Sawm and Its Types for Primary 4

Class: Primary 4
Term: Second Term
Week: 4
Age: 9 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Theme: Fiqh
Curriculum Theme: Fiqh
Focal competence: Identifying the rules and regulations governing Sawm (fasting)
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; Cooperation; Contentment and Perseverance
Skills:

• Observing Sawm

Previous Lesson: Description and guided performance of Salat
Topic: Sawm (Fasting)
Subject Matter: Meaning and types of Sawm

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Explain the meaning of Sawm.
• State the types of Sawm.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of fasting in Islam.
• Show willingness to observe Sawm when mature.

Psychomotor Domain

• Classify given fasting examples as obligatory or supererogatory.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Islamic Religious Knowledge for Primary Schools Book 4 by A.B. Bello
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Visuals/posters/charts showing scenes of fasting
• Video clips explaining Sawm
• Whiteboard and markers
• Pictures depicting different types of fasts

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson introduces pupils to Sawm, one of the five pillars of Islam, fostering a foundational understanding of its spiritual significance and practical application. Understanding Sawm helps pupils develop self-discipline, empathy, and a stronger connection to their faith. It prepares them for future religious obligations and promotes a sense of community among Muslims.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of the five pillars of Islam and some common Islamic practices.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Sawm (Fasting)

Meaning of Sawm

Sawm (Arabic: صوم) means fasting. In Islam, it refers to abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) with the intention of worshipping Allah (SWT).

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, teaching Muslims patience, self-control, and empathy for the less fortunate.

Types of Sawm

There are two main types of Sawm in Islam:

1. Obligatory Sawm (Fard Sawm): This type of fasting is compulsory for every mature and healthy Muslim. Failing to observe it without a valid Islamic reason is a sin.
1. Ramadan Fast: This is the most important obligatory fast. Muslims are commanded to fast for the entire month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
2. Qada’ Fast (Missed Fasts): These are fasts observed to make up for obligatory fasts missed due to valid reasons such as illness, travel, or menstruation. They must be made up before the next Ramadan.
3. Kaffarah Fast (Expiation Fast): These are fasts observed as an expiation for certain sins or broken oaths. For example, breaking a fast in Ramadan without a valid excuse may require a Kaffarah fast.
2. Supererogatory Sawm (Nafl Sawm): This type of fasting is voluntary and not compulsory. Muslims observe these fasts to gain extra rewards from Allah (SWT) and to draw closer to Him.
1. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to fast on these days.
2. Fasting on Arafah Day: This is the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Fasting on this day is highly recommended for those not performing Hajj.
3. Fasting on Ashura Day: This is the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is recommended to fast on the 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th of Muharram.
4. Fasting Six Days of Shawwal: These are six voluntary fasts observed after the month of Ramadan, usually immediately after Eid al-Fitr.
5. Fasting in the month of Sha’ban: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to fast frequently in the month preceding Ramadan.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Demonstration, Group Work, Guided Practice

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Elicitation/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them if they know what “fasting” means or if they have heard of Ramadan. The teacher then introduces the topic: Sawm (Fasting).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions, sharing their prior knowledge about fasting or Ramadan.

Learning Point: Introduction to Sawm

Step 2: Explaining the Meaning of Sawm

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visual Aid Use

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of Sawm in Islam, using simple language and showing visuals/posters of people fasting. The teacher emphasizes abstaining from food, drink, and other prohibitions from dawn to sunset with intention.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the visuals, and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Meaning of Sawm

Step 3: Introducing Types of Sawm

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Classification/Categorization

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the two main types of Sawm: Obligatory (Fard) and Supererogatory (Nafl). The teacher explains that some fasts are compulsory, while others are voluntary.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and identify the two main categories of fasts.

Learning Point: Two types of Sawm

Step 4: Discussing Obligatory Sawm

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Detailed Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the different forms of Obligatory Sawm, focusing on the Ramadan fast, Qada’ fast, and Kaffarah fast, providing simple examples for each. The teacher uses pictures to illustrate these fasts.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take note of the examples, and identify specific obligatory fasts.

Learning Point: Obligatory fasts explained

Step 5: Discussing Supererogatory Sawm

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Examples

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Supererogatory Sawm, listing examples like fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, Arafah Day, Ashura Day, and the six days of Shawwal. The teacher emphasizes that these are voluntary for extra rewards.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify voluntary fasts, and understand their purpose.

Learning Point: Supererogatory fasts detailed

Step 6: Activity – Classifying Fasting Examples

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives pupils various scenarios of fasting and asks them to classify each as either obligatory or supererogatory. For example: “Fasting during Ramadan,” “Fasting on a Monday,” “Fasting to make up for a missed Ramadan fast.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils classify the given fasting examples correctly as obligatory or supererogatory.

Learning Point: Classifying fast types

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 the meaning of Sawm?
2. Mention two types of Sawm.
3. Give an example of an obligatory fast.
4. Give an example of a supererogatory fast.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Sawm meaning and types assessed

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning and types of Sawm into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the lesson, reiterating the importance of Sawm as a pillar of Islam and encouraging pupils to understand its spiritual benefits. The teacher reminds them that fasting teaches patience and self-control.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s main points.

Learning Point: Sawm importance reinforced

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook.

1. What is the Arabic word for fasting?
2. List three examples of obligatory fasts.
3. List three examples of supererogatory fasts.
4. In your own words, explain why Muslims fast.

Lesson Keywords

• Sawm – Fasting; abstaining from food, drink, etc., from dawn to sunset.
• Ramadan – The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed as a month of fasting.
• Obligatory (Fard) – Compulsory or mandatory in Islam.
• Supererogatory (Nafl) – Voluntary or optional in Islam, done for extra reward.
• Qada’ – Making up for missed obligatory acts, like fasts.
• Kaffarah – Expiation or atonement for certain sins or broken oaths.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and focus primarily on the meaning of Sawm and the Ramadan fast. Faster learners can be challenged to research other voluntary fasts or the benefits of fasting for health and spirituality.

Suggested Lesson Videos

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=meaning+and+types+of+sawm+primary+4

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have visual aids such as posters or charts depicting fasting, or short video clips ready to play. Begin by engaging pupils with questions about fasting to activate prior knowledge. Clearly explain the meaning of Sawm, emphasizing its spiritual significance. Introduce the two main types of Sawm (obligatory and supererogatory) and provide distinct examples for each, using simple language suitable for Primary 4 pupils. Encourage questions and discussion throughout the lesson. During the activity, provide clear scenarios for pupils to classify fasts, offering support where needed. Allow pupils sufficient time to copy the Board Summary notes after the main teaching points have been covered and evaluated. Conclude by reinforcing the core message of Sawm and its importance in a Muslim’s life.