Abubakar as the First Rightly Guided Caliph for JSS 3

Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs
Previous Lesson: Suratul Mulk Verses 1-5 Reading and Meaning
Topic: Abubakar as the First Rightly Guided Caliph
Subject Matter: 1st Caliph; Life history of Abubakar As-Siddiq and his contributions to Islam

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Describe Abubakar as the first Caliph.
• Outline the life history of Abubakar As-Siddiq.
• Identify key contributions of Abubakar As-Siddiq to Islam.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the leadership qualities of Abubakar As-Siddiq.
• Develop a desire to emulate the exemplary character of Abubakar.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Pictures or charts depicting Abubakar As-Siddiq and early Islamic history
• Whiteboard and markers
• Textbooks on Islamic Religious Studies for JSS 3

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for students to understand the foundational leadership of Islam after Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Learning about Abubakar As-Siddiq provides insight into the early development of the Islamic state and the preservation of Islamic teachings, offering valuable moral and leadership lessons.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have prior knowledge of the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the basic tenets of Islam.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Abubakar as the First Rightly Guided Caliph

Who was Abubakar As-Siddiq?

Abubakar As-Siddiq (RA) was the first Caliph (successor) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and one of the most beloved companions of the Prophet. He was known for his unwavering faith, honesty, and dedication to Islam. His real name was Abdullah ibn Abi Quhafah, but he was known as Abubakar, meaning “father of the young camel,” and “As-Siddiq,” meaning “the truthful,” a title given to him by the Prophet for his immediate belief in the Prophet’s Isra and Mi’raj (Night Journey and Ascension).

Life History of Abubakar As-Siddiq

1. Birth and Early Life: Abubakar was born in Makkah, approximately two years and three months after Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He belonged to the Banu Taym clan of the Quraysh tribe. He was a successful merchant, known for his good character, generosity, and wisdom even before Islam.
2. Conversion to Islam: He was one of the first few people to embrace Islam and was a close friend and confidant of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He never worshipped idols.
3. Migration (Hijrah): He accompanied Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during the Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah, sharing the dangers and difficulties of the journey.
4. Close Companion: He was Prophet Muhammad’s closest companion, adviser, and father-in-law (through his daughter Aisha). He was often referred to as the “second of the two” in the cave during the Hijrah.
5. Leadership during Prophet’s Illness: During the Prophet’s final illness, Abubakar was appointed to lead the prayers, signifying his spiritual and leadership prominence.

Contributions of Abubakar As-Siddiq to Islam

1. Leadership of the Muslim Ummah: After the death of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Abubakar was unanimously chosen as the first Caliph, uniting the Muslim community during a critical period of grief and uncertainty.
2. Battling Apostasy (Riddah Wars): He firmly dealt with tribes who renounced Islam or refused to pay Zakat after the Prophet’s death. His strong leadership ensured the stability and integrity of the nascent Islamic state.
3. Compilation of the Qur’an: Recognizing the danger of losing parts of the Qur’an due to the death of many memorizers in battles, Abubakar initiated the compilation of the Qur’an into a single volume.
4. Expansion of Islam: He dispatched Muslim armies to spread the message of Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula, leading to early victories against the Byzantine and Sasanian empires.
5. Establishment of Islamic Principles: He upheld and enforced the laws and teachings of Islam, ensuring justice and fairness in governance.
6. Personal Example: He lived a life of piety, humility, and selflessness, setting a high standard for future Muslim leaders.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Guided Practice, Storytelling

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recalling/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then asks students if they know who succeeded Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the leader of the Muslims.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to the teacher’s questions and share their prior knowledge.

Learning Point: Activating prior knowledge

Step 2: Introduction of Abubakar as the First Caliph

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces Abubakar As-Siddiq, explaining his position as the first Caliph and the meaning of his titles. The teacher displays pictures of Abubakar or a timeline of early Islamic leaders.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen attentively, observe the pictures, and identify Abubakar as the first Caliph.

Learning Point: Abubakar’s identity

Step 3: Life History of Abubakar (Early Life and Conversion)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Narration/Description

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the early life of Abubakar, his character before Islam, and his immediate acceptance of Islam as one of the first converts. The teacher highlights his close friendship with Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the narration and ask questions for clarification about Abubakar’s early life.

Learning Point: Abubakar’s early life

Step 4: Contributions of Abubakar (Leadership after Prophet’s Death)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Abubakar’s role in uniting the Muslim community after the Prophet’s death and his firm stance against those who apostatized or refused to pay Zakat. The teacher encourages students to discuss the importance of strong leadership.

Pupils’ Activity: Students participate in the discussion, sharing their thoughts on leadership and unity.

Learning Point: Post-Prophet leadership

Step 5: Contributions of Abubakar (Compilation of Qur’an)

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the critical need for compiling the Qur’an and Abubakar’s initiative in this monumental task. The teacher illustrates the significance of this act for preserving Islamic scripture.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and understand the importance of the Qur’an’s compilation.

Learning Point: Qur’an compilation

Step 6: Contributions of Abubakar (Expansion of Islam)

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Summarization

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly discusses Abubakar’s role in initiating the early expansion of Islam and sending out armies to neighboring regions. The teacher summarizes his overall impact on the Islamic world.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and grasp the concept of early Islamic expansion.

Learning Point: Early Islamic expansion

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Who was Abubakar As-Siddiq?
2. Mention two important events from Abubakar’s early life.
3. State three contributions of Abubakar As-Siddiq to Islam.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessing lesson understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes into their notebooks, paying attention to the life history and contributions of Abubakar.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording key information

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reiterates the importance of Abubakar As-Siddiq’s leadership and contributions to Islam, encouraging students to reflect on his exemplary character. The teacher thanks the students for their participation and dismisses the class.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the lesson’s main points.

Learning Point: Reinforcing main ideas

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. In your own words, describe why Abubakar was given the title “As-Siddiq.”
2. Discuss the significance of Abubakar’s decision to compile the Holy Qur’an.
3. Identify one leadership quality of Abubakar As-Siddiq that you would like to emulate and explain why.

Lesson Keywords

• Abubakar – The first Caliph of Islam and a close companion of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
• As-Siddiq – A title meaning “the Truthful,” given to Abubakar by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
• Caliph – A successor to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the political and religious leader of the Muslim community.
• Riddah Wars – Wars fought by Abubakar against apostate tribes after the death of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
• Compilation of Qur’an – The process initiated by Abubakar to gather and arrange the verses of the Holy Qur’an into a single volume.

Differentiation

For students who grasp the concepts quickly, encourage them to research more about the specific battles fought during the Riddah Wars or the challenges faced during the compilation of the Qur’an. For students needing additional support, provide simplified summaries of Abubakar’s life and contributions, and use visual aids more extensively to reinforce understanding.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, students can search for “Life of Abubakar As-Siddiq JSS 3 Islamic Studies” on YouTube.