Exploring the Five Pillars of Islam Islamic Religious Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Islamic Religious Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 11 – 12 years
Topic: Pillars of Islam
Sub-topic: Understanding the Five Pillars of Islam
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. List the five pillars of Islam.
2. Explain the significance of each pillar.
3. Understand the importance of practicing the five pillars in daily life.
4. Describe how each pillar strengthens a Muslim’s relationship with Allah.
5. Identify the impact of the five pillars on Islamic faith and community.

Keywords:

• Shahadah
• Salat
• Zakat
• Saum
• Hajj

Set Induction:

Begin by asking the students if they have heard of the “Five Pillars of Islam.” Allow them to respond and explain briefly before introducing the topic.

Entry Behaviour:

Students may already know that Muslims have religious duties to follow.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Qur’an
• Pictures illustrating the performance of the Five Pillars

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students are aware of some Islamic practices such as prayers and fasting.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Listening
• Religious observance
• Collaboration
• Reading

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Islamic Religious Studies Textbook for JSS 1

Instructional Materials:

• Flashcards with names of the Five Pillars
• Posters of Muslims praying, giving charity, etc.
• Qur’an verses relating to the Five Pillars

Content:

1. Shahadah (Testifying to Allah):
   Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam. It is the declaration of faith that there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad (S.A.W) is His messenger. Every Muslim must believe in this statement and recite it as a sign of faith.
2. Salat (Prayer):
   Salat is the second pillar. Muslims are required to pray five times daily at specific times: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. These prayers are a direct link between the worshipper and Allah.
3. Zakat (Almsgiving):
   Zakat is the third pillar, meaning giving a portion of one’s wealth to help the needy. Every Muslim who has enough wealth is obligated to give 2.5% of their savings to those in need.
4. Saum (Fasting during Ramadan):
   The fourth pillar is fasting in the month of Ramadan. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink, and sinful behavior. Fasting helps Muslims develop self-discipline and empathy for the poor.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca):
   Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able must visit the holy land of Mecca at least once in their lifetime to perform the pilgrimage. Hajj is a demonstration of the unity of Muslims.

Evaluation: (Fill-in-the-Blank Questions)

1. The first pillar of Islam is __________.
   a) Salat
   b) Shahadah
   c) Zakat
   d) Saum
2. Muslims pray __________ times a day.
   a) Three
   b) Five
   c) Seven
   d) Four
3. __________ is giving a portion of one’s wealth to help the needy.
   a) Saum
   b) Salat
   c) Zakat
   d) Hajj
4. The fourth pillar of Islam is __________.
   a) Fasting during Ramadan
   b) Praying five times a day
   c) Visiting Mecca
   d) Giving charity
5. __________ is a demonstration of unity among Muslims during pilgrimage.
   a) Salat
   b) Hajj
   c) Zakat
   d) Saum

Class Activity Discussion: (FAQs with Answers)

1. What are the five pillars of Islam?
   They are Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Saum, and Hajj.
2. What does Shahadah mean?
   Shahadah is the declaration that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad (S.A.W) is His messenger.
3. How many times do Muslims pray daily?
   Muslims pray five times a day.
4. Why do Muslims give Zakat?
   Muslims give Zakat to help the poor and fulfill their duty of charity.
5. What is fasting in Ramadan called?
   Fasting in Ramadan is called Saum.
6. What is the purpose of Saum?
   The purpose is to develop self-discipline, spiritual growth, and empathy for the less fortunate.
7. What is the Hajj?
   Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims must undertake once in their lifetime if able.
8. How does Hajj demonstrate unity?
   Hajj brings Muslims from all over the world together, showing the oneness and equality of the Ummah (Muslim community).
9. Is it obligatory for all Muslims to perform Hajj?
   It is only obligatory for those who are physically and financially able.
10. Why are the Five Pillars important?
    They are essential acts of worship and form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practices.

Presentation:

Step 1:
The teacher revises the previous topic on “Meaning of Hadith and Sunnah,” discussing how Sunnah influences Muslim practices.

Step 2:
The teacher introduces the new topic by listing the Five Pillars of Islam and briefly explaining their importance in a Muslim’s life.

Step 3:
The teacher encourages the students to share examples of how they or their families observe each of the Five Pillars. The teacher corrects and expands on their answers where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explains the significance of each pillar.
• Uses visual aids to demonstrate each of the Five Pillars.
• Encourages students to give personal examples related to the Five Pillars.

Learners’ Activities:

• Listen to the explanations of the Five Pillars.
• Participate in discussions by sharing personal experiences or knowledge.
• Ask questions to deepen their understanding of the topic.

Assessment: (Evaluation Questions)

1. What is Shahadah?
2. How many times a day do Muslims perform Salat?
3. What is the significance of Zakat?
4. Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
5. Who is required to perform Hajj?
6. What percentage of wealth is given as Zakat?
7. What is the purpose of Salat?
8. How does Saum help Muslims?
9. Why is Hajj important?
10. What are the main religious duties of a Muslim?

Conclusion:

The teacher moves around the class, checking the students’ responses and correcting any misconceptions. The teacher concludes by stressing the importance of each of the Five Pillars and encourages students to practice them with devotion.

More Useful Links

• The 99 Names of Allah: Exploring His Attributes Islamic Religious Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4
• The Significance of Allah’s Attributes in Strengthening Faith Islamic Religious Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5
• Understanding Purification in Islam: At-Taharah and Its Importance Islamic Religious Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6