Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Calendar. The tenth day of this month is called Ashura and marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain with His companions in the battle of Karbala. The events of Karbala are tragic and significant for all Muslims irrespective of whether they are Shia or Sunnis. There are universal lessons to be learnt of bravery, integrity, piety and patience. I have compiled a list of resources to learn about Karbala for children. Hope this helps all parents. [Post updated: Updated: July 2023]

Most majalis have difficult language and are not catered to children. Here are some resources to learn about Muharram and Karbala for children.

17-mins Documentary About the Battle of Karbala

This is an amazing 17-mins documentary about the Battle of Karbala put together by WhoisHussain.org 

Highly recommended to watch with your children.

Kisa Kids

Kisa Kids has amazing resources for children of all ages including a work book with crafts and activities and a special Wonder Time on YouTube.

Heros of Karbala

These lovely short videos in English are great to explain the stories of the various heroes and heroines of Karbala to children. Narrated by children themselves, these videos will definitely appeal to young kids since they are of short duration.

The stories of the children of Karbala will help the young ones relate to the tragedy and heroism of Karbala.

Hazrat Sakina:

 

story of KARbala:

Karbala Worksheets

Here’s a workbook for children which is engaging and informative.

We love the sheets from Hadi Club for young children. Do print and use with your children.

Also love this another workbook for children with many educational activities.

YouTube Videos for Children

Here are a few videos we loved. These are short and animated, making them perfect to hold the attention of children. 

Majalis of Children

Love this series of ten children’s majalis by Jafari.org including videos and activities. Each video is around 30 minutes long.

 

Children of Karbala Song

Love this song by Auntie Zahra project specially for Karbala:

 

 

Story of Karbala NARRATED by Children

A great story in English to explain the events of Karbala for children. The narration is by various children, making it more relatable to their peers.

 

 

[Read also: What to expect when you attend a Muharram Majlis]

Projects and Speeches for Muharram

Kisa Kids has compiled a wonderful document called Project Muharram. This contains 11 projects for children appropriate for age 5 and up, to talk about the lessons from Karbala. You can adapt according to your preferences.

There is a virtual program that happens everyday on Kisa Kids’ YouTube channel that compliments the project booklet above.

 I have linked another workbook of activities and lessons for children here.

Story of KARbala For Children through Images

The link contains the story of Karbala through Images. Appropriate for children 6+

Story of Karbala for Children

[Read also: Muharram Memories from my Childhood]

 

Special Note for Teenagers

I wanted to add a special note for teenagers. Introduce them to Ammar Nakshawani through his lectures available online and on YouTube. His approach appeals to teenagers. Here is the link to his Facebook page.

Hope these resources help parents. May we all benefit from the lessons of Karbala and carry on the legacy of Imam Hussain.

My Khala’s YouTube Channel: Quran is our Best Friend

My Khala Khanum Taskeen Ghazanfar has started a most amazing YouTube series “Quran is our best friend” from the 1st of Muharram.

I have linked the videos before. She is such a engaging speaker, you will love her series!

Hope these resources help parents. May we all benefit from the lessons of Karbala and carry on the legacy of Imam Hussain.

Let me know if you have any recommendations and I would love to add them here.