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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the different Muslim communities in the UK and how migration and history have shaped them.

      Key learning points

      1. The Muslim population in Britain comes from a wide range of backgrounds.
      2. The majority of UK Muslims are Sunni with the minority Shi’a.
      3. Some areas of the UK have distinct Muslim communities linked to migration and history.
      4. Some Muslims may choose to live near a local community with a mosque and local shops.

      Keywords

      • Sunni - Muslims who observe the Sunnah, referring to the traditions and practices of Prophet Muhammad

      • Shi'a - Muslims who honour the family of the Prophet Muhammad, particularly his cousin Imam Ali

      • Halal - what is lawful according to the Qur’an to eat or drink

      • Community - a group of people who have things in common; a community can be a neighbourhood, a city or join people around the world

      Common misconception

      Muslims are all the same.

      The Muslim community is highly diverse.

      Teacher tip

      You could invite guest speakers from different Muslim communities to speak about their faith and traditions. Investigate your local Muslim data and compare this to the UK - are you similar or different?

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Muslims have lived in the UK for many of years.

      Correct Answer: hundreds, 100s

      Q2.
      When did the first Muslims probably arrive in the UK?

      in the 1900s
      Correct answer: in the 1500s
      in the 1800s

      Q3.
      What was the first mosque in the UK?

      Correct answer: Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking
      Birmingham Central Mosque
      London Islamic Centre

      Q4.
      Why did many Muslims move to the UK after the Second World War?

      for holidays
      to go to school
      Correct answer: to help rebuild the country

      Q5.
      What is the second largest religion in the UK?

      Christianity
      Correct answer: Islam
      Hinduism

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Most Muslims in the UK are Muslims.

      Correct Answer: Sunni, sunni

      Q2.
      Why do some Muslims choose to live near each other?

      to play sports
      Correct answer: to feel part of a Muslim community
      to travel less

      Q3.
      Which item might you find in a halal shop?

      bread with ham
      chocolate with wine
      Correct answer: chicken prepared the Muslim way

      Q4.
      Where do most Muslims live in the UK?

      on small farms
      near mountains
      Correct answer: in cities like London and Birmingham

      Q5.
      What does it mean when Muslims have different traditions?

      they don’t speak to each other
      Correct answer: they are diverse; they come from different places or cultures
      they eat only one kind of food

      To help you plan your 5 religious education lesson on: Diversity in the Muslim community today, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...