The Mini Tafseer Book Series is a product of the Ad-Duha Institute, an Islamic studies curriculum designed for homeschoolers. The first set of 10 Mini Tafseer books is part and parcel of their ALP (Advanced Learning Program) course, which is roughly equivalent to Pre-K level, or suitable for 4 to 5 year old children. The books are compiled in a way that one verse of the Qur'an is explained thoroughly in a single booklet. Each book is beautifully designed and adheres to the strict prohibition of the illustrations of life form.
The books can also be bought separately and individually, without having to purchase the entire course or the entire set.
The Titles in the Mini Tafseer Set for ALP / Pre-K
The ten books that are found in the ALP set for the Mini Tafseer Book Series include:
- Suratul-Faatiha
- Suratun-Nas
- Suratul-Falaq
- Suratul-Ikhlaas
- Suratul-Masad
- Suratul-Nasr
- Suratul-Kaafeeroon
- Suratul-Kowthar
- Suratul-Ma'oon
- Suratul-Quraysh
Each book bears the title of the verse from the Qur'an that it aims to cover, both written in the Roman and Arabic Alphabet. The cover of each book also bears the translation of the title of the title of the verse in English. For example, the translation of Suratul-Faatiha is written out as "The Opening Chapter" on the cover of the book.
How the Mini Tafseer Books are Laid Out
Each book begins with quick facts about the verse. For example, where it was revealed, the number of sentences in the verse and any unique fact about the verse. In the tafseer of Suratul-Faatiha, one of the facts recorded is that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) mentions that it is the "Greatest Sura (verse) in the Qur'an." This is backed up by an authentic Hadith and parents can refer to it through the provided footnote.
Each book then continues to relay why each verse is special in light of the Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah (traditions).
Each book then introduces key words of the verse - in Arabic and its translation in English. Unfortunately, there is transliteration for the Arabic words, but parents can download the Qur'an tutor from Ad-Duha's Digital Library in order to learn the words in Arabic (if a parent is unfamiliar with Arabic).
The book then begins the verse with recitation of Isti'athaa (seeking refuge from the Shaytaan) and the Basmallah (the invocation for doing anything for the sake of Allah.
Each verse is then written out in Arabic, with the transliteration and the English translation. An accompanying tafseer (interpretation) is provided to ensure that the child understands each sentence of the verse.
A short review of all that is learned concludes each book.
Throughout each book, students are encouraged to answer questions, color in pictures and solve simple puzzles.
Who would Benefit from the Mini Tafseer Books at ALP Level
At ALP level, the vocabulary and sentence structure is age-appropriate for 4-5 year old children. However, if one is just starting out using Ad-Duha material and / or has not ever studied the tafseer of these Qur'anic verses with such simplicity, the ALP Mini Tafseer books would be a suitable place to start. These books are also best read with the Qur'an ALP tutor software, that can be downloaded for free from Ad-Duha. The software provides an integrated and interactive learning experience for those who enjoy using the computer as a learning tool.
Parents who homeschool and would like to infuse the tafseer of these Qur'an into their homeschool should definitely look into this product. All explanations are backed by Qur'anic and Prophetic sayings and can be found in the "Notes" section of the book.
Parents and children who enjoy learning together can benefit immensely from learning the tafseer of the Qur'an and Ad-Duha provides a robust foundation for building on Qur'anic understanding.
Maria Zain - Maria is a wife, mother, coffee addict, homeschooler and writer - not in that particular order. On most days, all roles get muddled up ...
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