New and Old

Description

New & Old is a ḥalaqah thematic unit for learners aged 5–6 years that explores beginnings, change, and continuity, in life, in knowledge, and in ʾīmān. Through this theme, learners reflect on the wisdom of Allah in creating balance in giving us the opportunity to experience new and old, embrace new experiences and appreciate the wisdom of the past. The theme begins with ʾIqraʾ, highlighting how all new human life embarks upon a lifelong journey of seeking knowledge. Learners explore the adāb of new beginnings, whether in a new school year or elsewhere, and setting intentions (niyyah) with sincerity, connecting to the ḥadīth: “Actions are but by intention.” (Bukhārī & Muslim). They learn to start every new task with Bismillah and recognize how the Prophet (saw) continuously sought knowledge and self-improvement.

Learners reflect on Allah’s (swt) names—Al-Mubdi’ (The Originator) and Al-Khāliq (The Creator)—understanding that everything new is part of Allah’s divine plan and everything old is a part of His creation. They explore the story of Ādam (as) as a new beginning, his transition from his old life in paradise to a new life as khalīfat al-‘arḍ in this dunyah, and the role of prophets in guiding humanity. Through these lessons, they grasp the importance of gratitude for both new opportunities and past blessings. The theme also explores Al-Fātiḥa (The Opening/Beginning) as a foundational duʿā’ and an introduction to the Names of Allah (swt):  Al-Raḥmān and Al-Raḥīm. Learners reflect on beginnings, ageings, and change in their own lives, and their personal and family history. They explore how relationships evolve, using the story of Ibrāhīm (as) as an example. They also engage with the Isrāʾ & Miʿrāj, exploring the shift from the old qiblah to the new qiblah.

Grounded in Allah’s name Al-Akhir (The Last), learners discuss trust (amānah), cooperation (taʿāwun), and responsibility in their communities, balancing old wisdom with new contributions. The unit concludes with a student-led ḥalaqah, allowing learners to reflect on their learning and celebrate the beauty of both the new and the old in their lives.

How does halaqah work? 

• Halaqah is the pedagogy used by Prophet Muhammad (saw)
• During halaqah,  the educator and learners sit together on the floor, in a circle facing each other. 
• Halaqah begins with Bismillah and Qur’an recitation and ends with a group du’ā which connects to the topic that has been discussed.
• All learners are encouraged to participate. Our halaqah is dialogic – this means that  normal learners engage in extended discussion amongst themselves with educators facilitating the dialogue through key questions and talking points.
• There is always room for direct instruction and storytelling, both of which are important. However, the main objective is to learn through dialogue drawing on the learners’ existing knowledge and building on it. 
• Educators are primarily responsible for contextualization of the information in a way that meets the needs of their learners. 

Need help with implementation? Our Dialogic Halaqah courses are carefully designed to support the effective implementation of our curriculum. They equip Islamic educators with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to bring dialogic halaqah into their classrooms and to nurture the shakhsiyah Islamiyah (Muslim personhood) of each learner through meaningful, reflective dialogue. Elevate your practice and explore our full range of courses here: https://ielc.learnworlds.com/courses