Virtuous Conducts in Islam, Selflessness for Primary 5

Class: Primary 5
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Age: 10 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Islamic Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: The Purpose of Zakat in Islam.
Topic: Virtuous Conducts in Islam – Selflessness
Subject Matter: SELFLESSNESS

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define selflessness (Al-Ithar) in Islam.
• Identify the characteristics of a selfless Muslim.
• Explain what selfishness is and its negative impacts.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of selflessness in daily life.
• Desire to practice selfless acts.
• Reject selfish attitudes.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Give examples of selfless actions.
• Suggest practical ways to eradicate selfishness and cultivate selflessness.

Social Domain:

• Promote selflessness within their families and communities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Islamic Religion Studies for Primary Schools, Book 5
• The Holy Qur’an
• Hadith Collections (e.g., Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Chalkboard and chalk
• Charts showing examples of selfless acts
• Pictures depicting selfless and selfish behaviors
• Copies of relevant Quranic verses and Hadith

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the Islamic virtue of selflessness, which promotes generosity and care for others. It enables them to recognize and overcome selfish tendencies, fostering a more harmonious and compassionate society as taught in Islam.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of good character traits in Islam and understand the importance of helping others.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Virtuous Conducts in Islam – Selflessness

What is Selflessness (Al-Ithar)?

Selflessness, known as Al-Ithar in Arabic, is a virtuous conduct in Islam. It means putting the needs and welfare of others before one’s own, even when one is in need. It is about being generous and sacrificing for the sake of Allah and fellow human beings.

Characteristics of a Selfless Muslim

The following are characteristics of a selfless Muslim:

• They share what they have with others.
• They prioritize others’ comfort over their own.
• They are generous and kind.
• They do not expect anything in return for their good deeds.
• They are patient and forgiving.
• They are humble and avoid showing off.

Understanding Selfishness

Selfishness is the opposite of selflessness. It is a negative character trait where a person thinks only about themselves, their own desires, and their own benefits, without considering others. A selfish person is unwilling to share or help others, especially if it means a personal loss or inconvenience.

Negative Effects of Selfishness

The following are negative effects of selfishness:

• It leads to greed and stinginess.
• It causes disunity and conflict among people.
• It makes a person unpopular and disliked.
• It prevents a person from earning rewards from Allah.
• It can lead to loneliness and unhappiness.

Ways to Eradicate Selfishness and Cultivate Selflessness

The following are ways to eradicate selfishness and cultivate selflessness:

• Remembering that Allah rewards those who are selfless.
• Practicing sharing and giving regularly.
• Thinking about the needs of others before one’s own.
• Reading and reflecting on stories of selfless prophets and companions.
• Praying to Allah to remove selfishness from one’s heart.
• Participating in community service and helping the less fortunate.

Islamic Teachings on Selflessness

Islam strongly encourages selflessness. The Quran and Hadith teach Muslims to be generous and to care for others.

Memory Verse

Surah Al-Hashr (59:9): “And [they are] those who were settled in the home [of emigration] and [in] the faith before them, who love those who emigrated to them and find not in their breasts any need from that which these [emigrants] were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they were in poverty. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul – it is those who will be the successful.”

Quranic/Hadith References

• The Holy Qur’an: Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261-262)
• Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

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 recall some good character traits in Islam. The teacher then introduces the topic “Selflessness” as a virtuous conduct.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings and recall good character traits. They listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are reminded of good character and introduced to the topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Selflessness

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines selflessness (Al-Ithar) using simple terms and gives examples like sharing food or helping a friend in need. The teacher also explains the characteristics of a selfless Muslim.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification. They also provide their own examples of selfless acts.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning and characteristics of selflessness.

Step 3: Discussion on Selfishness

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what selfishness is, contrasting it with selflessness. The teacher then leads a discussion on the negative effects of selfishness on individuals and the community.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their understanding of selfishness and discuss its negative consequences.
Learning Point: Pupils identify selfishness and its harmful impacts.

Step 4: Ways to Eradicate Selfishness and Cultivate Selflessness

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Brainstorming/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to suggest ways they can stop being selfish and start being more selfless. The teacher guides them by providing additional practical methods.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate by suggesting ways to overcome selfishness and embrace selflessness.
Learning Point: Pupils learn practical steps to develop selflessness.

Step 5: Islamic Teachings on Selflessness

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Recitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reads out the memory verse (Surah Al-Hashr 59:9) and other relevant Quranic verses or Hadith that emphasize selflessness. The teacher explains the meaning in simple terms.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the recitation and explanation, understanding the Islamic perspective on selflessness.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the religious basis and importance of selflessness in Islam.

Step 6: Practical Application

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to think of one selfless act they can do before the next class and encourages them to put the lesson into practice.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils reflect on potential selfless acts they can perform.
Learning Point: Pupils are encouraged to apply the lesson practically.

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 selflessness (Al-Ithar)?
2. Mention three characteristics of a selfless Muslim.
3. Explain what selfishness is.
4. State two negative effects of selfishness.
5. Suggest two ways to eradicate selfishness and cultivate selflessness.

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 importance of selflessness and its rewards from Allah.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the summary.
Learning Point: Key concepts are reinforced for better retention.

Home Task: Write three lessons learned about Virtuous Conducts in Islam – Selflessness and one suitable way to apply the teaching responsibly.

Lesson Keywords

• Selflessness – Putting the needs of others before one’s own.
• Al-Ithar – The Arabic term for selflessness.
• Selfishness – Thinking only about oneself and one’s own desires.
• Virtuous Conducts – Good character traits and behaviors.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to find more Quranic verses or Hadith related to selflessness. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and more direct examples, possibly pairing them with faster learners for peer support.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to share real-life examples of selflessness they have witnessed or performed. Emphasize that selflessness is not just about big sacrifices but also small, everyday acts of kindness and consideration. Use storytelling to make the lesson engaging and memorable.