Shirk: Association of Partners with Allah Islamic Religious Studies Primary 4 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

Islamic Religious Studies Primary 4 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Class: Primary 4
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 9 years

Topic: Shirk: Association of Partners with Allah
Sub-topic: A) Definition of Shirk
Sub-topic: B) Forbidden Nature of Shirk
Sub-topic: C) Quranic Verses on Shirk
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  1. Define Shirk and understand its meaning.
  2. Explain why Shirk is forbidden in Islam.
  3. Identify Quranic verses related to Shirk.
  4. Discuss the concept of Allah’s unity and His attributes.

Keywords: Shirk, association, unity, forbidden, Quranic verses

Set Induction:
Start with a discussion on the importance of worshiping Allah alone and the concept of His oneness. Explain that today’s lesson will focus on Shirk, which goes against this principle.

Entry Behaviour:
Students should be familiar with basic concepts of Islamic worship and the oneness of Allah.

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Quranic text
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handouts with definitions and verses
  • Visual aids on Shirk and its impact

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Discuss previous lessons on the concept of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and connect it to the topic of Shirk as the opposite of Tawhid.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Critical Thinking: Understanding the implications of Shirk.
  • Reading and Comprehension: Identifying and interpreting Quranic verses.
  • Discussion and Communication: Explaining the concept and implications of Shirk.

Learning Materials:

  • Quranic text with relevant verses
  • Visual aids and handouts
  • Whiteboard and markers

Reference Books:

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Tafsir of the Quran

Instructional Materials:

  • Visual aids on Shirk
  • Handouts with definitions and verses

Content:

  1. Definition of Shirk:
    • Shirk is the act of associating partners with Allah in His unity and omnipotence.
    • It means to worship or attribute divinity to other beings or objects alongside Allah.
  2. Forbidden Nature of Shirk:
    • Shirk is strictly forbidden in Islam as it contradicts the core belief in the oneness of Allah.
    • Allah does not forgive Shirk: Allah may forgive other sins, but Shirk is unforgivable if one dies in that state.
    • Allah is One: The concept of Tawhid emphasizes that Allah is unique and has no partners.
    • Allah’s Creation: Allah is the sole creator and sustainer of the universe.
  3. Quranic Verses on Shirk:
    • Quran 4:115: “Whoever deviates from the right path after the guidance has been made clear to him, will remain in the hellfire forever.”
    • This verse highlights the severity of deviating from the right path, including engaging in Shirk.

Evaluation:

  1. What is Shirk?
    • a) Associating partners with Allah
    • b) Belief in multiple gods
    • c) Worshiping only Allah
    • d) Ignoring religious duties
  2. Why is Shirk forbidden in Islam?
    • a) It contradicts Allah’s oneness
    • b) It is a form of charity
    • c) It helps in worship
    • d) It is encouraged in Islam
  3. What does the Quran say about Shirk?
    • a) Allah may forgive Shirk
    • b) Shirk is forgivable if repented
    • c) Shirk is unforgivable if one dies in it
    • d) Shirk is not mentioned in the Quran
  4. What does the verse Quran 4:115 discuss?
    • a) The importance of prayer
    • b) The prohibition of Shirk
    • c) The creation of the universe
    • d) The reward for good deeds
  5. What does Tawhid mean?
    • a) Belief in multiple gods
    • b) Belief in the oneness of Allah
    • c) Associating partners with Allah
    • d) Worship of idols
  6. How does Shirk impact the concept of Allah’s oneness?
    • a) It affirms His oneness
    • b) It contradicts His oneness
    • c) It is unrelated to His oneness
    • d) It enhances His oneness
  7. What should Muslims do to avoid Shirk?
    • a) Worship only Allah
    • b) Follow other religions
    • c) Pray to multiple gods
    • d) Ignore Islamic teachings
  8. What is a key characteristic of Shirk?
    • a) Worshiping Allah alone
    • b) Associating other beings with Allah
    • c) Following the Prophet’s teachings
    • d) Performing good deeds
  9. What is the consequence of committing Shirk according to Islamic teachings?
    • a) Immediate punishment
    • b) Forgiveness after repentance
    • c) Eternal punishment if not repented
    • d) Rebirth in another form
  10. Which of the following is NOT considered Shirk?
    • a) Worshiping idols
    • b) Believing in multiple gods
    • c) Believing Allah has no partners
    • d) Associating others with Allah
  11. Why is it important to understand the concept of Shirk?
    • a) To avoid it and maintain pure faith
    • b) To learn about history
    • c) To enhance social status
    • d) To increase wealth
  12. What does the concept of Shirk teach us about the nature of worship?
    • a) Worship should be directed only to Allah
    • b) Worship can be directed to multiple gods
    • c) Worship should include idols
    • d) Worship should be ignored
  13. How can Shirk be avoided in daily life?
    • a) By focusing worship solely on Allah
    • b) By participating in other religions
    • c) By ignoring religious practices
    • d) By associating partners with Allah
  14. What is the relationship between Shirk and forgiveness in Islam?
    • a) Shirk is forgivable with repentance
    • b) Shirk can be forgiven after death
    • c) Shirk is unforgivable if not repented
    • d) Shirk has no impact on forgiveness
  15. How does the understanding of Shirk help in personal faith?
    • a) It reinforces belief in Allah’s oneness
    • b) It creates doubt in faith
    • c) It promotes worship of multiple gods
    • d) It discourages religious practice

Class Activity Discussion:

  1. What does Shirk mean in Islamic context?
    • Shirk is the act of associating partners with Allah, contradicting His oneness.
  2. Why is Shirk considered a serious sin?
    • It goes against the core belief in the oneness of Allah and is unforgivable if not repented.
  3. How can Muslims ensure they are not committing Shirk?
    • By worshiping only Allah and avoiding practices that attribute divinity to others.
  4. Discuss the impact of Shirk on a person’s faith.
    • It undermines the fundamental belief in Allah’s oneness and leads to severe consequences.
  5. What does Quran 4:115 teach about deviation from the right path?
    • It highlights the seriousness of deviating from guidance, including the sin of Shirk.
  6. How does understanding Shirk affect daily worship?
    • It helps ensure that worship remains pure and directed solely towards Allah.
  7. Why is the concept of Tawhid important in preventing Shirk?
    • Tawhid reinforces the belief in the oneness of Allah, making Shirk less likely.
  8. What role do Quranic verses play in understanding Shirk?
    • They provide clear guidance on the nature of Shirk and its consequences.
  9. How can discussing Shirk enhance one’s Islamic knowledge?
    • It deepens understanding of core beliefs and helps in practicing faith correctly.
  10. Why is it important to avoid practices that could lead to Shirk?
    • To maintain the purity of worship and avoid the severe consequences of Shirk.

Presentation:

  1. Step 1: Review the Previous Topic:
    Recap the lessons on Suratul-Fil and its significance.
  2. Step 2: Introduce the New Topic:
    Define Shirk, explain its forbidden nature, and introduce relevant Quranic verses.
  3. Step 3: Allow Student Contributions:
    Engage students in discussion about Shirk and its impact, and correct any misconceptions.

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Define and explain Shirk.
  • Discuss why Shirk is forbidden and its implications.
  • Facilitate discussions on relevant Quranic verses.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Define Shirk and explain why it is forbidden.
  • Identify and discuss Quranic verses related to Shirk.
  • Participate in class discussions on the impact of Shirk.

Assessment:

  • Evaluate students’ understanding through their responses during discussions and activities.

Evaluation Questions:

  1. What is Shirk?
  2. Why is Shirk forbidden in Islam?
  3. What is the significance of Quran 4:115?
  4. How does Shirk contradict the oneness of Allah?
  5. How can Muslims avoid Shirk?
  6. What does Tawhid emphasize?
  7. Why is Shirk a serious sin?
  8. What are the consequences of committing Shirk?
  9. How do Quranic verses help in understanding Shirk?
  10. What should be the focus of worship to avoid Shirk?

Conclusion:
Review the key points about Shirk and its prohibition. Ensure students understand its definition, implications, and the importance of avoiding Shirk in worship.

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