Al Qaswa
The story of Al Qaswa, the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ favourite camel, in an interactive picture book for ages 4 to 6 where children play with her.
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What is Al Qaswa about?
Al Qaswa is an interactive Islamic picture book for children aged 4 to 6 that tells the story of Al Qaswa, the camel of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ had many animals, and Al Qaswa was one of his favourites. She went on many journeys with him. One of the best known is his arrival in Madinah: the book tells how Al Qaswa helped him choose the place where his house would be built.
As children read, they can also play with the camel along the way, so the story is something they take part in, not only listen to. It is a Miraj original.
Many young children love animals, and a story told through a camel is a gentle way to meet the Prophet ﷺ for the first time. It shows them that he cared for his animals, and it opens up conversations about his life: where he travelled, why he went to Madinah, and how the city welcomed him. It also shows children that animals are part of Allah's creation and deserve our care, just as the Prophet ﷺ cared for his.
What your child will learn
- Al Qaswa was a camel of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and one of his favourites.
- Al Qaswa helped the Prophet ﷺ choose where his house in Madinah would be.
- The Prophet ﷺ cared for his animals, and we should care for animals too.
The story of Al Qaswa
Al Qaswa was a very special camel. She had more adventures in her life than any other camel in the world.
She belonged to the blessed Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and she was his favourite camel. She was brave, fast and good-natured. She had one hairy hump, four strong legs and a long neck, and, like all other camels, she had three eyelids and two sets of eyelashes, which kept the desert sand out of her eyes.
Once, when enemies in Makkah wanted to kill the Prophet ﷺ, Al Qaswa carried him across a huge desert all the way to Madinah. That journey is known as the Hijrah, and it marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
When she had brought the Prophet ﷺ to Madinah, it was Al Qaswa who picked the spot for his house and for his mosque. The Prophet ﷺ let go of her reins so that she could run freely and find the right place.
Al Qaswa had many other adventures with the Prophet ﷺ, but her last famous journey was the pilgrimage to Makkah. She carried him on his first and only hajj, and riding on Al Qaswa, the Prophet ﷺ circled the Kaaba seven times.
When the Prophet ﷺ died, Al Qaswa was very sad. Some say that she went away and was never seen again. But whatever happened to her, to this day she remains the most famous camel in the whole world.
Find more about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and more stories about allah's creation.
Where this story comes from
- Sahih al-Bukhari 3906: When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, his camel walked on until she knelt at the place where his mosque was built.
Talk about it afterwards
- Who was Al Qaswa?
- How did Al Qaswa help the Prophet ﷺ in Madinah?
- Why do you think the Prophet ﷺ loved his camel?
- How can we look after animals?
Words to know
- Madinah
- The city the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ moved to from Makkah, where he built his mosque and his home.
Frequently asked questions
What age is Al Qaswa suitable for?
Children aged 4 to 6. It is short and interactive, so young children can play with the camel as they read.
Is the story of Al Qaswa true?
Yes. Al Qaswa was a real camel of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari tells how, when he arrived in Madinah, his camel knelt at the place where his mosque was built.
Is Al Qaswa a Miraj original?
Yes. It was made by Miraj.
Free printable pack
Pages to colour, trace, cut out and match, made from this story. Free to print at home or in class.
