Meaning and Importance of Kalimatus Shahada for JSS 1

Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1 / JS1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 4
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme:
Previous Lesson: Recitation, Memorisation and Writing of Suratul Tariq, Buruj and Inshiqaq.
Topic: KALIMATUS SHAHADA
Subject Matter: The meaning and significance of the religion with particular reference to Islam

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define Kalimatus Shahada.
• State the meaning of Kalimatus Shahada.
• Explain the importance of Kalimatus Shahada in Islam.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the significance of Kalimatus Shahada as a declaration of faith.
• Show respect for the religious beliefs of others.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Recite Kalimatus Shahada correctly.
• Write Kalimatus Shahada in its transliterated form.

Social Domain:

• Discuss how understanding Kalimatus Shahada can foster religious tolerance.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• National Values Education for Junior Secondary Schools 1
• https://www.islamicfinder.org/islamic-articles/kalima-shahada-meaning-importance/
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shahadah

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A chart showing Kalimatus Shahada in Arabic and its English translation.
• Flashcards with key terms.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand a core declaration of faith in Islam, Kalimatus Shahada. Understanding this concept promotes knowledge of diverse religious practices and encourages religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among pupils.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of different religions practiced in Nigeria.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Kalimatus Shahada: Meaning and Significance

Definition of Kalimatus Shahada

Kalimatus Shahada, often shortened to Shahada, is the first and most important of the five pillars of Islam. It is a declaration of faith, verbally affirming one’s belief in Islam.

Meaning of Kalimatus Shahada

The full statement of Kalimatus Shahada is: “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah.”

This translates to:

• La ilaha illallah – “There is no god but Allah.”
• Muhammadur Rasulullah – “Muhammad is His messenger.”

Significance of Kalimatus Shahada

Kalimatus Shahada holds immense significance in Islam for several reasons:

• Declaration of Faith: It is the primary declaration that identifies a person as a Muslim. Reciting it sincerely is the first step to converting to Islam.
• First Pillar of Islam: It forms the foundation upon which all other pillars of Islam (Salat, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj) are built.
• Tawhid (Oneness of Allah): The first part, “La ilaha illallah,” emphasizes the absolute oneness of God (Allah) and rejects any form of polytheism or idol worship.
• Risalah (Prophethood of Muhammad): The second part, “Muhammadur Rasulullah,” affirms belief in Muhammad as the final prophet and messenger of Allah, completing the chain of prophethood.
• Guidance and Purpose: It provides Muslims with a clear sense of purpose and direction, reminding them of their ultimate devotion to Allah and adherence to His teachings through Prophet Muhammad.

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 mention some religions practiced in Nigeria. The teacher then introduces the topic, Kalimatus Shahada, as a core aspect of Islam.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning various religions like Christianity and Islam. They listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and recall prior knowledge of religions.

Step 2: Explanation of Kalimatus Shahada

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines Kalimatus Shahada as the declaration of faith in Islam, using the chart to show its Arabic form and English translation. The teacher emphasizes it as the first pillar of Islam.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the chart, and write down the definition in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic definition and nature of Kalimatus Shahada.

Step 3: Meaning of Kalimatus Shahada

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher breaks down the Kalimatus Shahada into its two main parts: “La ilaha illallah” and “Muhammadur Rasulullah.” The teacher explains the meaning of each part in detail.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and note down the meaning of each phrase.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the specific meaning of each component of the declaration.

Step 4: Significance of Kalimatus Shahada (Part 1)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the significance of Kalimatus Shahada as a declaration of faith and the first step for anyone embracing Islam. The teacher highlights its role as the foundation of the other pillars.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute to the discussion by sharing their understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils understand its importance as a declaration and foundation.

Step 5: Significance of Kalimatus Shahada (Part 2)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher further explains the significance, focusing on Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) and Risalah (Prophethood of Muhammad), and how it gives Muslims purpose.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, writing down key points on Tawhid and Risalah.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the deeper theological implications of the Shahada.

Step 6: Recitation and Writing

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides the pupils to recite Kalimatus Shahada correctly. The teacher also shows them how to write its transliterated form on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice reciting the Shahada and copy its transliterated form into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical ability in reciting and writing the Shahada.

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 Kalimatus Shahada?
2. State the two main parts of Kalimatus Shahada.
3. Explain the meaning of “La ilaha illallah.”
4. Mention two significances of Kalimatus Shahada in Islam.

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, reiterating the definition and significance of Kalimatus Shahada. The teacher then gives homework: “Research and write down the remaining four pillars of Islam.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given tasks to extend their knowledge.

Home Task: Write three lessons learned about KALIMATUS SHAHADA and one suitable way to apply the teaching responsibly.

Lesson Keywords

• Kalimatus Shahada – The declaration of faith in Islam.
• Islam – A monotheistic religion founded by Prophet Muhammad.
• Tawhid – The oneness of God (Allah) in Islam.
• Risalah – The concept of prophethood in Islam.
• Declaration of Faith – A statement affirming one’s belief in a religion.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research the historical context of the Shahada. For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide simplified explanations and individual guidance, using flashcards for repeated practice of the phrases and their meanings.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that the topic is taught with sensitivity and respect for all religious beliefs. Emphasize that understanding different religions fosters tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Encourage an open classroom environment where pupils feel comfortable asking questions about diverse religious practices.