Abubakar As-Siddiq: The First Caliph and His Lasting Impact on Islam Islamic Religious Studies JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Islamic Religious Studies JSS 3 First Term Lesson Note for Week 2

Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 12–15 years
Topic: The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs (Abubakar As-Siddiq)
Sub-topic: Life History of Abubakar As-Siddiq and His Contributions to Islam

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Narrate the life history of Abubakar As-Siddiq.
2. Identify his qualities that made him the first Caliph.
3. Explain his major contributions to the spread of Islam.
4. Discuss the importance of leadership in Islam.

Keywords

• Caliph
• Abubakar As-Siddiq
• Leadership
• Caliphate
• Contributions

Set Induction

The teacher will ask students if they know who succeeded the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the first leader of the Muslim community. This will introduce the topic of Abubakar As-Siddiq as the first Caliph.

Entry Behavior

Students have learned about the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and understand that leadership is important in Islam.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Pictures of Abubakar As-Siddiq’s historical landmarks
• Chart showing the names of the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs
• Videos or audios (if available) on the Caliphate era

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students are aware that leadership plays an essential role in any community. This lesson will expand their understanding by focusing on Abubakar’s role as the first Caliph of Islam.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing Abubakar’s leadership qualities and decisions.
• Collaboration: Participating in group discussions on leadership values.
• Moral Development: Learning from Abubakar’s humility and honesty.

Learning Materials

• Islamic History Books
• Digital presentations (if applicable)

Reference Books

• The History of Islam by Al-Mubarakpuri
• A Brief History of the Caliphs by Jalaluddin al-Suyuti

Instructional Materials

• Pictures, charts, or maps related to the Caliphate period
• Projector (if available)

Content

Life History of Abubakar As-Siddiq

1. Early Life:
   • Born in 573 CE in Makkah.
   • A close friend of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) even before Islam.
   • Known for his honesty, earning the title As-Siddiq (The Truthful).
   • A wealthy merchant respected in Makkah.
2. Conversion to Islam:
   • One of the earliest converts to Islam.
   • Supported the Prophet in spreading the message of Islam.
   • Used his wealth to free slaves who accepted Islam, including Bilal ibn Rabah.
3. Role during the Prophet’s Lifetime:
   • Accompanied the Prophet during the migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah.
   • Was present in major events, including the Battle of Badr and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.
   • Led the prayer in the Prophet’s absence, a sign of his future leadership.

Abubakar’s Leadership as the First Caliph

1. Appointment as Caliph:
   • After the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 632 CE, Abubakar was chosen by the companions to lead the Muslim community.
   • His election ensured unity among Muslims at a critical time.
2. Contributions as Caliph:
   • Consolidation of Islam: Resolved internal disputes and united Muslims.
   • Wars of Apostasy (Ridda Wars): Defeated tribes that renounced Islam after the Prophet’s death.
   • Compilation of the Quran: Initiated the process of gathering the Quran into one book, ensuring its preservation.
   • Expansion of Islam: Sent expeditions to expand Islamic territories.
3. Personal Qualities:
   • Humble, just, and fair in his leadership.
   • Lived a simple life and used his wealth for the benefit of Islam.
   • Known for his deep faith and unwavering trust in Allah.
4. Death:
   • Abubakar As-Siddiq passed away in 634 CE after leading the Muslim community for two years.
   • He was buried beside the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Madinah.

Presentation Steps

Step 1: Introduction

• The teacher introduces the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs and focuses on Abubakar as the first among them.

Teacher’s Activity: Displays a chart showing the names of the Four Caliphs.
Learners’ Activity: Students identify the Caliphs and their roles.

Step 2: Life History of Abubakar As-Siddiq

• The teacher narrates the key events in Abubakar’s life, highlighting his conversion and contributions.

Teacher’s Activity: Uses flashcards or pictures to explain the migration (Hijrah) and other significant events.
Learners’ Activity: Students take notes and ask questions.

Step 3: Discussion on Leadership Qualities

• The teacher and students discuss Abubakar’s personal qualities and what made him an effective leader.

Teacher’s Activity: Asks students to mention qualities of a good leader.
Learners’ Activity: Participate in the discussion.

Step 4: Group Work

• Students work in groups to identify Abubakar’s major contributions and present them to the class.

Teacher’s Activity: Facilitates group discussions.
Learners’ Activity: Present group findings to the class.

Assessment

1. Who was the first Caliph in Islam?
2. What title was Abubakar given because of his honesty?
3. Why is the compilation of the Quran one of his major contributions?
4. What role did he play during the Hijrah?
5. Name one personal quality of Abubakar As-Siddiq.

Conclusion

The teacher summarizes the lesson, emphasizing that Abubakar As-Siddiq’s leadership ensured the continuity of Islam after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Evaluation Questions

1. In what year was Abubakar As-Siddiq born?
2. What was Abubakar’s profession before Islam?
3. Why did he earn the title As-Siddiq?
4. Who accompanied the Prophet during the Hijrah?
5. How did Abubakar contribute to the preservation of the Quran?
6. What challenges did he face during his Caliphate?
7. How long did Abubakar serve as Caliph?
8. Where was Abubakar buried?
9. What were the Ridda Wars?
10. Mention one lesson we can learn from Abubakar’s leadership.