Lesson Note on Shariah: Definition, Importance and Sources for SSS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: Second Term
Week: 11
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: Islamic Law and Guidance
Previous Lesson: Islamic History: Spread of Islam to West Africa and Roles of Traders.
Topic: Shariah
Subject Matter: Meaning of Shariah, Importance of Shariah, Sources of Shariah

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define Shariah.
• Identify and list the main sources of Shariah.
• Explain the role of each source of Shariah.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of Shariah for establishing justice and promoting good conduct.
• Show willingness to adhere to the principles of Shariah in their lives.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Propose ways Shariah principles can guide daily life.
• Illustrate the application of Shariah in specific scenarios.

Social Domain:

• Promote good conduct and justice within their society based on Shariah principles.
• Engage in discussions about the benefits of Shariah for societal harmony.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Islamic Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2
• Qur’an
• Hadith texts

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Qur’an
• Hadith texts
• Charts illustrating the sources of Shariah

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand Shariah as a comprehensive code of life for Muslims, guiding them in all aspects of their existence. It enables them to appreciate the importance of divine law in establishing justice and promoting good conduct within society.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of Islam, its fundamental beliefs, and the importance of divine guidance in human life.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Shariah

Meaning of Shariah

Shariah literally means “the path to a watering place” or “the clear, well-trodden path.” In Islamic terminology, Shariah refers to the comprehensive divine law and guidance revealed by Allah to humanity through His prophets, particularly Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It covers all aspects of a Muslim’s life, including beliefs, worship, morality, personal conduct, social interactions, and legal matters.

Importance of Shariah

Shariah is important for Muslims and society for several reasons:

• It provides clear guidance for all aspects of life, ensuring order and direction.
• It establishes justice and fairness in individual and societal dealings.
• It promotes good morals, ethics, and virtuous conduct among people.
• It safeguards fundamental human rights and protects life, property, intellect, religion, and lineage.
• It fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community by providing common principles.
• It helps individuals achieve spiritual well-being and a closer relationship with Allah.

Sources of Shariah

The primary and secondary sources from which Shariah is derived are:

• Qur’an: This is the primary and most authoritative source of Shariah. It is the direct word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over 23 years. It contains fundamental beliefs, moral principles, laws, and guidance.
• Sunnah: This refers to the sayings, actions, and silent approvals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It serves as an explanation and practical application of the Qur’an. The Sunnah is preserved in collections of Hadith.
• Ijma (Consensus): This is the unanimous agreement of qualified Muslim scholars (Mujtahids) on a specific legal issue after the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is considered a binding source of law when there is no clear text in the Qur’an or Sunnah.
• Qiyas (Analogical Deduction): This is a method of deriving a legal ruling for a new issue by drawing an analogy from an existing ruling found in the Qur’an or Sunnah, based on a common effective cause (illah). It is applied when there is no direct text from the Qur’an, Sunnah, or Ijma.

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 about the importance of rules and laws in maintaining order in a society.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by giving examples of rules and their importance.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson on Shariah as a divine law.

Step 2: Meaning of Shariah

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the literal and technical meaning of Shariah, emphasizing its comprehensive nature as Islamic law and guidance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and define Shariah in their own words.
Learning Point: Pupils understand Shariah as a complete code of life for Muslims.

Step 3: Importance of Shariah

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the importance of Shariah for individuals and society, highlighting its role in justice, good conduct, and societal harmony.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, contributing points and noting the importance of Shariah.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the benefits and significance of Shariah.

Step 4: Sources of Shariah (Qur’an and Sunnah)

Time: 9 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the Qur’an and Sunnah as the primary sources of Shariah, clarifying their roles and authority. The teacher may show examples from the Qur’an and Hadith.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and identify the Qur’an and Sunnah as the foundational sources.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the two primary sources of Islamic law.

Step 5: Sources of Shariah (Ijma and Qiyas)

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Ijma and Qiyas as secondary sources, providing simple examples to illustrate how they are applied in Islamic jurisprudence.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and differentiate between Ijma and Qiyas.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the two secondary sources of Islamic law.

Step 6: Class Activity/Discussion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a brief discussion, asking pupils to suggest how Shariah principles might guide their daily actions, such as honesty in dealings or respect for elders.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share examples and participate in the discussion, connecting Shariah to practical life.
Learning Point: Pupils reflect on the practical application of Shariah.

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 Shariah?
2. State three reasons why Shariah is important for Muslims.
3. List and briefly explain any two sources of Shariah.
4. How does Shariah promote justice in society?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and assigns homework: “Research one example of how Shariah has been applied in a historical or contemporary Islamic society.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, copy the homework, and prepare for the next lesson.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded with a reinforced understanding and a task for further learning.

Lesson Keywords

• Shariah – The comprehensive divine law and guidance in Islam.
• Qur’an – The holy book of Islam, the direct word of Allah.
• Sunnah – The practices, sayings, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• Hadith – Collections of narrations about the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• Ijma – Consensus of qualified Muslim scholars on a legal issue.
• Qiyas – Analogical deduction, deriving a ruling for a new issue based on an existing one.
• Islamic Law – The legal system derived from Shariah.
• Justice – Fairness and righteousness in dealings.
• Guidance – Direction or advice on how to live.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and focus on the primary sources of Shariah. Advanced learners will be encouraged to discuss complex scenarios where different sources of Shariah might be applied and to research specific legal rulings (fatwas) and their derivation.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure pupils understand that Shariah is a holistic system, not just penal law. Emphasize its ethical and moral dimensions, and its role in fostering a just and harmonious society. Encourage open discussion while maintaining respect for religious principles. Utilize visual aids like charts illustrating the hierarchy and interrelation of the sources of Shariah. Ensure that pupils understand the practical implications of Shariah in their daily lives.