers to Curious Questions
Why did Ādam say “al‑ḥamdu lillāh” after sneezing?
Because praise is the natural response to blessings, and life itself is the greatest blessing. Saying al‑ḥamdu lillāh after a sneeze is a sunnah that trains our hearts to notice Allah’s gifts.
Why do we say as‑salāmu ʿalaykum?
It’s the greeting taught from the beginning, chosen for this ummah. It spreads peace, kindness, and safety among people.
What does it mean that Allah’s hands are both right and blessed?
It affirms Allah’s perfect generosity and justice. Muslims accept how Allah describes Himself and do not compare Him to His creation; the lesson for children is to trust in His perfection and goodness.
Why did Ādam want to share years with Dāwūd?
Because loving more good for others is a sign of care. We can copy that by giving our time and effort to help family and friends.
Why is writing important?
People forget, make mistakes, and sometimes disagree. Writing and taking witnesses protect everyone’s rights and help us keep our promises.
Linking the Story to Core Skills
- Language: Build a mini‑glossary: al‑ḥamdu lillāh, as‑salāmu ʿalaykum, ʿadl (justice), raḥmah (mercy), ʿahd (promise).
- Numeracy: Create a “time pie” for a day. Ask children to estimate minutes for prayer, study, chores, and play.
- Civics: Practise fairness—one turn each, clear rules, and gentle apologies.
For Older Readers (Tweens & Teens)
- Study skills: Keep a reading journal. After a chapter, note one character action and match it to a lesson: gratitude, peace, empathy, or accountability.
- Research task: Look up the hadith reference in a trusted source and write two lines summarising it in your own words.
- Service challenge: Plan a small family service project—cleaning a shared space, organising books, or visiting someone who needs support.
A Closing Reflection
The narration begins with life given to Ādam and ends with a practice—writing and witnessing—that safeguards life together. Between those two points is the path of a believer: praise, peace, trust in Allah’s perfection, care for others, honest records, and steady study. Read together, discuss gently, write fairly, and keep your home bright with salām and al‑ḥamdu lillāh.
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