The Early Preaching and Persecution of Muhammad (S.A.W) Islamic Religious Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8

Islamic Religious Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8

Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 12 years
Topic: Muhammad’s Prophethood
Sub-topic: Early Public Preaching by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), Reactions, and Large Scale Persecution of Muslims by the Makkans
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. Describe the early public preaching of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
2. Explain the reactions of the Makkans to the Prophet’s message.
3. Discuss the large-scale persecution faced by Muslims during this period.
4. Identify key events that illustrate the challenges faced by early Muslims.

Keywords:

• Prophethood
• Preaching
• Persecution
• Makkans
• Islam

Set Induction:

Begin the lesson by asking students about their understanding of a prophet’s role. Encourage them to think about the challenges that prophets might face when spreading their message.

Entry Behaviour:

Students should have a basic knowledge of the life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and the early history of Islam.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts on the early life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)
• Visual aids (images or timelines of key events)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Connect this lesson to the previous discussions on the importance of prophethood in Islam and the significance of spreading God’s message.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking (analyzing the reactions to the Prophet’s message)
• Communication (discussing historical events)
• Empathy (understanding the experiences of early Muslims)

Learning Materials:

• Copies of relevant historical accounts
• Handouts summarizing the persecution faced by early Muslims

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad” by Muhammad Husayn Haykal

Instructional Materials:

• Projector for presentations (if available)
• Audio-visual materials related to the life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)

Content: Explanation of the Topic

1. Early Public Preaching:
   • After receiving the first revelation at the age of 40, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) began to preach Islam publicly.
   • He emphasized the oneness of Allah (Tawheed), the importance of worship, and ethical conduct.
   • The early followers included close family and friends, such as Khadijah, Ali, and Abu Bakr.
2. Reactions of the Makkans:
   • The Makkans were alarmed by the Prophet’s message, which challenged their polytheistic beliefs and social norms.
   • Many powerful leaders, including Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab, opposed him, fearing a loss of power and influence.
   • They attempted to discredit him by calling him a liar and a madman.
3. Persecution of Muslims:
   • As the number of Muslims grew, the Makkans intensified their persecution.
   • Early Muslims faced social ostracism, economic sanctions, and physical abuse.
   • Many were tortured or forced to abandon their faith, while some, like Bilal, endured severe suffering for their beliefs.
4. Key Events Illustrating Persecution:
   • The boycott of the Banu Hashim clan, where the Makkans cut off trade and social ties with the Muslims.
   • The incident of the “Year of the Elephant” when the Makkans tried to prevent the Prophet from spreading his message, showcasing their animosity towards him.
5. The Prophet’s Resilience:
   • Despite the challenges, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) remained steadfast in his mission.
   • He continued to preach Islam and encouraged his followers to remain patient and faithful.
   • His example of perseverance inspired many to embrace Islam despite the risks involved.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

1. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) began his public preaching after receiving the first _____ . (a) letter (b) revelation (c) message
2. The Makkans reacted to the Prophet’s message with _____ . (a) acceptance (b) support (c) hostility
3. Early Muslims faced _____ from the Makkans. (a) friendship (b) persecution (c) celebration
4. The Prophet emphasized the oneness of _____ . (a) humanity (b) Allah (c) community
5. Notable opponents of the Prophet included _____ and Abu Lahab. (a) Bilal (b) Abu Jahl (c) Ali
6. Many Muslims were subjected to _____ for their faith. (a) support (b) torture (c) rewards
7. The boycott of the Banu Hashim clan aimed to _____ the Muslims. (a) protect (b) support (c) punish
8. The early followers of the Prophet included Khadijah, Ali, and _____ . (a) Umar (b) Abu Bakr (c) Hamza
9. The Prophet remained _____ despite the challenges faced by Muslims. (a) weak (b) resilient (c) silent
10. The Makkans feared a loss of _____ due to the Prophet’s message. (a) wealth (b) power (c) friendship
11. The early public preaching began when the Prophet was _____ years old. (a) 30 (b) 40 (c) 50
12. The message of Islam challenged the _____ beliefs of the Makkans. (a) monotheistic (b) social (c) polytheistic
13. The Prophet’s example inspired many to _____ Islam. (a) reject (b) embrace (c) ignore
14. Bilal was a notable example of someone who faced _____ for his faith. (a) ease (b) wealth (c) suffering
15. The opposition from the Makkans was driven by a fear of _____ . (a) change (b) peace (c) success

Class Activity Discussion

1. What did the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) preach during his early public preaching?
   He preached the oneness of Allah, ethical conduct, and the importance of worship.
2. How did the Makkans react to the Prophet’s message?
   They reacted with hostility and opposition, fearing the loss of their power and beliefs.
3. What forms of persecution did early Muslims face?
   Early Muslims faced social ostracism, economic sanctions, torture, and physical abuse.
4. Who were some notable opponents of the Prophet in Makkah?
   Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab were among the prominent opponents of the Prophet.
5. What was the significance of the boycott of the Banu Hashim clan?
   It was an attempt to punish Muslims by cutting off trade and social ties, showcasing the Makkans’ animosity.
6. How did the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) respond to the persecution?
   He remained steadfast, continued to preach, and encouraged his followers to be patient and faithful.
7. Why was the message of Islam threatening to the Makkans?
   It challenged their polytheistic beliefs and threatened their social and economic status.
8. What is an example of a person who faced severe persecution for their faith?
   Bilal, who was tortured for converting to Islam, is a notable example.
9. What does the resilience of the Prophet teach us?
   It teaches the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges and staying true to one’s beliefs.
10. How did the early public preaching affect the spread of Islam?
    It laid the foundation for the growth of the Muslim community despite the challenges faced.

Presentation: Steps 1-3

1. Step 1: Teacher revises the previous lesson on the importance of prophethood.
2. Step 2: Teacher introduces the topic of Muhammad’s early public preaching and its consequences.
3. Step 3: Students discuss their thoughts on the challenges faced by prophets throughout history.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain the early preaching and the reactions it provoked from the Makkans.
• Discuss the nature and impact of the persecution faced by Muslims.
• Provide examples of key events illustrating the challenges early Muslims faced.

Learners’ Activities:

• Participate in discussions about the reactions to the Prophet’s message.
• Complete fill-in-the-blank and FAQ activities.
• Share personal reflections on resilience and faith in difficult times.

Assessment:

• Review students’ answers in fill-in-the-blank questions.
• Evaluate participation in discussions.
• Conduct a Q&A session to check understanding.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What was the initial message of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)?
2. How did the Makkans perceive the Prophet’s message?
3. What types of persecution did early Muslims endure?
4. Who were the main opponents of the Prophet in Makkah?
5. Explain the significance of the boycott against the Banu Hashim clan.
6. How did the Prophet respond to the persecution faced by Muslims?
7. Why was the Prophet’s message threatening to the Makkans?
8. Give an example of someone who faced torture for their faith.
9. What does the Prophet’s resilience teach us about faith?
10. How did early public preaching contribute to the spread of Islam?

Conclusion:

The teacher will go around to assess students’ understanding, address any misconceptions, and reinforce the resilience and dedication shown by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and his followers in the face of adversity.

Captivating Title: The Early Preaching and Persecution of Muhammad (S.A.W)

Focus Keyphrase: Muhammad’s Prophethood

SEO Title: The Early Challenges Faced by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)

Slug: muhammads-prophethood

Meta Description: This lesson discusses the early public preaching of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), the reactions from the Makkans, and the large-scale persecution of Muslims.