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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the meaning of the Shahadah and why it is important for different Muslims.

      Key learning points

      1. The first pillar, Shahadah, is a declaration of faith.
      2. In the Shahadah, a Muslim declares that there is only one God and that the Prophet Muhammad was his messenger.
      3. The Shahadah summarises what it is to be a Muslim.

      Keywords

      • Shahadah - the Muslim declaration of faith in God and his Prophet

      • Prophet - a messenger of God

      • Declaration - a solemn promise

      Common misconception

      The Shahadah is simply a phrase and not a belief.

      The Shahadah is more than just words, it involves committing your life to live as a Muslim.

      Teacher tip

      Invite a speaker to share their experience of belonging to Islam. Provide resources for children to have a go at copying the calligraphy of the Shahada.

      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 do Muslims believe about God?

      that there are many different gods
      they don't believe in God
      Correct answer: that there is only one God, called Allah

      Q2.
      What does harmony mean for Muslims?

      playing a musical instrument
      Correct answer: humans living in peace with God
      singing together

      Q3.
      What does submission to God mean in Islam?

      ignoring God's teachings
      bowing down to God on the ground
      Correct answer: following God's teachings and rules

      Q4.
      What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

      Correct answer: Faith, Prayer, Fasting, Giving, Pilgrimage
      Love, Kindness, Respect, Prayer, Giving
      Helping, Giving, Praying, Working, Sharing

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the Shahadah?

      a type of prayer
      a place where Muslims go to pray
      Correct answer: a declaration of belief in Allah and the Prophet Muhammad

      Q2.
      What does the Shahadah say about Allah (God)?

      that Allah is a prophet
      Correct answer: that there is only one God, Allah
      that Allah is a friend

      Q3.
      Why do Muslims recite the Shahadah every day?

      Correct answer: to remind themselves of their faith
      it is the only prayer for Muslims
      to follow the rules

      Q4.
      What does the Shahadah help Muslims remember to do?

      to pray five times a day
      Correct answer: to believe in one God, Allah, and to follow the Prophet Muhammad
      to fast during Ramadan

      Q5.
      Which part of the Shahadah is not recited by both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims?

      the Prophet Muhammad is the messenger of Allah
      there is only one God, Allah
      Correct answer: the Imam Ali is the friend of Allah

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