Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 10
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: Islamic Religious Studies
Previous Lesson: The Glorious Qur’an: Suratul Bayyinah to Suratul Adiyat Reading and Commentary.
Topic: Fiqhu
Subject Matter: Implications of the six articles of faith, belief in Prophets, belief in the Last Day, belief in destiny, effects of Iman on character and behaviour

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define Iman and state the Six Articles of Faith.
Explain the implications of believing in Prophets.
Describe the concept and implications of belief in the Last Day.
Outline the meaning and implications of belief in destiny (Qadar).
Identify the effects of strong Iman on a Muslim’s character and behaviour.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of having strong faith (Iman) in daily life.
Value the guidance provided by Prophets of Allah.
Accept Allah’s decree and destiny with contentment.
Develop a desire to live according to the tenets of Iman.

Psychomotor Domain:

Apply the principles of the Articles of Faith in their personal conduct.
Demonstrate actions that reflect a strong belief in the Last Day.
Practice patience and perseverance in line with belief in destiny.
Illustrate positive character traits as a result of strong Iman.

Discuss the Articles of Faith respectfully with peers.
Share understanding of how Iman fosters positive social behaviour.
Promote ethical conduct within their community based on Islamic teachings.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Islamic Religious Studies.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Islamic Religious Studies (SSS 1).
Islamic Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1 by AbdulSalam, A.B.
https://nigerianscholars.com/lesson-note-for-jss-1-3-and-sss-1-3-islamic-religious-studies/
https://dailytrust.com/nigerian-islamic-scholars-seek-strengthening-of-islamic-education/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Iman charts showing the Six Articles of Faith.
Islamic studies textbook.
Whiteboard/Blackboard and markers/chalk.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamental beliefs of Islam, known as the Articles of Faith. It enables them to connect these core beliefs to their everyday actions and character, fostering a strong foundation for their Islamic practice and personal development.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are assumed to have prior knowledge of the basic tenets of Islam and the importance of faith in a Muslim’s life.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Fiqhu: The Articles of Faith (Aqidah)

1. Definition of Iman and Articles of Faith

Iman (Faith) in Islam means to believe with the heart, confess with the tongue, and act with the limbs. The Articles of Faith (Aqidah) are the fundamental beliefs that a Muslim must hold to be considered a true believer.

2. The Six Articles of Faith

The six articles of faith are:

Belief in Allah (God).
Belief in His Angels.
Belief in His Books (revealed scriptures).
Belief in His Prophets and Messengers.
Belief in the Last Day (Day of Judgment).
Belief in Divine Decree (Al-Qadar), both good and bad.

3. Implications of Belief in the Six Articles of Faith

a. Belief in Allah:

Implications include worshipping Him alone, obeying His commands, trusting in His wisdom, and being grateful for His blessings.

b. Belief in Angels:

Implications include understanding that angels record deeds, that they are messengers of Allah, and that they perform various duties as commanded by Allah. This encourages good deeds and discourages evil.

c. Belief in Books:

Implications include accepting all revealed scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel, Quran), following the teachings of the Quran as the final and complete revelation, and recognizing the consistency of divine messages.

d. Belief in Prophets:

Implications include accepting all prophets sent by Allah, following the teachings and examples of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the last prophet, and striving to embody their moral conduct.

e. Belief in the Last Day:

Implications include being mindful of accountability for actions, striving to do good deeds, avoiding sins, and preparing for the afterlife through worship and righteousness. This includes belief in resurrection, judgment, heaven, and hell.

f. Belief in Destiny (Al-Qadar):

Implications include accepting whatever befalls one, both good and bad, with patience and gratitude; striving to do one’s best while relying on Allah; and understanding that Allah has knowledge of all things. It promotes reliance on Allah and discourages despair or arrogance.

4. Effects of Iman on Character and Behaviour

Strong Iman has several positive effects on a Muslim’s character and behaviour:

It instills Taqwa (God-consciousness), leading to avoidance of sins.
It promotes honesty, truthfulness, and integrity in all dealings.
It fosters patience, perseverance, and reliance on Allah in times of hardship.
It encourages kindness, compassion, generosity, and justice towards others.
It develops humility, gratitude, and contentment.
It motivates a Muslim to strive for excellence in worship and good deeds.
It provides inner peace and mental stability.

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 asks them to briefly define “faith” in their own words, relating it to their daily lives or general beliefs.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils offer various definitions of faith.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and their prior knowledge of faith is activated.

Step 2: Explanation of Iman and Articles of Faith

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Lecture
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines Iman in the Islamic context and introduces the concept of the Six Articles of Faith, listing them on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask clarifying questions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the definition of Iman and the specific Articles of Faith.

Step 3: Discussion on Belief in Prophets

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher initiates a discussion on belief in Prophets, explaining its implications and asking pupils to mention some prophets and their roles. The teacher highlights the importance of following Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss, mention prophets, and contribute to understanding the implications of believing in them.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the significance and implications of belief in Prophets.

Step 4: Exploring Belief in the Last Day

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of the Last Day, including resurrection, judgment, heaven, and hell. The teacher discusses how this belief impacts a Muslim’s actions in this life.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions about the Last Day, and reflect on its implications for their conduct.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the concept of the Last Day and its role in encouraging good deeds.

Step 5: Understanding Belief in Destiny (Qadar)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Clarification/Problem-solving
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of belief in destiny (Al-Qadar), clarifying that it involves Allah’s knowledge and decree, not coercion. The teacher discusses how this belief promotes patience, gratitude, and reliance on Allah.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, engage in a brief discussion about destiny, and understand its implications for their attitude towards life’s events.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of Qadar and its positive influence on character.

Step 6: Effects of Iman on Character and Behaviour

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Enumeration/Synthesis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes and lists the various positive effects of strong Iman on a Muslim’s character and behaviour, encouraging pupils to relate these to their own lives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils note down the effects and reflect on how they can embody these traits.
Learning Point: Pupils identify the practical benefits of strong faith in shaping their character.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define Iman.
List the Six Articles of Faith in Islam.
State two implications of believing in Prophets.
Explain the concept of belief in the Last Day.
Mention three effects of strong Iman on a Muslim’s character.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of understanding and living by the Articles of Faith for a complete Muslim life. The teacher assigns homework: “Write an essay on ‘How belief in the Last Day influences a Muslim’s daily actions’.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further reflection.

Lesson Keywords

Iman – Faith; to believe with the heart, confess with the tongue, and act with the limbs.
Aqidah – Islamic creed or articles of faith.
Prophets – Messengers sent by Allah to guide humanity.
Last Day – The Day of Judgment when all will be resurrected and accounted for their deeds.
Destiny (Qadar) – Divine Decree; Allah’s knowledge and planning of all things.
Taqwa – God-consciousness; awareness of Allah in all actions.

Differentiation

The teacher will provide additional support for struggling learners through simplified explanations and one-on-one guidance. Advanced learners will be encouraged to research and present further details on the implications of each article of faith or discuss complex scenarios related to Qadar.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that the explanation of divine decree (Qadar) emphasizes human free will and responsibility for actions, avoiding any misconception of fatalism. Encourage pupils to internalize these beliefs as they are foundational to Islamic practice.