Brief History of Sunni Schools of Law E.g. Imam Malik for Primary 6

Class: Primary 6
Term: Second Term
Week: 3
Age: 11 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Islamic Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Definition of Sadaqah (charity) Teacher Explains the Meaning and Definition of Sadaqah.
Topic: Brief History of Sunni Schools of Law E.g. Imam Malik
Subject Matter: Sunni Schools of Law and Imam Malik

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• List the four founders of the Sunni schools of law in Islam.
• Recount a brief story about each of the Sunni schools.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the contributions of the founders of the Sunni schools of law.
• Show respect for the different schools of thought in Islam.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Identify the names of the four main Sunni schools of law.
• Locate regions where different schools of law are prominent (e.g., Maliki in West Africa).

Social Domain:

• Discuss the importance of following Islamic law in daily life.
• Tolerate different interpretations of Islamic law among Muslims.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Islamic Religion Studies
• State Unified Scheme of Work for Primary 6 Islamic Religion Studies
• Islamic Religion Studies for Primary Schools, Book 6
• The Holy Quran
• Hadith collections

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Pictures of the four Imams (Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi’i, Ahmad ibn Hanbal)
• Map showing regions where different schools are prominent
• Chart listing the names of the Imams and their schools

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the different ways Islamic law is interpreted and applied, which is important for appreciating the diversity within Islam. It introduces them to the great scholars who dedicated their lives to preserving and explaining Islamic teachings, guiding Muslims in their daily lives.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah as sources of Islamic law. They should also know about the importance of following Islamic teachings.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Brief History of Sunni Schools of Law

Introduction to Sunni Schools of Law

Sunni schools of law are different ways Muslim scholars understood and applied Islamic law (Sharia) based on the Quran and the Sunnah (teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad). These schools provide guidance on how Muslims should live their lives.

The Four Founders of Sunni Schools of Law

The following are the four main founders of the Sunni schools of law:

• Imam Abu Hanifa (Hanafi School):

Born in Kufa, Iraq, in 80 AH (699 CE). He was a great scholar known for using reasoning and analogy to solve new problems. His school is the oldest and is widely followed in places like Turkey, Pakistan, India, and Central Asia.

• Imam Malik ibn Anas (Maliki School):

Born in Medina, Saudi Arabia, in 93 AH (711 CE). He lived in the city where Prophet Muhammad lived and taught. Imam Malik focused on the practices of the people of Medina and the Hadith. He wrote a famous book called “Al-Muwatta”. His school is followed in North Africa and West Africa (including Nigeria).

• Imam Muhammad ibn Idris ash-Shafi’i (Shafi’i School):

Born in Gaza, Palestine, in 150 AH (767 CE). He was a student of Imam Malik. Imam Shafi’i put a lot of importance on using Hadith and set clear rules for how to get laws from the Quran and Sunnah. His school is popular in Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of East Africa.

• Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Hanbali School):

Born in Baghdad, Iraq, in 164 AH (780 CE). He was a student of Imam Shafi’i. Imam Ahmad strongly believed in sticking strictly to the Quran and Sunnah. He collected many Hadith in his famous book “Musnad Ahmad”. His school is mainly followed in Saudi Arabia.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Brief History of Sunni Schools of Law

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they remember about sources of Islamic law (Quran and Sunnah). The teacher then introduces the topic by explaining that different scholars helped us understand these laws.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Introduction to Sunni Schools of Law

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what Sunni schools of law are in simple terms, emphasizing that they are different ways of understanding Islamic rules based on the Quran and Sunnah.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic concept of Sunni schools of law.

Step 3: Imam Malik ibn Anas (Maliki School)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows a picture of Imam Malik and tells a brief story about his life, his focus on the practices of Medina, and his book “Al-Muwatta”. The teacher also mentions regions where the Maliki school is followed, especially in West Africa.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the picture, listen to the story, and identify the Maliki school as important in their region.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about Imam Malik and the Maliki school.

Step 4: Imam Abu Hanifa (Hanafi School)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows a picture of Imam Abu Hanifa and briefly explains his life, his emphasis on reasoning, and where his school is popular.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note down key points about Imam Abu Hanifa and the Hanafi school.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about Imam Abu Hanifa and the Hanafi school.

Step 5: Imam Muhammad ibn Idris ash-Shafi’i (Shafi’i School)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows a picture of Imam Shafi’i, explains his life, his connection to Imam Malik, and his focus on Hadith, mentioning regions where his school is followed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and learn about Imam Shafi’i and the Shafi’i school.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about Imam Shafi’i and the Shafi’i school.

Step 6: Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Hanbali School)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows a picture of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, explains his life, his strict adherence to the Quran and Sunnah, and his Hadith collection.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the key aspects of Imam Ahmad and the Hanbali school.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and the Hanbali school.

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 are the four founders of the Sunni schools of law?
2. Which Imam is known for his book “Al-Muwatta” and is followed in West Africa?
3. Mention one characteristic of Imam Abu Hanifa’s approach to law.
4. Why is it important to know about these schools of law?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of respecting different interpretations within Islam. The teacher gives homework: “Find out one country where each of the four schools of law is primarily followed.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given a task to reinforce understanding.

Home Task: Write three lessons learned about Brief History of Sunni Schools of Law E.g. Imam Malik and one suitable way to apply the teaching responsibly.

Lesson Keywords

• Sunni – The largest branch of Islam, whose followers are called Sunnis.
• Schools of Law (Madhahib) – Different ways scholars have understood and applied Islamic law.
• Imam – A leader in Islamic worship or a respected religious scholar.
• Maliki – A school of Islamic law founded by Imam Malik.
• Hanafi – A school of Islamic law founded by Imam Abu Hanifa.
• Shafi’i – A school of Islamic law founded by Imam Shafi’i.
• Hanbali – A school of Islamic law founded by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.
• Sharia – Islamic law derived from the Quran and the Sunnah.
• Hadith – Sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad.

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide simplified notes and pair them with stronger pupils for peer support. Advanced pupils will be encouraged to research more about one of the Imams and present their findings to the class.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that the stories of the Imams are kept simple and relatable for Primary 6 pupils. Emphasize the unity of Islam despite different interpretations in law. Use visual aids like pictures and a map to make the lesson more engaging and help pupils visualize the spread of these schools. Encourage respectful discussion about the diversity within Islamic thought.