Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS1)
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: Islamic Religious Studies
Previous Lesson: Compilation of the Glorious Qur’an: Standardization Under the Third Caliph.
Topic: Definition and importance of Kalmatu Shahadah.
Subject Matter: definition of Kalmatu Shahadah, importance of Kalmatu Shahadah, meaning of Kalmatu Shahadah first part, implications of the first part of Kalmatu Shahadah, correct reading of the first part of Kalmatu Shahadah.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define Kalmatu Shahadah.
State the importance of Kalmatu Shahadah.
Explain the meaning of the first part of Kalmatu Shahadah.
Outline the implications of the first part of Kalmatu Shahadah.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the significance of Kalmatu Shahadah as the foundation of Islamic faith.
Show willingness to uphold the principles embedded in the Shahadah.

Psychomotor Domain:

Recite the first part of Kalmatu Shahadah correctly.

Promote unity and brotherhood among Muslims based on the shared declaration of faith.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Islamic Studies for Senior Secondary Schools 1

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Islamic studies text
Arabic script chart

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamental declaration of faith in Islam, Kalmatu Shahadah. It enables them to grasp its meaning and significance, which is essential for their practice as Muslims and for living by its principles.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of Islam and its fundamental beliefs.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Kalmatu Shahadah

Definition of Kalmatu Shahadah

Kalmatu Shahadah, also known as the Shahadah, is the Islamic declaration of faith. It is the first and most important of the Five Pillars of Islam, signifying a person’s belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad.

Importance of Kalmatu Shahadah

The following are the importance of Kalmatu Shahadah:

It is the first pillar of Islam and the gateway to becoming a Muslim.
It serves as the foundation of all Islamic beliefs and practices.
It clarifies the concept of Tawhid (oneness of Allah) and rejects polytheism.
It guides a Muslim’s entire life, shaping their worldview and actions.
It unites Muslims worldwide under a common declaration of faith.

Meaning of the First Part of Kalmatu Shahadah (La ilaha illa Allah)

The first part of the Kalmatu Shahadah is “La ilaha illa Allah” (لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ). This phrase means “There is no god worthy of worship except Allah.” It asserts the absolute oneness of Allah and denies the existence of any other deity or being deserving of worship.

Implications of the First Part of Kalmatu Shahadah

The following are the implications of the first part of Kalmatu Shahadah:

Absolute Monotheism (Tawhid): It establishes the belief in one unique God, Allah, who has no partners or equals.
Rejection of Idolatry: It necessitates the complete rejection of all forms of polytheism, idolatry, and worshipping anything other than Allah.
Total Submission: It implies that worship, obedience, and ultimate submission are due to Allah alone.
Source of Law: It means that Allah is the sole legislator and the ultimate source of all divine laws and guidance.
Inner Peace and Freedom: Believing in one God frees individuals from servitude to creation and gives them inner peace and dignity.

Correct Reading of the First Part of Kalmatu Shahadah

The correct reading of the first part of Kalmatu Shahadah is:

لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ

Transliteration: La ilaha illa Allah

It is important to pronounce each word clearly and with proper Arabic articulation.

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 what they understand by the term “faith” or “belief” in general terms.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by sharing their general understanding of faith and belief.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and their prior knowledge is activated.

Step 2: Definition of Kalmatu Shahadah

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the topic, defines Kalmatu Shahadah as the declaration of faith, and states that it is the first pillar of Islam.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and note down the definition.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic definition of Kalmatu Shahadah.

Step 3: Importance of Kalmatu Shahadah

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the various reasons why Kalmatu Shahadah is important in Islam, such as being the entry point to Islam and the foundation of faith.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion and list the points of importance.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the significance of Kalmatu Shahadah.

Step 4: Meaning of the First Part (La ilaha illa Allah)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Interpretation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes “La ilaha illa Allah” on the board, reads it, and explains its precise meaning: “There is no god worthy of worship except Allah.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read along and explain the meaning in their own words.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the core meaning of the first part of the Shahadah.

Step 5: Implications of the First Part

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to identify and discuss the implications of believing in “La ilaha illa Allah,” such as absolute monotheism and rejection of idolatry.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by listing implications and asking questions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the deeper consequences and responsibilities of affirming the first part of the Shahadah.

Step 6: Correct Reading of the First Part

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Drill
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses the Arabic script chart to demonstrate the correct pronunciation and reading of “La ilaha illa Allah” multiple times, emphasizing proper articulation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils repeat after the teacher, practicing the correct recitation individually and in chorus.
Learning Point: Pupils are able to recite the first part of Kalmatu Shahadah 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:

Define Kalmatu Shahadah.
State two importance of Kalmatu Shahadah.
What is the meaning of “La ilaha illa Allah”?
Mention two implications of the first part of Kalmatu Shahadah.

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 main points of the lesson, reiterating the definition, importance, meaning, and implications of Kalmatu Shahadah. The teacher assigns homework to research the second part of Kalmatu Shahadah.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils have a consolidated understanding of the lesson and are prepared for future learning.

Lesson Keywords

Kalmatu Shahadah – The Islamic declaration of faith.
Tawhid – The oneness of Allah.
Allah – The Arabic word for God.
Islam – The religion of submission to Allah.
Idolatry – Worshipping idols or anything other than Allah.

Differentiation

The teacher will provide additional support for pupils who struggle with Arabic pronunciation by working with them individually or in small groups. Advanced learners will be encouraged to research further implications or historical contexts of the Shahadah.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that pupils grasp the spiritual significance of the Shahadah, not just its linguistic meaning. Emphasize that it is a commitment that shapes a Muslim’s entire life. Encourage active participation and provide opportunities for pupils to articulate their understanding.