The First Day

The Story

Noah’s new backpack sat by the door, packed and ready. But Noah was not ready.

Today was his very first day of school. A new class. A new teacher. A whole room of children he had never met.

At breakfast, he pushed his pancakes around the plate, even though pancakes were his favourite.

Inside his tummy, the butterflies would not sit still.

Safia sat down beside him. She was his big sister, and she always noticed.

“You know,” she said gently, “my first day felt scary too. My tummy was full of butterflies, just like yours.”

Noah looked up. “Really?”

“Really. So here is what I do. When something feels too big, I say Bismillah — I begin with Allah’s name — and then I take one small step.”

At school, the doors seemed very tall. Noah held Safia’s hand tightly.

She walked him all the way to his classroom and knelt down beside him. “Remember our plan,” she whispered. “Bismillah, and one small step.”

Then Safia had to go to her own class.

For the very first time, Noah was on his own.

Noah reached his classroom, but his feet would not move. Not one step.

Then he noticed someone.

A little boy stood nearby, holding the straps of his backpack, blinking back tears.

Noah knew that feeling. The very same butterflies were fluttering in his own tummy right now.

Noah remembered the plan. Bismillah, and one small step.

“Bismillah,” he whispered — and his feet remembered how to move. One small step. Then another, all the way to the boy.

“Hi, I’m Noah. Are you nervous too?”

The boy nodded.

“My big sister taught me a trick,” said Noah. “We say Bismillah, and we take one small step. We could walk in together.”

“I’m Amaan,” the boy said, and a small smile crept onto his face.

Side by side, the two boys said it together. “Bismillah.” And they walked in.

The classroom was not so scary after all. Not with a friend beside you. And somewhere between the door and their desks, Noah’s butterflies flew away.

At home time, Noah raced across the yard and told Safia everything.

Safia hugged him tight. Sometimes courage begins with Bismillah, one small step, and someone beside you. 💛

Dua of the Week: Rabbi Zidni ‘Ilma — A Dua for Learning

رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا

Rabbi zidni ‘ilma

"My Lord, increase me in knowledge."

A dua straight from the Qur’an (Surah Ta-Ha 20:114) for any day we set out to learn something new — perfect first words for a very first day of school.

Quran Verse:

""

Family Discussion

Noah felt nervous too. What helps you feel brave when something feels new or scary?

Good Deed Challenge

Safia’s trick has travelled from Safia to Noah to Amaan — and now to you. Tonight at bedtime, pass it on. Teach someone in your family the trick — take a big breath, whisper Bismillah, and take one small step.

Sources: