Understanding the Hijrah Calendar: Its Importance and Differences from the Gregorian Calendar Islamic Religious Studies Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Lesson Plan for Islamic Religious Studies – Primary 6 (First Term, Week 9)

Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 10 years
Topic: Calendar Hijrah and Its Importance
Sub-topic: Meaning, Importance, and Comparison
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Explain the meaning of Hijrah.
2. List the importance of the Hijrah Calendar.
3. Distinguish between the Hijrah and Gregorian Calendars.

Keywords

• Hijrah
• Hijrah Calendar
• Gregorian Calendar
• Islamic Year
• Migration

Set Induction

The teacher asks pupils about their knowledge of different calendar systems and why different cultures use different calendars. This leads into a discussion about the Hijrah Calendar and its significance in Islam.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils are familiar with the concept of time and calendars but may not know about the Hijrah Calendar.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Visual aids comparing the Hijrah and Gregorian Calendars
• Calendar charts
• Whiteboard and markers
• Islamic History textbooks

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Pupils will connect their understanding of the Gregorian Calendar to learn about the Hijrah Calendar, its origin, and importance.

Embedded Core Skills

• Comparative analysis
• Understanding historical significance
• Application of Islamic history

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Islamic History textbooks
• Calendar charts (Hijrah and Gregorian)

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Islamic History Primary 6 Textbook
• Books on Islamic calendar and history

Instructional Materials

• Charts and visual aids of the Hijrah and Gregorian Calendars
• Historical timelines
• Examples of significant dates in both calendars

Content (Explanation of Topic)

1. Meaning of Hijrah:

• Hijrah: Refers to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

2. Importance of the Hijrah Calendar:

• Historical Significance: Marks the start of the Islamic era, commemorating the Prophet’s migration.
• Religious Significance: Provides a framework for Islamic dates and events, important for worship and observances.
• Cultural Significance: Reflects Islamic identity and tradition, distinguishing Islamic timekeeping from others.
• Social Significance: Helps Muslims to follow Islamic holidays and events, such as Ramadan and Hajj.
• Educational Significance: Offers a historical reference for learning about the early years of Islam.

3. Difference Between Hijrah and Gregorian Calendars:

• Hijrah Calendar: Lunar-based (12 months of 29 or 30 days), starting from the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• Gregorian Calendar: Solar-based (12 months with a fixed number of days), widely used internationally for civil purposes.
• Year Count: Hijrah Calendar starts from 622 CE, Gregorian Calendar starts from the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Purpose: Hijrah Calendar for Islamic religious purposes, Gregorian Calendar for general civil and business activities.

Evaluation (15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options)

1. Hijrah refers to the __ of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina.
   a) Battle b) Migration c) Arrival d) Departure
2. The Hijrah Calendar is based on the __ year.
   a) Solar b) Lunar c) Academic d) Fiscal
3. The Gregorian Calendar is based on the __ year.
   a) Solar b) Lunar c) Academic d) Fiscal
4. The Hijrah Calendar begins from the year __ CE.
   a) 500 b) 622 c) 1000 d) 2000
5. The Gregorian Calendar starts from the year __.
   a) 0 b) 1 c) 622 d) 1000
6. One of the purposes of the Hijrah Calendar is to __ Islamic events.
   a) Celebrate b) Forget c) Ignore d) Avoid
7. The Hijrah Calendar has __ months in a year.
   a) 10 b) 12 c) 14 d) 16
8. The Gregorian Calendar has __ months in a year.
   a) 10 b) 12 c) 14 d) 16
9. The Hijrah Calendar is primarily used for __ purposes.
   a) Civil b) Religious c) Economic d) Political
10. The Gregorian Calendar is used for __ purposes.
    a) Religious b) Social c) Civil d) Historical
11. The difference between the Hijrah and Gregorian Calendars is their __ basis.
    a) Economic b) Religious c) Solar/Lunar d) Political
12. The Hijrah Calendar was established in the year __.
    a) 500 b) 622 c) 1000 d) 2000
13. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced by __.
    a) Prophet Muhammad b) Julius Caesar c) The Prophet Moses d) Alexander the Great
14. The Hijrah Calendar helps Muslims to observe __ events.
    a) General b) Non-Islamic c) Islamic d) Secular
15. The Gregorian Calendar is widely used for __ activities.
    a) Religious b) Civil c) Islamic d) Historical

Class Activity Discussion (15 FAQs with Answers)

1. What is Hijrah?
   It is the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
2. Why is the Hijrah Calendar important?
   It helps Muslims observe religious events and maintain Islamic traditions.
3. How does the Hijrah Calendar differ from the Gregorian Calendar?
   The Hijrah Calendar is lunar-based, while the Gregorian Calendar is solar-based.
4. What year does the Hijrah Calendar start from?
   The Hijrah Calendar starts from the year 622 CE.
5. What year does the Gregorian Calendar start from?
   The Gregorian Calendar starts from the year 1 CE.
6. What kind of calendar is the Hijrah Calendar?
   It is a lunar calendar with 12 months in a year.
7. What kind of calendar is the Gregorian Calendar?
   It is a solar calendar with 12 months in a year.
8. What are the main uses of the Hijrah Calendar?
   For observing Islamic religious events and maintaining Islamic traditions.
9. What are the main uses of the Gregorian Calendar?
   For civil purposes, business, and international timekeeping.
10. How many months are in the Hijrah Calendar?
    There are 12 months in the Hijrah Calendar.
11. How many months are in the Gregorian Calendar?
    There are 12 months in the Gregorian Calendar.
12. What is the significance of the Hijrah event?
    It marks the beginning of the Islamic era and the establishment of the Islamic community in Medina.
13. What is the historical background of the Gregorian Calendar?
    It was introduced by Julius Caesar and is used for civil and international purposes.
14. How does the Hijrah Calendar help Muslims in their daily lives?
    It helps them observe Islamic holidays, perform religious duties, and follow Islamic traditions.
15. Why is the Gregorian Calendar used globally?
    It is widely adopted for international civil and business activities.

Presentation

• Step 1: The teacher revises the concept of different calendar systems, focusing on their purposes and uses.
• Step 2: The teacher introduces the Hijrah Calendar, explaining its meaning, importance, and comparison with the Gregorian Calendar.
• Step 3: Pupils discuss and compare both calendars, with the teacher guiding and correcting as necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the significance of the Hijrah Calendar and its differences from the Gregorian Calendar.
• Provide visual aids and examples for better understanding.
• Facilitate discussions and answer questions.

Learners’ Activities

• Engage in discussions about the Hijrah and Gregorian Calendars.
• Compare and contrast the two calendars using provided materials.
• Complete fill-in-the-blank questions and FAQs for understanding.

Assessment

Pupils will explain the meaning and importance of the Hijrah Calendar and distinguish between it and the Gregorian Calendar through discussions and written responses.

Evaluation Questions (10 Short Answer Questions)

1. What event does the Hijrah Calendar commemorate?
2. How many months are in the Hijrah Calendar?
3. What year does the Hijrah Calendar start from?
4. What type of calendar is the Gregorian Calendar?
5. What is the primary use of the Hijrah Calendar?
6. Why is the Gregorian Calendar used worldwide?
7. What is the main difference between the Hijrah and Gregorian Calendars?
8. How does the Hijrah Calendar affect Islamic observances?
9. Who introduced the Gregorian Calendar?
10. How does the Hijrah Calendar help Muslims in their daily lives?

Conclusion

The teacher summarizes the lesson by highlighting the importance of the Hijrah Calendar in Islamic tradition and its differences from the Gregorian Calendar. Pupils are encouraged to understand and appreciate the significance of both calendars in their daily lives and religious practices.