Umar ibn Al-Khattab as the Second Rightly Guided Caliph for JSS 3

Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Previous Lesson: Hadith 11, 12 of An-Nawawi and Their Lessons
Topic: THE FOUR RIGHTLY Umar bin Al-Kh
Subject Matter: Umar bin Al-Khattab (2nd Caliphs); Life history and contributions to Islam

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Describe Umar ibn Al-Khattab as the second Rightly Guided Caliph.
• Outline the key events in Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s life history.
• List significant contributions of Umar ibn Al-Khattab to Islam.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the leadership qualities and justice of Umar ibn Al-Khattab.
• Develop respect for the early leaders of Islam.

Social Domain

• Discuss the importance of justice and good governance as exemplified by Umar ibn Al-Khattab.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Islamic Religious Studies textbook for JSS 3
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Whiteboard or chalkboard
• Markers or chalk
• Pictures or charts depicting Umar ibn Al-Khattab or the early Islamic era
• Islamic Religious Studies textbook for JSS 3

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for students to understand the foundational history of Islam and the role of its early leaders. Learning about Umar ibn Al-Khattab provides insights into Islamic governance, justice, and the expansion of the Muslim community, which are essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of Islamic Religious Studies.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the concept of the Caliphate in early Islam.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE FOUR RIGHTLY GUIDED CALIPHS: UMAR IBN AL-KHATTAB

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) was the second of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs (Al-Khulafa ar-Rashidun) who led the Muslim community after the passing of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was known for his strong character, unwavering justice, and effective administration.

Life History of Umar ibn Al-Khattab

1. Early Life and Conversion: Umar was born in Mecca around 584 CE. Initially an opponent of Islam, he embraced the faith forcefully in 616 CE, becoming a strong supporter of Prophet Muhammad.
2. Role During Prophet Muhammad’s Time: He was a close companion and advisor to the Prophet, known for his wisdom and courage. He participated in major battles and played a significant role in the early Muslim community.
3. Election as Caliph: After the death of Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, Umar was appointed as his successor in 634 CE, leading the Muslim community for approximately ten years.
4. Martyrdom: Umar ibn Al-Khattab was martyred in 644 CE by a Persian slave named Abu Lu’lu’ah (Fairuz) while leading the Fajr prayer.

Contributions of Umar ibn Al-Khattab to Islam

1. Expansion of the Islamic Empire: Under his leadership, the Islamic empire expanded significantly, conquering vast territories including Persia, Egypt, Syria, and parts of North Africa.
2. Establishment of Administrative Systems: He established a well-organised administrative structure, including:
   1. Diwan (Departments): He created various departments for managing state affairs, such as military, finance, and public works.
   2. Provinces: The empire was divided into provinces, each with a governor (Wali) and other officials.
   3. Judicial System: He appointed Qadis (judges) in different regions to ensure justice and fair adjudication according to Islamic law.
3. Introduction of the Islamic Calendar (Hijri Calendar): Umar introduced the Hijri calendar, which starts from the year of the Prophet’s migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina (622 CE), as the official calendar for the Muslim state.
4. Establishment of Public Treasury (Bayt al-Mal): He formalised the public treasury to manage state revenues and expenditures, ensuring equitable distribution of wealth among the Muslims.
5. Promotion of Justice and Equality: Umar was renowned for his strict adherence to justice, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their status, received fair treatment.
6. Development of Cities: He oversaw the establishment and development of new cities like Kufa, Basra in Iraq, and Fustat in Egypt, which served as administrative and military centres.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Guided Practice.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reminds them about the concept of the Rightly Guided Caliphs. The teacher then introduces Umar ibn Al-Khattab as the second of these great leaders and states the lesson topic.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to greetings and listen attentively to the introduction of the topic.

Learning Point: Introduction to Caliphs.

Step 2: Umar ibn Al-Khattab as the Second Caliph

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Describing/Clarifying

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher describes Umar ibn Al-Khattab as the second Rightly Guided Caliph, highlighting his strong personality and importance in early Islam. The teacher uses pictures or charts if available.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and observe, asking questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Identity of Umar.

Step 3: Early Life History

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Narrating/Explaining

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates key aspects of Umar’s early life, including his birth, initial opposition to Islam, and his powerful conversion, explaining its impact on the early Muslim community.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the narration and take mental notes of important events.

Learning Point: Umar’s early life.

Step 4: Caliphate and Leadership

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Discussing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how Umar was appointed as Caliph after Abu Bakr and discusses the duration and key characteristics of his leadership, including his martyrdom.

Pupils’ Activity: Students participate in a guided discussion about Umar’s leadership and ask relevant questions.

Learning Point: Umar’s Caliphate.

Step 5: Contributions to Islam (Part 1)

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Listing/Detailing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Umar’s administrative contributions, such as the establishment of the Diwan, division into provinces, and the introduction of the Hijri calendar.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and identify these contributions, noting them down.

Learning Point: Administrative contributions.

Step 6: Contributions to Islam (Part 2)

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Elaborating/Illustrating

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues by discussing Umar’s contributions to the expansion of the Islamic empire, the establishment of Bayt al-Mal, his emphasis on justice, and the development of new cities.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, relate the contributions to the growth of Islam, and ask for examples.

Learning Point: Expansion and justice.

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. Who was Umar ibn Al-Khattab?
2. Mention two key events from his early life.
3. List three significant contributions of Umar ibn Al-Khattab to Islam.
4. What was the Hijri calendar and who introduced it?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding Umar’s role.

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes about Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s life and contributions into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording key facts.

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the main points about Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s life and contributions, reiterating his importance as a model of justice and leadership.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the lesson.

Learning Point: Consolidation of learning.

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Describe Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s character and leadership style.
2. Explain the significance of the Hijri calendar in Islamic history.
3. Discuss how Umar ibn Al-Khattab promoted justice during his Caliphate.

Lesson Keywords

• Umar ibn Al-Khattab – The second Rightly Guided Caliph of Islam.
• Caliph – A successor to Prophet Muhammad as political and religious leader of the Muslims.
• Rightly Guided – Refers to the first four Caliphs of Islam who ruled justly according to the Quran and Sunnah.
• Hijri – The Islamic calendar, starting from the Prophet’s migration.
• Diwan – Administrative departments established by Umar.
• Bayt al-Mal – The public treasury of the Islamic state.
• Qadi – A judge in Islamic law.

Differentiation

For students who may find the historical details challenging, the teacher can provide simpler summaries and focus on key contributions. Advanced students can be encouraged to research specific administrative reforms or military campaigns of Umar ibn Al-Khattab and present their findings to the class.

Suggested Lesson Videos

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