Ruhi Book 3 Children’s Classes and Brilliant Star – Grade 4

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Activities to Complement Children’s Classes
Grade 4, by the Ruhi Institute
V2.1.1.PP (September 2019)

 

The Ruhi Institute offers an easy-to-use global curriculum for kids that emphasizes spiritual values of good character. Through stories, activities, songs, drama, and Bahá’í teachings, kids are encouraged to develop their strengths and contribute to the well-being of society. The Ruhi Grade 4 program includes 16 lessons on the life and mission of Bahá’u’lláh.

Brilliant Star presents a wide range of stories, activities, and songs that can complement the Ruhi lesson plans. This outline of themes from each Ruhi Grade 4 lesson offers links to Brilliant Star materials. We’d love to know how you’re using Brilliant Star in your classes and what other materials you’d find helpful. Email us at brilliant@usbnc.org or share your ideas in our Facebook group, the Brilliant Star Idea Exchange.

 

> Lesson 1: The Day of God and the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (in 2017).

Quotes:

“The promised Day of God is come! He Who is the Manifestation of the Adored One hath been established upon the throne of His name, the All-Loving, and the sun of His bounty hath cast its rays upon the seeing and seen alike.”

“The time foreordained unto the peoples and kindreds of the earth is now come. The promises of God, as recorded in the holy Scriptures, have all been fulfilled.”

Click to find supplemental stories and activities on celebrating Bahá’u’lláh: 

 

> Lesson 2: Bahá’u’lláh’s Early Years

Bahá’u’lláh was born with innate knowledge and the divine qualities of God.

Quotes: 

“This Wronged One hath frequented no school, neither hath He attended the controversies of the learned. By My life! Not of Mine own volition have I revealed Myself, but God, of His own choosing, hath manifested Me.”

“He is, and hath from everlasting been, one and alone, without peer or equal, eternal in the past, eternal in the future, detached from all things, ever-abiding, unchangeable, and self-subsisting.”

Click to find supplemental stories and activities on Bahá’u’lláh’s youth: 

 

> Lesson 3: Bahá’u’lláh Accepts the Revelation of the Báb

The Báb revealed teachings to prepare the world for Bahá’u’lláh.

Quotes:

“We, verily, believe in Him Who, in the person of the Báb, hath been sent down by the Will of the one true God, the King of Kings, the All-Praised.”

“O my God! There is no one but Thee to allay the anguish of my soul, and Thou art my highest aspiration, O my God. My heart is wedded to none save Thee and such as Thou dost love. I solemnly declare that my life and death are both for Thee. Verily Thou art incomparable and hast no partner.”
 

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Two Messengers of God - Story and code activity
Vol. 50 No. 3, p. 6

Shining Lamp: Mullá Husayn - Story
Vol. 50 No. 1, p. 26

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Gift of Love - Story and word puzzle
Vol. 43 No. 4, p. 3

Nur’s Nook: Create Your Own Lantern - Craft activity
Vol. 49 No. 2, p. 6

 

> Lesson 4: The Dawn of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation

Bahá’u’lláh described in His own words the experience of revelation in the Síyáh-Chál (Black Pit) in Tihrán.

Quotes:

“One night, in a dream, these exalted words were heard on every side: ‘Verily, We shall render Thee victorious by Thyself and by Thy Pen. Grieve Thou not for that which hath befallen Thee, neither be Thou afraid, for Thou art in safety. Erelong will God raise up the treasures of the earth--men who will aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy Name, wherewith God hath revived the hearts of such as have recognized Him.’”

“I am the Countenance of God Whose splendor can never be obscured, the Light of God Whose radiance can never fade.”

Bahá'u'lláh’s Life: Facing Troubles with Joy - Story and word search
Vol. 50 No. 1, p. 4

Dawn Breaks in the Prison - A dramatic play
Vol. 34 No. 5, p. 19

God Is Sufficient Unto Me - Music
Vol. 34 No. 5, p. 18

 

> Lesson 5: Bahá’u’lláh’s exile to Baghdád and two years of solitude in Kurdistán

Bahá'u'lláh and His family were exiled to Baghdád. After a year, Bahá'u'lláh retreated to the mountains of Kurdistán.

Quote:

“As My tribulations multiplied, so did my love for God and for His Cause increase, in such wise that all that befell Me from the hosts of the wayward was powerless to deter Me from My purpose.”

“These Prophets and chosen Ones of God are the recipients and revealers of all the unchangeable attributes and names of God. They are the mirrors that truly and faithfully reflect the light of God.”
 

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Exile to Baghdád - Story and word search
Vol. 48 No. 3, p. 4

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: A Friend in the Mountains - Story and code activity
Vol. 51 No. 6, p. 4

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: In the Wilderness - Story and Arabic calligraphy practice
Vol. 48 No. 5, p. 4

 

> Lesson 6: Bahá’u’lláh educates and inspires the believers in Baghdád

When He returned from His years of solitude, Bahá’u’lláh spiritually revived the community and fostered unity and peace.

Quotes:

“All joy to such as have attained His presence, gazed upon His beauty, hearkened unto His melodies, and been quickened by the Word that hath issued forth from His sacred and exalted, His glorious and resplendent lips!”

“A good character is, verily, the best mantle for men from God. With it He adorneth the temples of His loved ones. By My life! The light of a good character surpasseth the light of the sun and the radiance thereof.”
 

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: The Hidden Words - Story and code activity
Vol. 49 No. 4, p. 4

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: A Friend to Baghdád - Story and word search
Vol. 46 No. 4/5, p. 6

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: United Communities - Story and hands-on activities
Vol. 50 No. 2, p. 6

 

> Lesson 7: Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration in the Garden of Ridván

Before departing for Constantinople (now Istanbul), Bahá’u’lláh made the joyous announcement of His mission as the Messenger of God foretold by the Báb.

Quotes: 

“Let all eyes rejoice, and let every ear be gladdened, for now is the time to gaze on His beauty, now is the fit time to hearken to His voice. Proclaim unto every longing lover: ‘Behold, your Well-Beloved hath come among men!’”

“We summon you to God, We remind you of His Day, We announce unto you tidings of your reunion with Him, We draw you nigh unto His court, and send down upon you tokens of His wondrous wisdom …”
 

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Answering Questions - Story and code activity
Vol. 49 No. 2, p. 4

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Declaration in the Garden of Ridván - Story and puzzle
Vol. 46 No. 6 / Vol. 47 No. 1, p. 4

Noble Nightingales - Picture find
Vol. 48 No. 6, p. 9

Roses of Love - Story and craft
Vol. 43 No. 1, p. 19

 

> Lesson 8: Exiles to Constantinople and Adrianople and the Tablet of Ahmad

Bahá’u’lláh and His family endured harsh exiles to Constantinople (now Istanbul) and Adrianople (now Edirne). A dynamic teacher of the Faith named Ahmad visited Him, and Bahá’u’lláh revealed a powerful Tablet for him.

Quotes:

“He is the King, the All-Knowing, the Wise! Lo, the Nightingale of Paradise singeth upon the twigs of the Tree of Eternity, with holy and sweet melodies, proclaiming to the sincere ones the glad tidings of the nearness of God, calling the believers in the Divine Unity to the court of the Presence of the Generous One, informing the severed ones of the message which hath been revealed by God, the King, the Glorious, the Peerless, guiding the lovers to the seat of sanctity and to this resplendent Beauty.”

“These are the appointed days which ye have been yearningly awaiting in the past—the days of the advent of divine justice. Render ye thanks unto God, O ye concourse of believers.”
 

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Journey to Constantinople - Story and word puzzle
Vol. 52 No. 3, p. 4

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Injustice in Constantinople - Story and word search
Vol. 49 No. 1, p. 4

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: The Tablet of Ahmad - Story and word search
Vol. 49 No. 3, p. 4

 

> Lesson 9: Exile to ‘Akká and the tragic death of Mírzá Mihdí

In 1868, Bahá’u’lláh and His family were exiled to ‘Akká (now in Israel), which He called the “Most Great Prison.” They faced intense persecution and the martyrdom of Mírzá Mihdí, known as the Purest Branch.

Quotes:

“Upon Our arrival, We were welcomed with banners of light, whereupon the Voice of the Spirit cried out saying, ‘Soon will all that dwell on earth be enlisted under these banners.’”

“The source of all good is trust in God, submission unto His command, and contentment with His holy will and pleasure.”
 

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Uplifting ‘Akká - Story and code activity
Vol. 52 No. 4, p. 4

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: ‘Akká, the Prison-City - Story and code activity
Vol. 47 No. 4/5/6, p. 6

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: The Greatest Holy Leaf - Story and word scramble
Vol. 50 No. 4, p. 6

Shining Lamp: Bahíyyih Khánum - Story
Vol. 45 No. 3, p. 26

 

> Lesson 10: Writing to world leaders; Badí’ delivers Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the Sháh

Bahá’u’lláh called upon leaders around the world to embrace justice. His Tablet to the Sháh was delivered by a brave young man who sacrificed his life.

Quotes: 

“O Son of Spirit! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee.”

“Cheer our hearts through the potency of Thy love and good-pleasure and bestow upon us steadfastness that we may willingly submit to Thy Will and Thy Decree.”

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Guidance for Global Leaders - Story and word search
Vol. 47 No. 2/3, p. 6

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: The Tablet to the Sháh - Story and code activity
Vol. 51 No. 1, p. 6

Shining Lamp: Badi‘: “Pride of the Martyrs” - Story
Vol. 38 No. 6, p. 17

Maya’s Mysteries: Bloom with Service - Take a service challenge
Vol. 51 No. 4, p. 2

 

> Lesson 11: Bahá’u’lláh leaves ‘Akká for Mazra‘ih and then Bahjí

Bahá’u’lláh gained the admiration of the leaders of ‘Akká. After nine years, He was able to leave the prison-city for homes in the countryside.

Quotes: 

“Though the forces of the nations be arrayed against Him, though the kings of the earth be leagued to undermine His Cause, the power of His might shall stand unshaken.” 

“Suffer not yourselves to be shut out as by a veil from God after He hath revealed Himself.”

Bahá'u'lláh’s Life: Transforming ‘Akká - Story and illustrated word find
Vol. 51 No. 5, p. 4

Bahá'u'lláh’s Life: Father and Son - Story and word search
Vol. 48 No. 1, p. 4

Bahá'u'lláh’s Life: Our Green Island - Story and word search
Vol. 45 No. 1, p. 3

Nur’s Nook: A Prayer to Share - Craft activity
Vol. 45 No. 4, p. 6

 

> Lesson 12: Greatness of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation

For forty years, Bahá’u’lláh revealed His message in numerous books and tablets. The mysterious process of revelation amazed those who witnessed it.

Quotes:

“Say: This is the Dayspring of Divine knowledge, if ye be of them that understand, and the Dawning-place of God's commandments, if ye be of those who comprehend.”

“Be not forgetful of the law of God in whatever thou desirest to achieve, now or in the days to come. Say: Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds!”
 

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Radiance and Joy - Story and illustrated word search
Vol. 53 No. 3, p. 4

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: The Most Holy Book - Story and code activity
Vol. 49 No. 6, p. 6

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Answering Questions - Story and code activity
Vol. 49 No. 2, p. 6

Nur’s Nook: Make a Paper Mandala - Craft activity
Vol. 53 No. 3, p. 8
 

> Lesson 13: Bahá’u’lláh’s station and His power to transform souls

Bahá’u’lláh had a dramatic impact on His followers and changed the lives of many, including Nabíl-i-Akbar and Shaykh Mahmúd.

Quotes: 

“…if it were His wish He could cause a mere atom to be transformed into a sun and a single drop into an ocean.”

“Indeed the hearts of them that truly believe in Him Whom God shall make manifest are vaster than the expanse of heaven and earth and whatever is between them.”
 

Signs of Oneness - Hidden Word study
Vol. 51 No. 6, p. 13

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Change of Heart - Story
Vol. 47 No. 2, p. 3

Quiz: Do You Feed Your Soul?
Vol. 53 No. 3, p. 2

My True Self - Journaling
Vol. 50 No. 1, p. 19

 

> Lesson 14: Tablets to world leaders and the visit of Edward Granville Browne

Professor Edward Granville Browne visited Bahá’u’lláh in April 1890. He recorded Bahá’u’lláh’s words about the Most Great Peace, which was later quoted at the World’s Parliament of Religions in the U.S. in 1893.

Quotes:

“It is incumbent upon all the peoples of the world to reconcile their differences, and, with perfect unity and peace, abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of His care and loving-kindness.”

“The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men.”

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Letters to World Leaders - Story and calligraphy activity
Vol. 41 No. 4, p. 3

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Divine Physicians - Story and word puzzle
Vol. 53 No. 4, p. 4

World Citizen - Journaling and drawing activity
Vol. 52 No. 1, p. 3

 

> Lesson 15: Stories of some memorable believers

The inspiring service of four early Bahá’ís appointed as Hands of the Cause of God by Bahá’u’lláh

Quotes: 

“Say: O men! This is a matchless Day. Matchless must, likewise, be the tongue that celebrateth the praise of the Desire of all nations, and matchless the deed that aspireth to be acceptable in His sight.” 

“Say: O children of dust! He Who is the Spirit of Purity saith: In this glorious Day whatsoever can purge you from defilement and ensure your peace and tranquility, that indeed is the straight Path, the Path that leadeth unto Me.” 
 

Shining Lamp: Nabíl-i-A‘zam - Story of a gifted writer
Vol. 48 No. 6, p. 26

Well-Wishers of Humanity - Study of a quote on service
Vol. 49 No. 3, p. 27

Shining Lamp: Hájí Mírzá Habíbu’lláh Afnán - Visited Bahá’u’lláh as a youth
Vol. 51 No. 1, p. 26

 

> Lesson 16: The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s role as the Center of the Covenant

Quotes: 

“When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces towards Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.”

“Say: O ye lovers of the One true God! Strive, that ye may truly recognize and know Him, and observe befittingly His precepts.”
 

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: His Ascension - Story and word search
Vol. 51 No. 4, p. 4

Bahá'u'lláh’s Life: For Love and Unity - Story of Bahá'u'lláh’s Will and Testament
Vol. 43 No. 2, p. 3

Maze: Firm As a Mountain
Vol. 48 No. 6, p. 29

‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Servant of Bahá – History and timeline
Vol. 51 No. 4, p. 14

Gardens of Love - Story
Vol. 52 No. 2, p. 6

 

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Updated on 10.15.22