A MESSAGE FOR ME FROM MY QURAN
ASCEND Qur’an Reflection Program – A Journey Towards Understanding
In a world where children are becoming increasingly fluent in English and showcasing remarkable academic growth, we noticed one gap — the same language skills were rarely used to understand the Qur’an. While recitation was encouraged at home, comprehension and reflection were often reserved for adults.
It was time to change that.
ASCEND decided to launch a unique initiative — a Qur’an Reflection Program for Children — with the aim of helping young minds engage with Allah’s words in a meaningful and age-appropriate way.
When we first shared this idea, we faced hesitation. Some discouraged us, saying only experts should conduct such a program. Others feared errors in understanding and interpretation. Even I, at times, wondered if I was treading dangerous ground. After all, this was the Qur’an — sacred, divine, and not to be taken lightly.
But my work in education only deepened my desire. I was constantly helping children with reading, expression, comprehension, and critical thinking — all with man-made literary texts. Why were we not using these same powerful tools to explore the ultimate book of guidance — the Qur’an?
The First Step
With encouragement and the generous support of a friend, we held our first session in her apartment while she was out of the country. We chose a few verses that were simple, relatable, and required minimal background knowledge. The children responded beautifully. They could connect with the verses and reflect on the meaning with ease.
That one session gave us the push we needed.
In collaboration with Kind Deed Foundation (headed by Arshia Ghani), ASCEND launched a free, month-long online Qur’an Reflection Program for children during the summer holidays. Registrations poured in from across the country. We divided students into two age-based groups:
Junior Group led by Amina Umreen – passionate teacher and coordinator at ASCEND
Senior Group led by me, Moqheeta Mehboob
To ensure correct understanding, we invited a qualified Alima — Ms. Hajira Fatima — to be present in each session and step in if children misinterpreted any ayah. We are grateful for her continued support throughout the program.
Arshiya Ghani also conducted a combined session on a few ayat of the Qur'an that talk about the etiquettes of entering someone's house or a parent's bedroom.
Program Highlights:
Two online sessions per week at 11:30 AM — an age-appropriate and relaxed time for children on their summer break.
Children were required to bring a translation of the Qur’an (in English or Urdu)
Carefully selected ayahs were shared in advance to allow pre-reading.
Classes were relaxed, non-judgmental, and child-led — participants could engage by reading, listening, reflecting, or sharing via chat.
Open discussions encouraged children to think and respond to the Qur’an’s message on their own level.
When deeper understanding was required, we introduced basic Tafseer principles — a gentle gateway to more formal study.
These were the ayaat we selected for children
Parents Speak:
Here are a few reflections from the families whose children participated:
‘Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
This is Mafaaz. I learned that if we have good deeds, we should keep them up and continue them well. And if we have bad deeds, we should correct them. If we slip up and repeat those bad deeds, we should warn ourselves and remind ourselves that we shouldn't do it again.’
‘Moqheeta Ma'am, JazakAllah Khairan for the efforts put in by you and your team to make children understand the actual meaning of each and every ayah taught in the classes. These classes turned out to be fruitful. I'm the mother of Rehan Ahmed. Rehan used to be very eager for the classes, and the way the explanation was done by Ma'am was actually the motivation for the kids. Moqheeta Ma'am made the classes very interactive and interesting, making the kids read the ayah and translate the ayahs themselves, followed by the explanation. Surah Burooj to different ayahs of the Qur'an, and especially Surah Kahf—Alhamdulillah! JazakAllah Khair for your efforts, Ma'am.’
‘It was a wonderful experience connecting kids with the Book of Allah.’
‘Alhamdulillah, my daughters Naba Naser and Afia Naser attended the classes, and they learned many lifetime skills from the stories of Surah Al-Kahf and Surah Al-Burooj. It was an interactive and interesting class, and they were asked to reflect on the Qur'anic verses. They are willing to continue the classes, and they are eagerly waiting for them.’
‘This is Nouman and Zara's parent.
Alhamdulillah, our kids too are eagerly waiting for the classes. Alhamdulillah, they have gained a lot of knowledge and interest from the class. JazakAllah Khair.’
‘JazakAllah Khairan for arranging these classes and imparting the knowledge of Deen to the future Ummah. Though Ayaan attended very few classes as we were travelling, whatever he attended—MashaAllah—he liked. He was curious to read and join the class. MashaAllah, good to have. I too would like to request that the classes be held at least twice or thrice a week, or on weekends—Saturday and Sunday—because these classes are the need of the hour.’ – Umm Ayaan
"We loved the classes, learning the meaning of the Qur'an from such an amazing teacher." – From Naba Naser
This is Fahad and Faiza's parent.
‘Alhamdulillah, our kids liked the program and they have gained a lot of knowledge. Fahad and Faiza are eagerly waiting to continue the class. May Allah guide us and strengthen our imaan. Thanks a lot for the wonderful program.’
‘I am deeply moved by the profound impact of the online Quran classes on my children's spiritual journey. The tremendous efforts by the teachers have not only taught them to read the translation of the Quranic verses but have also helped them develop a personal connection with the Qur'an through interactive classes that included engaging discussions, quizzes, and reflections. Witnessing their eyes light up as they understand the meaning and relevance of the verses in their daily lives has been truly heartwarming. The classes have fostered a sense of love, respect, and reverence for the Qur'an, and I've seen my children apply its teachings in their daily life. The interactive format has kept them motivated and enthusiastic about learning. The online platform has made it possible for me to get them involved in these sessions despite my busy schedule. This is not the first time, but the third time my kids are attending classes conducted by Moqheeta Ma'am. They still remember each and every lesson she taught them and have great respect and love for the teacher.’ Mrs Uzma
Some of the work done by students
A Beautiful Turn
What we didn’t expect was the emotional response from the children. On the final day, many were unwilling to let the classes end. Upon their request, we have now decided to continue sessions once a week on Sundays at 11 AM.
What You’ll Need to Join:
A good internet connection
A Qur’an translation (any language the child is comfortable with)
A plain notebook and basic stationery
Camera must remain on during class
Classes are free and open to all children aged 8 and above.
📞 For more information or to register, message +91 79971 04417
Let your child discover the Qur’an as their book — full of personal messages from Allah.Let them connect now, not decades later.
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