Correct recitation and memorisation of Surah al-Fil for Primary 4

Class: Primary 4
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 9 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Studies
Curriculum Theme: Qur’an and Tajwid
Focal competence: Reciting the suwar correctly
Key competencies/values: Communication; ICT and Digital Competencies
Skills:

• Memorising the Arabic texts of the selected Suwar

Previous Lesson: Correct recitation and memorisation of Surah Quraysh
Topic: Recitation Of Selected Suwar: Al-Fil
Subject Matter: Correct recitation and memorisation of Surah al-Fil

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Recite Surah al-Fil correctly with proper pronunciation.
• Identify key pronunciation points within Surah al-Fil.

Psychomotor Domain

• Memorise Surah al-Fil in manageable verse units.
• Demonstrate the ability to recite Surah al-Fil from memory.

Affective Domain

• Show enthusiasm for learning and memorising the Qur’an.
• Appreciate the importance of correct recitation of the Qur’an.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Islamic Studies textbook for Primary 4
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Audio-visual device (e.g., projector, speaker, tablet)
• Audio recording of Surah al-Fil by a renowned Qari (reciter)
• Copies of the Glorious Qur’an for each pupil or in groups
• Whiteboard/Blackboard and markers/chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for pupils to develop a strong foundation in Qur’anic recitation and memorisation. Learning Surah al-Fil correctly helps pupils connect with the divine message and apply basic Tajwid rules, which are essential for understanding and practising Islam. It also builds their confidence in reciting the Qur’an.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of Arabic letters and sounds, and some experience with memorising short Surahs from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Recitation Of Selected Suwar: Al-Fil

Introduction to Surah al-Fil

Surah al-Fil (The Elephant) is the 105th chapter of the Qur’an, consisting of 5 verses. It is a Makkan Surah, meaning it was revealed in Makkah before the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Madinah. The Surah recounts the historical event of Abraha’s army of elephants attempting to destroy the Ka’bah in Makkah, and how Allah protected His sacred House from them.

Surah al-Fil: Arabic Text, Transliteration, and Meaning

For correct recitation and memorisation, Surah al-Fil is presented in manageable verse units:

1. Arabic: أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِأَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ

   Transliteration: Alam tara kayfa fa’ala Rabbuka bi’as-haabil-Feel?

   Meaning: Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the owners of the elephant?

2. Arabic: أَلَمْ يَجْعَلْ كَيْدَهُمْ فِي تَضْلِيلٍ

   Transliteration: Alam yaj’al kaydahum fee tadleel?

   Meaning: Did He not make their plot go astray?

3. Arabic: وَأَرْسَلَ عَلَيْهِمْ طَيْرًا أَبَابِيلَ

   Transliteration: Wa arsala ‘alayhim tayran abaabeel

   Meaning: And He sent against them birds in flocks,

4. Arabic: تَرْمِيهِم بِحِجَارَةٍ مِّن سِجِّيلٍ

   Transliteration: Tarmeehim bihijaratim min sijjeel

   Meaning: Striking them with stones of hard clay,

5. Arabic: فَجَعَلَهُمْ كَعَصْفٍ مَّأْكُولٍ

   Transliteration: Faja’alahum ka’asfim ma’kool.

   Meaning: And He made them like eaten straw.

Tips for Correct Recitation and Memorisation

1. Listen Actively: Listen carefully to the teacher’s recitation or an audio recording of Surah al-Fil. Pay attention to the sound of each letter and word.
2. Repeat After the Teacher: Repeat each verse or phrase several times immediately after the teacher. This helps in mimicking the correct pronunciation.
3. Focus on Makharij (Articulation Points): Pay attention to how each letter is pronounced, especially letters like ‘ق’ (qaf), ‘ك’ (kaf), ‘ح’ (ha), ‘ه’ (ha), ‘ص’ (saad), ‘س’ (seen), ‘ز’ (zay).
4. Observe Madd (Elongation): Note where letters are elongated (stretched) and for how long, such as in “Feel” (فِيلِ) and “tadleel” (تَضْلِيلٍ).
5. Memorise in Small Units: Break the Surah into one or two verses at a time. Memorise the first part perfectly before moving to the next.
6. Regular Practice: Recite the Surah frequently, both individually and in groups, to reinforce memorisation.
7. Understand the Meaning: Knowing the meaning of the verses can help in recalling the Arabic text.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Repetition, Question and Answer, Explanation, Individual Practice, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating Prior Knowledge/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall any short Surahs they have memorised. The teacher then introduces Surah al-Fil, briefly explaining its name and the story it tells.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction of Surah al-Fil.

Learning Point: Introduction to Surah al-Fil

Step 2: Teacher Models Recitation (Verse 1 & 2)

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays an audio recitation of Surah al-Fil (verses 1-2) using the audio-visual device. The teacher then models the correct recitation of verses 1 and 2 of Surah al-Fil, focusing on clear pronunciation and intonation. The teacher repeats each verse several times.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully to the audio and the teacher’s recitation, observing the pronunciation.

Learning Point: Correct recitation modelling

Step 3: Guided Repetition and Practice (Verse 1 & 2)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Repetition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the pupils in repeating verses 1 and 2 in unison, then in smaller groups, and finally individually. The teacher corrects any pronunciation errors immediately.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils repeat verses 1 and 2 after the teacher, first in unison, then in groups, and individually, striving for correct pronunciation.

Learning Point: Practice of verses 1-2

Step 4: Teacher Models Recitation (Verse 3 & 4)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays an audio recitation of Surah al-Fil (verses 3-4). The teacher then models the correct recitation of verses 3 and 4, again emphasising pronunciation and intonation. The teacher repeats each verse multiple times.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully to the audio and the teacher’s recitation of verses 3 and 4.

Learning Point: Recitation of verses 3-4

Step 5: Guided Repetition and Practice (Verse 3 & 4)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Repetition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to repeat verses 3 and 4 in unison, then in groups, and individually. The teacher provides immediate feedback and corrections.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils repeat verses 3 and 4, focusing on accurate pronunciation and beginning to memorise.

Learning Point: Practice of verses 3-4

Step 6: Teacher Models and Guides Recitation (Verse 5 & Full Surah)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher models verse 5 and then the entire Surah al-Fil. The teacher then guides pupils to recite the entire Surah together, encouraging them to try reciting from memory where possible.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils repeat verse 5 and then attempt to recite the full Surah al-Fil, with and without looking at the text.

Learning Point: Full Surah recitation

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. Recite the first two verses of Surah al-Fil.
2. Recite the entire Surah al-Fil from memory.
3. What is the meaning of “al-Fil”?
4. Why is it important to recite the Qur’an correctly?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Surah al-Fil recitation check

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 on Surah al-Fil’s Arabic text, transliteration, and meaning into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording Surah al-Fil notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher congratulates the pupils on their effort and encourages them to continue practising Surah al-Fil at home to perfect their memorisation and recitation. The teacher reminds them of the blessings of reciting the Qur’an.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge the teacher’s concluding remarks.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of memorisation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Practice reciting and memorising Surah al-Fil at home. Be prepared to recite it perfectly in the next lesson.

1. Recite Surah al-Fil to your parents or an elder at home.
2. Write out Surah al-Fil in Arabic in your notebook.
3. Write the meaning of Surah al-Fil in your own words.

Lesson Keywords

• Surah – A chapter of the Qur’an.
• Al-Fil – The Arabic name for “The Elephant,” referring to Surah 105.
• Recitation – The act of reading aloud, especially from the Qur’an.
• Memorisation – The process of learning something by heart.
• Tajwid – The rules governing the correct pronunciation of the Qur’an.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, provide additional one-on-one or small group support, focusing on one verse at a time with more repetition. Use visual aids to help them track the words. For faster learners, challenge them to recite the Surah with better flow and intonation, or encourage them to learn the meaning of each word in Arabic.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding and practice, pupils can watch videos on YouTube by searching for: Surah al-Fil recitation for kids Primary 4

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure your audio-visual equipment is working and you have a clear audio recording of Surah al-Fil. Have enough copies of the Qur’an or printed Surah al-Fil for pupils. Begin by engaging pupils with a brief story or context of Surah al-Fil to pique their interest. Follow the step-by-step procedure, dedicating ample time to modelling and guided practice for each verse or small portion. Pay close attention to individual pupil’s pronunciation and provide immediate, gentle corrections. Encourage active participation from all pupils. Pupils should copy the Board Summary notes after the main teaching and practice activities, during Step 8. Conclude the lesson by reiterating the importance of correct recitation and memorisation and assigning homework for continuous practice.