Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Islam: Birth and Expansion

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide a clear and concise overview of what the students will learn during the lesson. This helps to establish expectations and guide the students' focus on the main topics to be addressed, ensuring that they understand the importance of the development and expansion of Islam and its historical implications.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the historical and geographical context of the birth of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.

2. Identify the main events and historical figures that contributed to the expansion of Islam.

3. Recognize the geographical areas of the expansion of Islam, including North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.

Introduction

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide a clear and concise overview of the context in which Islam arose. This will help students to historically situate the birth of the religion and understand the cultural, social, and economic conditions that favored its propagation. By presenting curiosities and interesting facts, the teacher also aims to capture students' attention and motivate them to study the topic.

Context

To start the lesson on Islam, it is essential to understand the historical and geographical context in which this religion arose. In the 7th century, the Arabian Peninsula was a region composed of various nomadic and sedentary tribes, with an economy based on trade and agriculture. The city of Mecca, located in present-day Saudi Arabia, was an important commercial and religious center, housing the Kaaba, a sanctuary that attracted pilgrims from various parts of the peninsula. It was in this setting that the prophet Muhammad, born in Mecca around 570 AD, began to preach the message of a single God, Allah, profoundly transforming the social, political, and religious life of the region.

Curiosities

 Did you know that Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with over 1.8 billion followers? Moreover, the influence of Islamic culture can be seen in various fields of knowledge, such as mathematics, medicine, and architecture. For example, the concept of 'algebra' has its roots in the work of Islamic mathematicians. ✨

Development

Duration: 50 - 60 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to deepen students' knowledge about the birth and expansion of Islam, providing a detailed view of historical events, religious practices, and the cultural and scientific contributions of Muslims. Through an expository approach, the teacher guides students in understanding essential topics, using clear and direct examples, ensuring that all students have a solid foundation of understanding about the subject.

Covered Topics

1.  Birth of Islam: Explain the historical and geographical context of the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century. Detail the life of Muhammad, including his birth in Mecca around 570 AD, his revelations, and the foundation of Islam. 2.  The Five Pillars of Islam: Describe the five fundamental pillars that constitute the basis of Islamic practice: Shahada (declaration of faith), Salat (daily prayers), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). 3.  Expansion of Islam: Detail how, after Muhammad's death in 632 AD, Islam expanded rapidly across the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula. Highlight military conquests, the conversion of peoples, and cultural influence. 4.  Caliphates and Islamic Governance: Explain the emergence of the main caliphates (Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid) and how they contributed to the expansion and administration of Islamic lands. 5.  Cultural and Scientific Contributions: Discuss the contributions of Muslims to science, medicine, mathematics, philosophy, and architecture during the Islamic Golden Age.

Classroom Questions

1. What was Muhammad's role in the founding of Islam and how did his revelations influence society in the Arabian Peninsula? 2. Describe the five pillars of Islam and explain the importance of each in the lives of Muslims. 3. How did Islam expand after Muhammad's death? Cite the main geographical areas and factors that contributed to this expansion.

Questions Discussion

Duration: 20 - 25 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to evaluate students' understanding of the topics discussed, promote an environment of reflection and debate, and consolidate learning by clarifying doubts and deepening knowledge about the birth and expansion of Islam. This discussion, guided by the teacher, also allows students to express their interpretations and connect historical content with current and personal contexts.

Discussion

• 1. What was Muhammad's role in the founding of Islam and how did his revelations influence society in the Arabian Peninsula?

• Muhammad, born in Mecca around 570 AD, is considered the last prophet of Islam. He began receiving divine revelations from the angel Gabriel around 610 AD, which were later compiled in the Quran. His messages emphasized the worship of a single God, Allah, and presented ethical and moral principles that challenged the idolatrous practices and social injustices prevalent. Muhammad's preaching brought a radical transformation to society in the Arabian Peninsula, unifying tribes under the new Islamic faith and establishing a cohesive religious and political community.

• 2. Describe the five pillars of Islam and explain the importance of each in the lives of Muslims.

• The five pillars of Islam are fundamental practices that all Muslims must follow: Shahada (declaration of faith): To affirm that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His prophet. This declaration is the foundation of Islamic faith. Salat (daily prayers): To perform five daily prayers at specific times, facing the direction of Mecca. The prayers reinforce spiritual discipline and connection with Allah. Zakat (charity): To donate a portion of income to those in need, promoting social justice and solidarity among Muslims. Sawm (fasting during Ramadan): To fast during the holy month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and other needs during the day, to develop self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate. Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca): To perform the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if financially and physically able. This act strengthens unity and equality among Muslims.

• 3. How did Islam expand after Muhammad's death? Cite the main geographical areas and factors that contributed to this expansion.

• After Muhammad's death in 632 AD, Islam rapidly expanded under the leadership of his successors, the caliphs. The initial expansion occurred in the Arabian Peninsula, followed by the conquest of vast areas in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula. Factors that contributed to this expansion include the military skill of Islamic armies, the weakness of neighboring empires (such as the Byzantine and Sasanian), and the appeal of the new territories due to the principles of justice and equality promoted by Islam. Additionally, the conversion of conquered peoples and the establishment of trade networks helped spread the Islamic faith.

Student Engagement

1.  Questions and Reflections to Engage Students 2. 1. How did Muhammad's life and his revelations impact the social structure of the Arabian Peninsula? 3. 2. Which of the five pillars of Islam do you find most challenging and why? 4. 3. What were the main mechanisms used by the caliphs to expand Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula? 5. 4. How did the expansion of Islam influence the cultures and civilizations in the conquered regions? 6. 5. What cultural or scientific contribution from Muslims during the Islamic Golden Age do you find most significant and why?

Conclusion

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to recap the main points covered during the lesson, reinforcing the students' learning. It also aims to connect theoretical content with practical applications and highlight the relevance of the topic for understanding history and current cultures. This final section provides a consolidated view of the subject and prepares students for future discussions and studies.

Summary

• The birth of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century, with Muhammad receiving divine revelations that underpinned the new religion.
• The five pillars of Islam: Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj, which are fundamental practices for all Muslims.
• The rapid expansion of Islam after Muhammad's death, covering the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula.
• The emergence of the caliphates (Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid) and their role in the administration and expansion of Islamic lands.
• The cultural and scientific contributions of Muslims during the Islamic Golden Age, influencing areas such as mathematics, medicine, and architecture.

The lesson connected theory with practice by detailing not only the historical events of the birth and expansion of Islam but also explaining how the principles of Islam (the five pillars) are practiced in the daily lives of Muslims. Furthermore, discussions about cultural and scientific contributions showed how the Islamic legacy continues to this day in various fields of knowledge.

The topic presented is of great importance for everyday life, as Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, influencing millions of lives. Understanding its origins and expansion is vital for grasping global history and contemporary cultural dynamics. Curiosities such as the origins of algebra illustrate the profound influence of the Islamic legacy in essential areas of modern knowledge.