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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the importance of fasting during Ramadan.

      Key learning points

      1. Most Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
      2. Most Muslims fast during the day for Ramadan.
      3. An important aspect of fasting is creating good habits for Muslims.

      Keywords

      • Sawm - an Arabic term to describe the act of fasting

      • Ramadan - holy month when Muslims try to deepen their faith

      • Fasting - going without food or drink to deepen faith

      Common misconception

      Fasting during Ramadan is only about not eating food or drinking water.

      Ramadan is about a Muslim’s whole conduct and behaviour.

      Teacher tip

      Invite a speaker to share their experience of fasting during Ramadan and what it means to them. To enhance learning, you could organise an Iftar party for the class using the traditional food.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the special prayer called that Muslims do on Fridays?

      Fajr prayer
      Correct answer: Jummah prayer
      Maghrib prayer

      Q2.
      Who gives the sermon during Jummah prayers?

      Correct answer: the imam
      a teacher
      a friend

      Q3.
      What is the holy month for Muslims called?

      Eid
      Lent
      Correct answer: Ramadan

      Q4.
      What does fasting mean for Muslims?

      eating a lot of food during the day
      praying all day
      Correct answer: not eating or drinking during the day

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What is Ramadan?

      a celebration of gifts
      Correct answer: a special month when Muslims fast
      a month when Muslims don't pray

      Q2.
      How long do Muslims fast during the day in Ramadan?

      Correct answer: from sunrise to sunset
      all day and night
      from lunch to dinner

      Q3.
      When do Muslims break their fast during Ramadan?

      at noon
      Correct answer: at sunset
      at night

      Q4.
      What is the meal called that Muslims eat to break their fast at sunset?

      Correct answer: Iftar
      Ramadan
      Eid ul Fitr

      Q5.
      What is the purpose of fasting during Ramadan?

      to lose weight
      Correct answer: to read the Qur'an more
      Correct answer: to help Muslims create good habits and become better Muslims

      To help you plan your 3 religious education lesson on: Sawm: finding harmony through fasting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...