Islam & Citizenship Education

Citizenship Curriculum for Madrasahs

Key Stage 2 - Lesson 15 Lesson Title: Diversity in Islam Lesson Objectives: To learn that good Muslims do not look down on other Muslims regardless of the group they belong to. To understand that Islam encourages us to celebrate similarities and respect differences. Islamic Values Duration: 60 Minutes Key Words/Phrases Differences, Similarities, Diversity, Ummah, Muhajirin, Ansar, My ummah is like one body.

Citizenship Values Citizenship Values diversity and Islam teaches us to respect all Muslim regardless of their encourages respect for values group and backgrounds. and opinions of all groups. Activities Quick fire questions to recap the last lesson Share lesson objectives A. Starter Activity Ask Pupils : Are all Christian groups the same? Are all Hindu groups the same? Are all Sikh groups the same? Are all Muslim groups the same? Teacher should emphasise NO, and explain that there are various groups in all religions but they all share the common beliefs of their own religion. B. Development Activity 1 Remind pupils that in previous lessons we have focussed on respecting other people and other faiths but what about our own Muslim community. Ask pupils if we should have the same kind of respect for other Muslims who are different to us. Take feedback. Give pupils 3 minutes to list all the mosques they are aware of in their town/city/area. Compile a collective list on the board/paper. 2.1500 Diversity in Islam Page 1 of 3 Resources

Ask pupils if they knew why there are so many mosques. Give time for some discussion, carefully allow pupils to say what they feel about other Muslim groups but must ensure they challenge any disrespect.

Take feedback and explain that we should not forget that purpose of all of these mosques is to pray Salah and that a mosque is the house of Allah therefore we should respect all mosques and respect those who attend them. Activity 2: Islamic Guidance References from Quran Reference 1; Chapter 49:10

Indeed the believers are brothers. Therefore maintain good relations with your brothers and sisters and be aware of Allah. So that you may be shown mercy by Allah Emphasise that in this verse Quran is telling us that when two groups of believers disagree on something they should maintain good relations.

Reference 2; Chapter 3:103

Hold on strong to the Rope of Allah and do not be divided Question: What is meant by the rope of Allah? Answer: Here hold on to the rope means hold on to the message of Allah and path of Allah. We might have some differences between us but these must not be allowed to divide us. Our core beliefs about Allah are the same. Hadith The ummah is like one body when one part of the body hurts the other feels the pain. Question: What did our Prophet (PBUH) mean by, My ummah is like one body? Suggested Answer: Explain that if one part of body hurts the body becomes uncomfortable it hurts the rest. For example if you have a headache you 2.1500 Diversity in Islam Page 2 of 3

cannot rest or, sleep properly. Similarly a tooth or back ache affects your whole body. If one group of Muslims is in trouble we all should feel their pain and should help other Muslims. A Story from THE Seerah When Muslims migrated from Makkah to Medina. The Holy Prophet assembled both Muhajirin (those who migrated from Makkah) and Ansar (the helpers, the residents of Medina) at the house of Anas and told them that the Muhajirin had left all their belongings in Makkah and was now penniless and shelter-less. He, therefore, wanted to create the relationship of brotherhood between the Muhajirin and the Ansar. The Prophet used the term Brotherhood as a common term to include both men and women. The Ansar agreed to this, and the Holy Prophet joined the Muhajirin and the Ansar and declared the two to have become brothers. In this way, bonds and links of brotherhood were established between the Muhajirin and the Ansar. Each Ansar took his Muhajir brother to his house and gave share of his entire property to him. Under the guidance of the Holy Prophet, these two groups became like blood brothers, and were so treated in matters of inheritance, during the period when they were cut off from their relatives in Makkah. While the Ansar considered it a privilege and honour to assist their Muhajir brothers, the latter did not wish to be a burden on them for long. Very soon, the Muhajirin through trade, industry and handwork, were able to stand on their own feet. Question: What do we learn from this story? Suggested Answer: This story tells us that people from different backgrounds and tribes became brothers in the name of Allah. Today, we must not forget this wonderful story and should follow the tradition of brotherhood started by our Prophet (PBUH). We should respect and treat all Muslims as our brothers and sisters. C. Plenary: Today we have learnt that: There are various groups in Islam like many other religions. THE Quran and Hadith tell us that we all are part of one Muslim ummah. It is our duty to respect Muslims who are different to us. All mosques are houses of Allah and we should respect them and those who attend them.

Pupils Activity Sheet 2.1501; Story of from Seerah

Reinforce that all Muslims belong to one ummah and Muslims from various schools of thought, backgrounds, nations and countries are part of it. Suggested follow up work: Talk to your parents and find out the similarities between various Muslim groups.

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