Karbala: a Shi'a place of pilgrimage
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the importance of a pilgrimage to Karbala for Shi'a Muslims.
Key learning points
- Karbala is a city in Iraq and is a shrine for Shi'a Muslims.
- Pilgrimage to Karbala is called Arba'een.
- Shi'a Muslims visit Karbala to remember Hussain and his death in battle.
- Many Shi'a Muslims can be profoundly affected by a pilgrimage to Karbala.
Keywords
Shi'a - the second largest branch of Islam
Karbala - a sacred place for Shi'a Muslims
Arba'een - the pilgrimage to Karbala
Hussain - grandson of the Prophet Muhammad
Common misconception
The Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah is the only pilgrimage for Muslims.
Karbala is a place of pilgrimage for Shi'a Muslims. Jerusalem is also a place of pilgrimage for Muslims.
Teacher tip
You might want to encourage pupils to compare the pilgrimage to Karbala with Hajj? How is it similar, how is it different? Note that Shi'a Muslims may go on Hajj and to Karbala. You could use other video clips to look more at the moukib and the generosity shown there.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a pilgrimage?
Q2.In which modern country is Makkah?
Q3.Which of these statements about the Ka'bah are true?
Q4.Put these steps of Hajj in the correct order.
Q5.Match each keyword to the correct definition.
a special item, time or place for believers
the worldwide community of Islam
a Muslim man who has completed Hajj
a person of any faith or belief who goes on journey to a sacred place
Q6.Which of these statements about Hajj are correct?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In which modern country is Karbala situated?
Q2.Which of these statements about Arba'een are correct?
Q3.Which of these statements about the journey from the airport to Karbala are correct?
Q4.What is a moukib?
Q5.What is the second largest branch of Islam?
Q6.Which of these are key parts of Arba'een for pilgrims?
To help you plan your 4 religious education lesson on: Karbala: a Shi'a place of pilgrimage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 religious education lesson on: Karbala: a Shi'a place of pilgrimage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 religious education lessons from the Pilgrimage: why might some people visit Jerusalem, Karbala or Makkah? unit, dive into the full primary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.