Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Arabs: Expansion of Islam

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide a clear and structured overview of the topics that will be addressed. This helps students situate themselves in the historical context and understand the relevance of the events to be studied. With a clear definition of the objectives, students can focus on the main points and better follow the development of the class.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the formation of the Arab peoples and the historical conditions that led to the emergence of Islam.

2. Analyze the process of Islamic expansion, including the conquest of new territories.

3. Explore the invasion of the Iberian Peninsula by the Arabs and the impact of this occupation.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide an initial historical and cultural context that helps students comprehend the relevance of the theme. By presenting curiosities and interesting facts, the introduction aims to engage students and spark their curiosity about the subject, preparing them for more in-depth learning.

Context

Explain that the Arabian Peninsula, where countries like Saudi Arabia are located today, was the cradle of one of the most influential civilizations in history. In the 7th century, this region witnessed the emergence of Islam, a new religion preached by Muhammad. Islam quickly expanded, profoundly influencing culture, science, and politics in various parts of the world. Highlight that understanding the expansion of Islam is crucial to comprehending the cultural and political dynamics of many regions to this day.

Curiosities

Did you know that many words in Portuguese, such as 'algorithm,' 'algebra,' and 'alchemy,' have Arabic origins? This demonstrates the lasting influence that Arab culture and science have had on the world, including the Iberian Peninsula, home today to countries like Spain and Portugal.

Development

Duration: (50 - 60 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to deepen students' knowledge about the formation of the Arab peoples, the emergence of Islam, the territorial Islamic expansion, and the Arab influence in the Iberian Peninsula. By addressing these topics in detail, the teacher helps students understand the complexity and historical importance of these events, as well as prepares them to answer the proposed questions, thereby consolidating their learning.

Covered Topics

1. Formation of the Arab Peoples: Explain the origin of the Arab peoples, highlighting the nomadic tribes that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula before the emergence of Islam. Detail the importance of trade caravans and cities like Mecca and Medina. 2. Emergence of Islam: Detail the life of Muhammad, from his birth in Mecca to the revelation of the Quran. Emphasize the basic principles of Islam, including the Five Pillars of Islam. 3. Expansion of Islam: Describe how, after Muhammad's death, his successors (caliphs) led the expansion of Islam. Address territorial conquests in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe. 4. Conquest of the Iberian Peninsula: Explain the invasion of the Iberian Peninsula by the Arabs in 711 AD, led by Tariq ibn Ziyad. Discuss the foundation of Al-Andalus and its impact on the region's culture, science, and architecture.

Classroom Questions

1. What were the main economic activities of the Arab peoples before the emergence of Islam? 2. Describe the Five Pillars of Islam and their importance to Muslims. 3. How did the expansion of Islam influence culture and science in the Iberian Peninsula?

Questions Discussion

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to review and consolidate the knowledge acquired by students during the class. By discussing the answers to the questions and engaging students in reflections, the teacher ensures that students internalize the learned concepts. This stage also allows the teacher to assess students' understanding and clarify any lingering doubts, promoting deeper and more meaningful learning.

Discussion

• What were the main economic activities of the Arab peoples before the emergence of Islam?

• Before the emergence of Islam, the Arab peoples primarily engaged in trade, especially through caravans that crossed the desert, linking the Arabian Peninsula to other regions. They also practiced agriculture and livestock in areas where it was feasible. Cities like Mecca and Medina were important commercial and cultural centers.

• Describe the Five Pillars of Islam and their importance to Muslims.

• The Five Pillars of Islam are: Shahada (declaration of faith), Salat (daily prayers), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These pillars are fundamental to the religious life of Muslims, as they establish the acts of worship and obligations that every Muslim must fulfill to remain faithful to their faith.

• How did the expansion of Islam influence culture and science in the Iberian Peninsula?

• The expansion of Islam in the Iberian Peninsula resulted in a period of great cultural and scientific flourishing known as Al-Andalus. During this time, significant advancements occurred in fields such as mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and philosophy. The coexistence of Muslims, Christians, and Jews fostered an environment of knowledge exchange, which had a lasting impact on European culture and science.

Student Engagement

1. Why were trade routes so important to the Arab peoples before Islam? 2. How can the principles of the Five Pillars of Islam be compared to those of other religions that students know? 3. What examples of Arab cultural and scientific influences can be found in the Iberian Peninsula today? 4. How did the mixture of different cultures in Al-Andalus contribute to the advancement of knowledge?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to summarize and consolidate the main points discussed during the lesson, reinforcing learning and ensuring that students leave with a clear and cohesive understanding of the content. This stage also helps connect theory with practical relevance and the importance of the discussed topics, promoting a deeper and contextualized understanding.

Summary

• The Arabian Peninsula was the cradle of one of the most influential civilizations in history, where Islam emerged in the 7th century.
• The Arab peoples were initially nomadic tribes who engaged in trade, agriculture, and livestock raising.
• Islam was founded by Muhammad, and its basic principles are the Five Pillars of Islam.
• After Muhammad's death, the caliphs led a rapid territorial expansion that included the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe.
• The invasion of the Iberian Peninsula by the Arabs in 711 AD led to the foundation of Al-Andalus, which became a center of cultural and scientific flourishing.

The class connected theory to practice by showing how the expansion of Islam directly influenced the culture, science, and architecture of conquered territories, especially in the Iberian Peninsula. Examples of Arabic-origin words in Portuguese and the scientific achievements of Al-Andalus illustrated these connections in a practical and tangible way for students.

Understanding the expansion of Islam and the Arab influence is crucial for comprehending various aspects of modern culture and science. The Arab influence can be seen in our vocabulary, architecture, and scientific advancements that shaped the Western world. This knowledge allows students to appreciate cultural diversity and the importance of Arab contributions to contemporary society.