Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson focuses on Surah Al-Insan, requiring students to engage with its Arabic text, understand its English translation, and derive practical lessons. Teachers should prepare audio-visual aids for correct recitation and ensure students have access to copies of the Qur’an. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to recite, memorize, translate, and discuss the profound messages of Surah Al-Insan.
Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: The Qur’an
Focal competence: Applying Sūrat Al-Insān in prayers and Da’wah (preaching)
Key competencies/values: Critical Thinking; Communication
Skills:
- Reading and writing of Arabic texts
Previous Lesson: Lessons from Sūrat al-Mursalāt
Topic: Study Of The Qur’An 76: 1-31 (Sūrat Al-Insān)
Subject Matter: Arabic text of Sūrat al-Insān, English translation of Sūrat al-Insān, Derivable lessons from Sūrat al-Insān
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Memorize Sūrat al-Insān.
- Translate Sūrat al-Insān into English.
- Discuss lessons that can be derived from Sūrat al-Insan.
Psychomotor Domain
- Recite Sūrat al-Insān (chapter 76:1- 31) correctly.
Affective Domain
- Appreciate the moral and spiritual guidance in Sūrat al-Insān.
- Show willingness to apply the lessons of Sūrat al-Insān in daily life.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- A suitable Islamic Studies textbook for SS 1
- The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
- Copies of the Glorious Qur’an with English translation
- Tafsir books (Qur’anic exegesis)
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Audio-visual devices (VCD, MP3, Tape recorder, etc.)
- Copies of a part of the Glorious Qur’an containing Sūrat al-Insān
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (if available)
Rationale for the Lesson
Studying Sūrat al-Insān provides students with a deeper understanding of human creation, purpose, and accountability. It highlights the rewards for righteousness and the consequences of ingratitude, thereby fostering moral development and spiritual awareness. This knowledge is essential for applying Qur’anic teachings in daily life and for effective Da’wah.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Students should have basic knowledge of Arabic recitation, the concept of the Qur’an as divine revelation, and some understanding of Islamic moral values.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Study Of The Qur’An 76: 1-31 (Sūrat Al-Insān)
Arabic Text of Sūrat al-Insān
Sūrat al-Insān (Chapter 76) consists of 31 verses. It is crucial for Muslims to learn to recite this Surah correctly, observing all rules of Tajweed, and to strive for its memorization. The Arabic text is the original, unadulterated word of Allah, and its recitation is an act of worship.
Students are encouraged to refer to their copies of the Glorious Qur’an for the complete Arabic text of Sūrat al-Insān (Chapter 76, verses 1-31).
English Translation of Sūrat al-Insān
Sūrat al-Insān, also known as Sūrat ad-Dahr (The Time), primarily discusses the creation of humanity, the purpose of life, the distinction between the righteous and the ungrateful, and the detailed descriptions of Paradise (Jannah) and its inhabitants.
Key themes covered in the Surah include:
- Human Creation and Purpose: It begins by reminding humanity of its humble origin from a drop of fluid, emphasizing that there was a time when man was nothing worth mentioning. Allah then created man and made him hearing and seeing, putting him to trial.
- Guidance and Choice: Allah has shown humanity the way, whether to be grateful or ungrateful, highlighting the concept of free will and accountability.
- Reward of the Righteous (Abrar): The Surah provides vivid descriptions of the blessings awaiting the righteous in Jannah. These include:
- Gardens with flowing springs.
- Drinks mixed with camphor and ginger, from a spring called Salsabeel.
- Servants like scattered pearls.
- Garments of fine green silk and brocade.
- Comfortable couches and no excessive heat or cold.
- Food and drink that are pure and satisfying.
- Characteristics of the Righteous: Those who will inherit Jannah are described as people who:
- Fulfil their vows.
- Fear a Day whose evil will be widespread.
- Feed the poor, the orphan, and the captive purely for the sake of Allah, seeking no reward or thanks from them.
- Are patient in their trials and steadfast in their faith.
- The Qur’an as a Reminder: The Surah emphasizes that the Qur’an is a reminder, and whoever wills may take a path to his Lord.
- Allah’s Will and Guidance: It concludes by stating that humanity cannot will anything unless Allah wills it, for Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise, admitting whom He wills to His mercy and preparing a painful torment for the wrongdoers.
Derivable Lessons from Sūrat al-Insān
Studying Sūrat al-Insān offers numerous profound lessons for Muslims:
- Reflection on Creation: It reminds us of our humble origins and the power of Allah in creating us from nothing, fostering humility and gratitude.
- Accountability and Free Will: The Surah highlights that Allah has guided humanity to the path of truth, and each individual has the choice to be grateful or ungrateful, emphasizing accountability for one’s actions.
- Importance of Good Deeds: It stresses the immense reward for acts of charity, especially feeding the needy (the poor, orphans, and captives), done purely for Allah’s pleasure. This teaches selflessness and compassion.
- Patience and Steadfastness: The righteous are described as those who are patient in their trials and steadfast in their faith, demonstrating the virtue of endurance in the face of adversity.
- Fear of the Day of Judgment: The Surah instills a healthy fear of the Day of Judgment, encouraging believers to prepare for it through righteous deeds.
- Description of Paradise (Jannah): The detailed description of Jannah serves as a powerful motivation for believers to strive for good deeds and adhere to Allah’s commands, knowing the magnificent reward that awaits them.
- The Qur’an as Guidance: It reaffirms the Qur’an as a divine reminder and a source of guidance for those who seek the path to Allah.
- Divine Decree and Mercy: The Surah concludes by reminding us of Allah’s ultimate will and mercy, and that guidance and misguidance are ultimately by His decree, while still upholding human responsibility.
- Da’wah (Preaching): The themes of creation, accountability, and the rewards of Jannah provide strong arguments for inviting others to Islam and reminding fellow Muslims of their duties.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Explanation, Recitation Practice, Group Work, Question and Answer, Guided Practice
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recalling/Motivation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and then introduces the topic by asking students if they know any Surah that talks about human creation and the rewards of Paradise.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Introduction to Surah Al-Insan
Step 2: Recitation of Sūrat al-Insān
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Recitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays an audio recording of Sūrat al-Insān (verses 1-31) for students to listen to the correct pronunciation and rhythm. The teacher then recites the Surah verse by verse, guiding students to repeat after him/her.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the audio, repeat after the teacher, and practice reciting Sūrat al-Insān from their Qur’an copies.
Learning Point: Correct Surah recitation
Step 3: Memorization Practice
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Repetition/Memorization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students in memorizing Sūrat al-Insān by breaking it into smaller sections (e.g., 5-7 verses at a time). The teacher encourages peer-to-peer recitation and correction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice memorizing the Surah in sections, individually and with partners, helping each other with recall.
Learning Point: Surah memorization techniques
Step 4: English Translation Overview
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Interpretation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides a summary of the English translation of Sūrat al-Insān, focusing on the main themes and messages of each section. The teacher clarifies any difficult vocabulary or concepts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the translation, follow along in their translated Qur’an copies, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Understanding Surah’s meaning
Step 5: Group Discussion on Derivable Lessons
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Facilitation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into small groups and assigns each group to identify and discuss specific lessons from different sections of Sūrat al-Insān. The teacher moves around to guide their discussions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in their groups, identifying and noting down various lessons they can derive from the Surah.
Learning Point: Identifying Surah’s lessons
Step 6: Presentation and Reinforcement
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Presentation/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Each group presents the lessons they identified. The teacher consolidates their points, adds any missed lessons, and reinforces the spiritual, moral, and social significance of Sūrat al-Insān.
Pupils’ Activity: Group representatives present their findings. Pupils listen, compare notes, and contribute to the general class discussion.
Learning Point: Consolidating derivable lessons
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Recite the first five verses of Sūrat al-Insān.
- What is the main theme of Sūrat al-Insān?
- Mention two characteristics of the righteous people described in the Surah.
- State two lessons you have learned from Sūrat al-Insān.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Assessment of understanding
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the Arabic text, English translation themes, and derivable lessons of Sūrat al-Insān into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording lesson content
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher concludes the lesson by emphasizing the importance of living by the teachings of Sūrat al-Insān, especially regarding gratitude, good deeds, and patience. The teacher encourages students to continue practicing recitation and memorization.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the concluding remarks and reflect on the lesson’s main message.
Learning Point: Reinforcing Surah’s importance
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework/Further Reading
Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook and be prepared to discuss them in the next class.
- Write out the Arabic text of Sūrat al-Insān (verses 1-10) and its English translation.
- Identify and explain three specific examples of good deeds mentioned in Sūrat al-Insān.
- How does Sūrat al-Insān describe the rewards of Jannah for the righteous?
- Reflect on how the lessons of Sūrat al-Insān can influence your daily actions and interactions with others.
Lesson Keywords
- Sūrat al-Insān – Chapter 76 of the Qur’an, meaning “The Human Being” or “Man”.
- Abrar – The righteous or pious ones.
- Jannah – Paradise, the Garden of eternal bliss for the righteous.
- Da’wah – The act of inviting or calling people to Islam.
- Tajweed – The rules governing the pronunciation of the Qur’an.
Differentiation
For struggling learners: Provide simplified translations and focus on memorizing shorter sections of the Surah. Use more visual aids and repeat key concepts frequently. Pair them with stronger students for recitation practice.
For advanced learners: Encourage them to research the historical context (Asbab al-Nuzul) of Sūrat al-Insān and explore different interpretations (Tafsir). Challenge them to explain the deeper philosophical implications of the Surah’s themes.
Suggested Lesson Videos
For relevant video resources, search on YouTube for: Surah Al-Insan recitation translation lessons SS1

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