Biographies and Contributions of Uthman and Ali (RA) for Primary 4

Class: Primary 4
Term: Third Term
Week: 4
Age: 9 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: Sirah
Focal competence: Exhibiting the moral lessons derivable from the biographies of the prophets
Key competencies/values: Critical Thinking; Communication
Skills:

• Narrating biographies and deriving moral lessons

Previous Lesson: Biographies and Contributions of Abu Bakr and Umar (RA)
Topic: History And Biography: Rightly Guided Caliphs Ii
Subject Matter: Biographies and contributions of Uthman and Ali (RA)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Narrate the biography of the four rightly guided caliphs.
• Explain contributions made by the rightly guided caliphs.
• State the moral lessons from their biographies.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the sacrifices and leadership of Caliph Uthman (RA) and Caliph Ali (RA).
• Show respect for the rightly guided caliphs.

Psychomotor Domain

• Draw simple illustrations depicting events from the lives of the caliphs.

Social Domain

• Discuss the importance of unity and justice as exemplified by the caliphs.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Islamic Studies for Primary Schools, Book 4
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Pictures of ancient towns (Mecca, Medina)
• Pictures of Caliph Uthman (RA) and Caliph Ali (RA) (depictions)
• Video/audio clips (if available) showing historical narrations
• Whiteboard and markers
• Textbooks

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for pupils to understand the lives and contributions of two prominent rightly guided caliphs, Uthman (RA) and Ali (RA). Learning about their leadership and character helps pupils develop moral values and appreciate the early history of Islam. It provides historical context for Islamic practices and encourages emulation of their virtues.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the first two rightly guided caliphs, Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA).

Lesson Content/Board Summary

History And Biography: Rightly Guided Caliphs II

The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs (Al-Khulafa ar-Rashidun)

The four rightly guided caliphs were the first four leaders of the Muslim community after the passing of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). They led with justice, wisdom, and piety, following the teachings of Islam. They are:

1. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA)
2. Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA)
3. Uthman ibn Affan (RA)
4. Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)

Biography and Contributions of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (RA)

Uthman ibn Affan was the third rightly guided caliph. He was known for his generosity, modesty, and deep faith. He was called “Dhul-Nurayn” (the possessor of two lights) because he married two of Prophet Muhammad’s daughters, Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthum.

His major contributions include:

1. Standardization of the Quran: He ordered the compilation and standardization of the Holy Quran into one authoritative text, distributing copies to various Muslim regions. This preserved the Quran from differences in recitation.
2. Expansion of the Muslim Empire: During his caliphate, the Muslim empire expanded further, including parts of North Africa, Persia, and Central Asia.
3. Naval Fleet: He established the first Muslim naval fleet, which was important for defending Muslim territories and trade routes.
4. Public Works: He initiated several public works projects, such as expanding the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina and improving water sources.
5. Generosity: He was extremely generous, often spending his wealth to support the Muslim army and help the poor.

Biography and Contributions of Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)

Ali ibn Abi Talib was the fourth rightly guided caliph. He was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), marrying his daughter Fatimah (RA). Ali was known for his bravery, knowledge, wisdom, and eloquent speech. He was one of the first to accept Islam.

His major contributions include:

1. Justice and Equity: He was renowned for his strict adherence to justice and fairness in governance, ensuring that wealth was distributed equitably among Muslims.
2. Knowledge and Scholarship: Ali was a profound scholar and a source of knowledge, particularly in Islamic jurisprudence, Quranic exegesis, and Arabic language. Many sayings and teachings are attributed to him.
3. Military Prowess: He was a formidable warrior and a courageous leader in many early Islamic battles, earning the title “Asadullah” (Lion of Allah).
4. Simplicity and Piety: He lived a life of great simplicity and piety, setting an example for all Muslims.
5. Emphasis on Education: He encouraged learning and the pursuit of knowledge among Muslims.

Moral Lessons from their Biographies

The lives of Caliph Uthman (RA) and Caliph Ali (RA) teach us many important lessons:

1. Generosity and Sacrifice: Uthman (RA) showed us the importance of spending our wealth for good causes and helping others.
2. Preservation of Religion: Uthman’s (RA) work on the Quran teaches us the importance of preserving and protecting our religious texts and practices.
3. Justice and Fairness: Ali (RA) demonstrated that leaders must always be just and fair to everyone, regardless of their status.
4. Knowledge and Wisdom: Ali (RA) showed us the value of seeking knowledge and using wisdom in all our affairs.
5. Bravery and Courage: Both caliphs displayed immense courage in defending Islam and standing up for truth.
6. Modesty and Humility: They lived simple lives, teaching us to be humble and avoid arrogance.
7. Patience and Perseverance: They faced many challenges but remained patient and steadfast in their faith and duties.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Storytelling, Visual Aids, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Storytelling/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall the names of the first two rightly guided caliphs they learned about previously. The teacher then introduces the lesson by stating that today they will learn about the third and fourth caliphs.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA). They listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Recalling previous caliphs

Step 2: Introduction to the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Narration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reminds pupils about the concept of the rightly guided caliphs and lists all four of them, emphasizing their importance in Islamic history. The teacher uses pictures if available.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and repeat the names of the four caliphs after the teacher.

Learning Point: Names of caliphs

Step 3: Biography of Caliph Uthman (RA)

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Narration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates key events and characteristics of Caliph Uthman (RA)’s life, such as his generosity, his marriage to the Prophet’s daughters, and his leadership qualities. The teacher uses pictures of ancient towns to set the scene.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully to the narration and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Uthman’s life history

Step 4: Contributions of Caliph Uthman (RA)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the major contributions of Caliph Uthman (RA), focusing on the standardization of the Quran, expansion of the empire, and establishment of the naval fleet. The teacher encourages pupils to discuss the significance of these contributions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, discuss, and state some of Uthman’s contributions.

Learning Point: Uthman’s key contributions

Step 5: Biography of Caliph Ali (RA)

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Narration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates key events and characteristics of Caliph Ali (RA)’s life, such as his relationship with the Prophet (SAW), his bravery, and his wisdom. The teacher highlights his early acceptance of Islam.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and identify key aspects of Ali’s life.

Learning Point: Ali’s life history

Step 6: Contributions of Caliph Ali (RA)

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the major contributions of Caliph Ali (RA), focusing on his justice, scholarship, and military prowess. The teacher asks pupils to think about how these contributions impacted the Muslim community.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, discuss, and state some of Ali’s contributions.

Learning Point: Ali’s key contributions

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 the third rightly guided caliph?
2. Mention two contributions of Caliph Uthman (RA).
3. Who was the fourth rightly guided caliph?
4. State one moral lesson from the biography of Caliph Ali (RA).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding caliphs’ contributions

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes, including the biographies, contributions, and moral lessons of Uthman (RA) and Ali (RA), into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarization

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the lesson by reiterating the importance of learning from the lives of Caliph Uthman (RA) and Caliph Ali (RA) and encourages pupils to emulate their good qualities.

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

Learning Point: Reinforcing moral lessons

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Write a short paragraph about why Caliph Uthman (RA) was called “Dhul-Nurayn”.
2. List three moral lessons you learned from the biographies of Caliph Uthman (RA) and Caliph Ali (RA).
3. Imagine you were living during the time of Caliph Ali (RA). What is one thing you would admire most about his leadership?

Lesson Keywords

• Uthman (RA) – The third rightly guided caliph, known for standardizing the Quran.
• Ali (RA) – The fourth rightly guided caliph, known for his justice and knowledge.
• Dhul-Nurayn – A title for Uthman (RA) meaning “possessor of two lights” because he married two daughters of the Prophet.
• Quran standardization – The process ordered by Uthman (RA) to compile one authoritative copy of the Holy Quran.
• Justice – Fairness and righteousness, a key characteristic of Ali (RA)’s rule.
• Sirah – The biography of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and early Islamic history.

Differentiation

For struggling learners: Provide simplified summaries of the caliphs’ biographies and contributions. Use more visual aids and allow them to draw pictures related to the stories. Pair them with faster learners for discussion.
For advanced learners: Encourage them to research more details about specific events during the caliphates of Uthman (RA) and Ali (RA). Ask them to compare and contrast the leadership styles of the two caliphs and present their findings.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For videos on the biographies of Caliph Uthman and Caliph Ali, search on YouTube for: biography uthman ali islamic studies primary 4

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have visual aids like pictures of ancient towns and simple depictions of Caliph Uthman (RA) and Caliph Ali (RA). Begin by activating prior knowledge of the first two caliphs to build a foundation. Narrate the biographies and contributions clearly, using engaging storytelling techniques. Encourage pupils to participate by asking questions and sharing their thoughts. During the note-taking stage, guide pupils to copy the key points from the Board Summary accurately. Pay attention to individual pupil understanding, providing extra support for those who struggle and challenging faster learners with additional questions or research tasks. Ensure a positive and respectful learning environment when discussing these revered figures in Islamic history.