A Description of a Complete Raka’a, Takbir, Recitation, Ruku, Sujud, and Julus for JSS 1

Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1 / JS1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 3
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Religion Studies (Islamic Religion Studies)
Curriculum Theme: Islamic Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: The Attributes of Allah, 21-30.
Topic: A DESCRIPTION OF A COMPLETE RAKA’A
Subject Matter: Takbir, recitation, Ruku, Sujud, and Julus

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define what a Raka’a is in Salat.
• Identify the main components of a complete Raka’a.
• Explain the meaning and purpose of Takbir, Ruku’, Sujud, and Julus.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of performing each component of Salat correctly.
• Show willingness to learn and practice the correct postures and recitations.
• Develop a desire to offer Salat diligently.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Demonstrate the correct posture for Takbiratul Ihram.
• Demonstrate the correct posture for Ruku’ and its associated remembrance.
• Demonstrate the correct posture for Sujud and its associated remembrance.
• Demonstrate the correct sitting posture for Julus between the two prostrations.

Social Domain:

• Encourage their peers to perform Salat with proper Raka’a.
• Participate actively in group discussions about the proper way to pray.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Islamic Studies for Junior Secondary Schools Book 1
• https://islamqa.info/en/answers/39818/how-to-pray-the-prayer-salat-in-islam
• https://www.al-islam.org/printpdf/book/export/html/28221

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts or diagrams illustrating the postures of Salat
• Pictures showing the sequence of a Raka’a
• A prayer mat for demonstration
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it helps pupils understand the fundamental components of a Raka’a, which is the basic unit of Islamic prayer (Salat). Understanding these steps ensures that pupils can perform their daily prayers correctly and with proper devotion, making their worship acceptable to Allah.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have prior knowledge of what Salat is, its importance in Islam, and the general times for daily prayers.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

A DESCRIPTION OF A COMPLETE RAKA’A

A Raka’a is a unit of prayer in Islam, consisting of a set sequence of actions and recitations. A complete Salat is made up of a number of Raka’at.

Takbir (Allahu Akbar)

Takbir means “Allah is the Greatest”. It is used to begin the prayer (Takbiratul Ihram) and is also recited when moving from one posture to another in Salat. Takbiratul Ihram is said at the very beginning of the prayer, signalling the start of worship and prohibiting worldly actions.

Recitation (Qira’ah)

After Takbiratul Ihram, the worshipper recites Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by another short Surah or a few verses from the Qur’an. This recitation is done while standing (Qiyam).

Ruku’ (Bowing)

Ruku’ is the bowing posture in Salat. After recitation, the worshipper says “Allahu Akbar” and bows down, placing hands on the knees with a straight back. In this position, the worshipper says “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.

Sujud (Prostration)

Sujud is the act of prostration. After rising from Ruku’ and standing briefly, the worshipper says “Allahu Akbar” and prostrates, touching the ground with seven body parts: forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and the toes of both feet. In Sujud, the worshipper says “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.

Julus (Sitting)

Julus is the sitting posture between the two prostrations in a Raka’a. After the first Sujud, the worshipper says “Allahu Akbar” and sits up briefly before performing the second Sujud. In this sitting position, one may say “Rabbighfirli” (Oh Allah, forgive me).

Qur’an Reading

• Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening) – Recited in every Raka’a
• Surah Al-Ikhlas (The Purity)
• Surah An-Nas (Mankind)
• Surah Al-Falaq (Daybreak)
• Surah Al-Kausar (The Abundance)

Memory Verse

“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.” (Qur’an 4:103)

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 greets the pupils and reminds them of the previous lesson on the importance of Salat. The teacher then asks pupils to briefly mention what Salat is.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greeting and share their understanding of Salat.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are prepared for the new topic.

Step 2: Takbiratul Ihram

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces “Takbir” as the first step in a Raka’a, explaining its meaning and importance as “Takbiratul Ihram”. The teacher demonstrates the correct posture for saying “Allahu Akbar” at the start of prayer.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the demonstration, and practice saying “Allahu Akbar” with the correct posture.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can demonstrate Takbiratul Ihram.

Step 3: Recitation (Qira’ah)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Recitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that after Takbiratul Ihram, Surah Al-Fatiha and another short Surah are recited while standing. The teacher recites Surah Al-Fatiha and a short Surah as an example.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation and recitation, and they may attempt to recite along.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance of recitation in Qiyam (standing).

Step 4: Ruku’ (Bowing)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Ruku’ as bowing down and demonstrates the correct posture, including placing hands on knees and the remembrance (“Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem”).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and then practice the Ruku’ posture and its remembrance.
Learning Point: Pupils learn and can perform the Ruku’ posture correctly.

Step 5: Sujud (Prostration)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Sujud as prostration and demonstrates the correct posture, ensuring seven body parts touch the ground, and teaches the remembrance (“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and practice the Sujud posture and its remembrance.
Learning Point: Pupils learn and can perform the Sujud posture correctly.

Step 6: Julus (Sitting)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Julus as the sitting between the two prostrations and demonstrates the correct sitting posture.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and practice the Julus posture.
Learning Point: Pupils learn and can perform the Julus posture correctly.

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. What is a Raka’a in Salat?
2. Mention three main components of a complete Raka’a.
3. Demonstrate the posture for Ruku’.
4. What do we say during Sujud?

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

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson by reminding pupils about the key components of a Raka’a and emphasizes the importance of performing Salat correctly. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to practice these postures at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to practice.

Home Task: Write three lessons learned about A DESCRIPTION OF A COMPLETE RAKA’A and one suitable way to apply the teaching responsibly.

Lesson Keywords

• Raka’a – A unit of prayer in Islam, consisting of a sequence of actions and recitations.
• Takbir – Saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
• Takbiratul Ihram – The opening Takbir of Salat.
• Qira’ah – Recitation of the Qur’an while standing.
• Ruku’ – The bowing posture in Salat.
• Sujud – The prostration posture in Salat.
• Julus – The sitting posture between two prostrations.

Differentiation

For pupils who are fast learners, the teacher can ask them to explain the spiritual significance of each posture. For slower learners, the teacher will provide one-on-one assistance during practical demonstrations and use simpler language and more visual aids to explain each component.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure a calm and respectful atmosphere conducive to learning about religious practices. Emphasize the practical demonstration of each posture, allowing pupils ample time to practice under supervision. Use visual aids like charts or videos to enhance understanding. Encourage pupils to ask questions and clarify any doubts they may have regarding the performance of Salat.