A New Friend in a New Class

Today was special. Baby Mo wasn't going to that small, cosy playgroup anymore — today he was moving up to a bigger class, the class for older children. Kindergarten!

But strangely, that morning Baby Mo's feet felt heavy, as if filled with sand. He clung tightly to the hem of Umi's dress in front of the new school gate.

"Umi," he whispered, "what if my old friends aren't here? What if… no one wants to play with me?"

Umi crouched down. She smoothed Baby Mo's slightly messy hair. "Listen, champ. Your old friends were strangers at first too, weren't they? Then they became best friends. Your new friends will be just the same."

Baby Mo looked down, not yet convinced.

"Let me teach you a secret," Umi went on. "Do you know the easiest way to open someone's heart? Give the greeting of peace. 'Assalamu'alaikum.' It means, 'may peace be upon you.' That's a prayer, dear. You're praying for your new friend before you even know each other."

Baby Mo lifted his face a little. "Just… a greeting?"

"Just a greeting. And one smile. Say Bismillah."

Baby Mo took a deep breath, as if about to dive underwater. "Bismillah," he murmured. Then he stepped inside.

Inside, there was a little boy sitting alone in the corner, hugging his knees. His face was gloomy. He seemed to be thinking the very same thing: "what if no one wants to be my friend?"

Baby Mo remembered Umi's secret. His heart pounded. He walked closer, slowly, then in a slightly trembling voice said, "Assalamu'alaikum. I'm Baby Mo. Want to play together?"

The boy looked up. His once-sad eyes slowly lit up. "Wa… waalaikumussalam," he answered. "I'm Faiz." And he smiled — the relieved smile of a child who had just been found.

It turned out that behind that gloomy face, Faiz had only needed one person brave enough to say hello first.

That day they built a block tower together, shared crayons, and laughed until the teacher had to remind them not to be too loud. At pick-up time, Baby Mo ran toward Umi, his face beaming.

"Umi! The secret worked! I have a new friend named Faiz! He was sad and alone, but I gave the greeting first — just like you said!"

Umi hugged him tight. "Masha'Allah. See? That one little greeting didn't just get you a friend. It made Faiz's whole day brighter too."

Baby Mo smiled proudly. It turned out the new class wasn't scary at all. He had only needed courage the size of one word: a greeting.

Spread the greeting of peace, and you will love one another.

Now, if your little one meets a new friend tomorrow, invite them to try Baby Mo's secret: say "Assalamu'alaikum" with a smile. The door to friendship will open. 🤝🌟