Verse of the Week: The Diversity of Plants
Allah says:
﴿وَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجًا مِنْ نَبَاتٍ شَتَّى﴾
(Taha, 53)
“Many diverse kinds of plants”: countless varieties — some we know, and many others still unknown to us.
Educational Objectives — Aya & Maalouma
1) Divine creativity in creation
The child reflects on how Allah created very strange and unusual plants:
plants that eat insects, plants that look like stones, plants that live without soil…
They understand that this vast diversity is a divine invitation to think, observe, and glorify Allah.
2) The wide mercy of Allah
The child learns that Allah created an immense variety of plants to support human life:
medicine, food, shade, oxygen, building materials, perfumes…
Even plants that look “strange” or unusual have a merciful role in the balance of the Earth.
3) Botanical knowledge mentioned in the Qur’an over 1400 years ago
The child discovers that the Qur’an described certain plants and their benefits long before modern science.
Examples:
-
Olive tree — Allah says: ﴿زَيْتُونًا وَنَخْلًا﴾
Science now confirms that olive oil is rich in antioxidants, protects the heart, and boosts immunity. -
Pomegranate — ﴿فِيهِمَا فَاكِهَةٌ وَنَخْلٌ وَرُمَّانٌ﴾
Today we know it is a strong anti-inflammatory and considered a “superfood.”
This helps strengthen the child’s belief that the Qur’an is a book of guidance and knowledge.
4) Gratitude for Allah and for plants
The child develops a sense of gratitude for Allah and for every plant Allah created for our wellbeing —
even the strange plants we never knew existed.
They learn to say:
“Thank you, Allah, for creating this plant with love and mercy for us.”
This deepens their awareness of blessings and their spiritual connection to Allah.
Fun Activity: “The Garden of Strange Plants”
Materials:
-
Colored paper
-
Scissors
-
Pictures of strange or unusual plants (printed or drawn by the child)
-
Glue
-
A personal card for each child titled: “My Strange Plant!”
Steps:
-
Each child receives a card.
-
They draw or glue the picture of the strange plant they researched.
-
They write:
-
The plant’s name
-
Where it comes from
-
One unusual or surprising benefit
-
-
Cards are displayed on a wall called “The Garden of Extraordinary Plants.”
-
Children walk around, read each other’s cards, and choose the plant that impressed them most.
Activity Objectives:
-
Encourage scientific curiosity
-
Strengthen research skills
-
Build confidence through sharing knowledge
-
Appreciate the beautiful diversity of plants created by Allah