Lesson Note on Fasting: Meaning, Values and Relevant Texts for SSS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 4
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: Pillars of Islam
Previous Lesson: Islamic History: Prophet’s Political Administration Features.
Topic: Fasting (Sawm)
Subject Matter: Meaning of fasting (Sawm) (abstaining from food, drink and sinful acts from dawn to sunset for Allah), values of fasting, relevant verses, relevant Hadith of the Holy Prophet (SAW) on fasting

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define fasting (Sawm) in Islam.
• State the meaning of Sawm.
• Identify at least four values of fasting.
• Recall relevant verses from the Qur’an and Hadith on fasting.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of self-discipline, piety, and compassion through fasting.
• Develop a desire to observe fasting correctly according to Islamic teachings.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Recite relevant Qur’anic verses and Hadith about fasting.
• Mention examples of good conduct expected from a Muslim during fasting.

Social Domain:

• Promote a sense of compassion and unity within the Muslim community by understanding the purpose of fasting.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Qur’an and Hadith texts
• Islamic Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2
• https://www.islamicfinder.org/knowledge/fasting/
• https://www.abuaminaelias.com/the-benefits-of-fasting-in-islam/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Copies of the Holy Qur’an
• Hadith collections (e.g., Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
• Charts displaying key Qur’anic verses and Hadith on fasting

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding fasting is important because it is one of the five pillars of Islam, teaching Muslims self-control and empathy. This lesson helps pupils grasp the spiritual and social benefits of fasting in their daily lives.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have a basic understanding of Islam as a religion and its fundamental acts of worship, including the concept of pillars of Islam.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Fasting (Sawm)

Meaning of Fasting (Sawm)

Fasting, known as Sawm in Arabic, is an act of worship in Islam that involves abstaining from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). It also requires abstaining from sinful acts like lying, backbiting, and quarrelling, with the intention of pleasing Allah (SWT).

Values of Fasting

Fasting instills several important values in a Muslim:

• Self-discipline: It teaches control over desires and bodily needs.
• Piety (Taqwa): It increases one’s consciousness of Allah and fear of displeasing Him.
• Compassion and Empathy: It helps Muslims feel the hunger and thirst of the less fortunate, fostering charity.
• Patience (Sabr): It strengthens endurance and perseverance in the face of hardship.
• Gratitude: It makes one appreciate Allah’s blessings of food and drink.
• Spiritual Purification: It cleanses the soul from sins and draws one closer to Allah.
• Health Benefits: It can improve physical health when observed correctly.

Relevant Qur’anic Verses on Fasting

Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Qur’an:

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183): “O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous.”
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185): “The month of Ramadhan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion. So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month, he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month…”

Relevant Hadith of the Holy Prophet (SAW) on Fasting

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

• “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and hope for reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
• “Fasting is a shield; so, when one of you is fasting, he should not use foul language or act ignorantly. If someone fights with him or insults him, he should say, ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.'” (Bukhari and Muslim)
• “There are two joys for the fasting person: the joy when he breaks his fast, and the joy when he meets his Lord.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Good Conduct During Fasting

During fasting, a Muslim should strive to exhibit exemplary behaviour:

• Avoid all sinful acts such as lying, backbiting, slandering, and quarrelling.
• Engage in extra acts of worship like reciting the Qur’an, performing voluntary prayers (Nawafil), and making supplications (Du’a).
• Be charitable and help those in need.
• Control anger and maintain a calm disposition.
• Be mindful of one’s words and actions.
• Avoid excessive eating at Sahur (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking of fast).

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils if they know any of the pillars of Islam and asks them to mention them. The teacher then introduces fasting as one of these pillars.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning the pillars of Islam and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are reminded of the pillars of Islam and introduced to the topic of fasting.

Step 2: Explanation of the Meaning of Fasting (Sawm)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of Sawm, emphasizing abstaining from food, drink, sexual intercourse, and sinful acts from dawn to sunset with the intention of pleasing Allah.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the comprehensive definition of fasting in Islam.

Step 3: Discussion of the Values of Fasting

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the values of fasting, such as self-discipline, piety, compassion, patience, and gratitude, linking them to real-life scenarios.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion, share their insights, and note down the values.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the spiritual and moral benefits of fasting.

Step 4: Presentation of Relevant Qur’anic Verses

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recitation/Reference
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes and recites relevant Qur’anic verses (e.g., Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183, 2:185) on the board and explains their significance to fasting.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, recite after the teacher, and copy the verses into their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils connect the practice of fasting to divine commands in the Qur’an.

Step 5: Presentation of Relevant Hadith

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Reference
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates and explains relevant Hadith of the Holy Prophet (SAW) concerning fasting and its rewards.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions, and note down the key Hadith.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the prophetic guidance and rewards associated with fasting.

Step 6: Explanation of Good Conduct During Fasting

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of good conduct during fasting, mentioning specific examples like avoiding backbiting, lying, and engaging in extra acts of worship.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and list examples of good conduct during fasting.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how to maintain spiritual integrity while fasting.

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. Define Sawm (Fasting) in Islam.
2. List three values a Muslim gains from fasting.
3. Quote any Qur’anic verse that encourages fasting.
4. Mention two Hadith related to fasting.
5. State three examples of good conduct expected from a Muslim during fasting.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson and assigns homework: “Research other types of fasts in Islam besides the obligatory fast of Ramadan.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to explore further.

Lesson Keywords

• Sawm – The Arabic term for fasting in Islam.
• Ramadan – The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast.
• Taqwa – Piety or God-consciousness.
• Iftar – The meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast after sunset.
• Sahur – The pre-dawn meal eaten by Muslims before starting their fast.
• Hadith – Sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research and present on the conditions and exemptions for fasting. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and pair them with stronger pupils for peer learning and clarification.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have copies of the Qur’an and Hadith available for reference. Emphasize the spiritual aspects of fasting beyond mere abstention from food and drink. Encourage pupils to reflect on how fasting can improve their character and relationship with Allah and their community. Practical examples of good conduct during fasting should be discussed to make the lesson relatable.