Detailed Summary: Idgah | Oxford English for Class 4 PDF Download

Key Points of the Story

• The story happens on Eid morning, a special festival in the village.
• Everyone is excited to go to the Idgah mosque for prayers.
• The village boys, including Mahmood and Mohsin, have lots of coins to buy toys and sweets.
• Hamid is a four-year-old boy who is very happy despite having little.
• Hamid lost his parents and now lives with his Grandma Ameena.
• He doesn’t have shoes and wears an old, dirty cap, but he stays cheerful.
• Grandma Ameena tells Hamid that his parents are in heaven and will bring him gifts.
• After prayers, the villagers go to the fair with fun activities.
• Hamid watches his friends ride the merry-go-round but doesn’t buy a ride.
• At the toy stalls, Hamid only has three pice, not enough to buy a toy.
• His friends buy clay toys that can break easily, but Hamid wants to help his grandma.
• Hamid buys a pair of tongs from a hardware stall instead of a toy.
• He wants to help Grandma Ameena cook safely without burning her hands.
• His friends laugh at him for buying tongs instead of toys.
• After the fair, the friends’ toys break, making them sad.
• Hamid proudly carries his tongs home.
• Grandma Ameena is initially upset that Hamid spent money on tongs instead of food.
• Hamid explains that the tongs will help her cook safely.
• Grandma Ameena realizes Hamid’s love and thoughtfulness.
• She feels proud of Hamid for being kind and helpful.

Detailed Summary

On a happy Eid morning, the village is full of excitement as everyone gets ready to pray and visit the fair. The boys, including Mahmood and Mohsin, are eager to buy toys and sweets with their coins. Among them is a little boy named Hamid, who is only four years old. Hamid lives with his Grandma Ameena since he lost his parents. Even though he doesn't have nice clothes or enough food, Hamid stays happy and hopeful.

At the fair, Mahmood and Mohsin buy toys and treats, but Hamid only has three pice. Instead of buying toys, he decides to buy tongs to help his Grandma in the kitchen. When his friends laugh at his choice, Hamid proudly shows his tongs and explains how useful they are. The boys later break their toys, feeling sad about it.

When Hamid returns home, Grandma Ameena is worried, but she is very happy to see him. At first, she is upset that he spent his money on tongs instead of sweets, but when Hamid explains that the tongs will help her cook safely, she feels proud and loves him even more.

This story teaches us about kindness and thinking of others. Hamid shows that helping his Grandma is more important than having toys, showing true love and selflessness.

Theme/ Message

The main theme of the story is about love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of happiness. Hamid, despite being poor and lacking material possessions, shows that happiness does not come from having toys or sweets, but from kindness and thoughtfulness towards others. His decision to buy tongs for his grandmother instead of a toy highlights his selflessness and maturity for a young child. This theme teaches us that real joy comes from caring for our loved ones and making choices that benefit others rather than just ourselves.

The message of the story emphasizes the importance of valuing useful things over material possessions. Hamid understands that while toys might bring temporary joy, they do not have lasting value. By choosing to buy tongs, he shows that he prioritizes his grandmother's well-being over his own desires. This teaches readers that true happiness lies in selfless acts of love and generosity, and that thinking of others can bring about deeper satisfaction than simply fulfilling one's own wishes. The story encourages us to be thoughtful and to find joy in helping others, showing that a kind heart is worth more than any toy.

Difficult Words

• Eid: A special festival celebrated by Muslims.
• Idgah: A mosque where special prayers are held during Eid.
• Pice: A small unit of currency used in India.
• Granny: A term used to affectionately refer to one's grandmother.
• Fair: A gathering with games, rides, and stalls to buy food and toys.
• Merry-go-round: A rotating ride found at fairs that has seats for people to sit on.
• Selfless: Putting the needs of others before your own.
• Clang: A loud, ringing sound made when metal hits metal.
• Indulge: To allow oneself to enjoy something, often something unnecessary.
• Transform: To change something completely.
• Wail: To cry out loudly in grief or sorrow.
• Bitter: Feeling angry or hurt about something.
• Champion: A person who fights for a cause or is considered the best in a competition.
• Selfish: Thinking only about oneself and not caring about others.
• Indisputable: Something that cannot be questioned or doubted.