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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the childhood of Prophet Muhammad and how Muslims interpret it today.

      Key learning points

      1. The Prophet Muhammad was born around the year 570 CE in the city of Makkah.
      2. Arabia was mainly made up of tribes with a polytheistic worldview with small Jewish and Christian communities as well.
      3. The Prophet Muhammad was orphaned at an early age.
      4. For many Muslims, the early childhood of the Prophet Muhammad shows kindness and compassion in action.

      Keywords

      • Polytheism - belief in many gods

      • Compassion - recognising the suffering of others, deeply caring and taking action to help

      • Orphan - a child whose parents are no longer alive

      Common misconception

      Arabia has always been Muslim.

      Arabia was inhabited by Christians, Jews and people who had polytheistic beliefs before the time of Prophet Muhammad.

      Teacher tip

      Always use respectful language and refer to Prophet Muhammad with the honorific 'Prophet' when mentioning his name. Avoid drawing Prophet Muhammad's image as in many Islamic traditions, it is considered disrespectful to draw or depict Prophet's image. Role play different scenarios showing kindness.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      The Arabic word for God is ...

      Correct Answer: Allah, allah

      Q2.
      For Muslims, the Shahadah is ...

      Correct answer: declaring belief in One God and his messenger
      the requirement to go to Makkah for pilgrimage
      the period of fasting

      Q3.
      Most Sunni Muslims pray ...

      three times per day
      four times per day
      Correct answer: five times per day

      Q4.
      During Ramadan, many Muslims will ...

      fast for 24 hours
      Correct answer: fast during daylight hours
      fast during night hours

      Q5.
      Performing prayers and fasting during Ramadan helps Muslims obtain ...

      calmness
      friendship
      Correct answer: harmony

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Where and when was Prophet Muhammad born?

      in Makkah in 600 CE
      in Madinah in 570 CE
      Correct answer: in Makkah in 570 CE

      Q2.
      Many Muslims believe that on the night the Prophet Muhammad was born ...

      the sun shone all day
      a shooting star appeared
      Correct answer: a great star appeared in the sky

      Q3.
      Polytheism means ...

      Correct answer: belief in many gods
      belief in one god
      belief there is no god

      Q4.
      What taught Prophet Muhammad the importance of kindness, empathy and compassion for those who are most at risk?

      being a child
      being a parent
      Correct answer: being an orphan

      Q5.
      What other communities lived near Makkah at Prophet Muhammad's time?

      Correct answer: Jews
      Correct answer: Christians
      Sikhs
      Buddhists

      To help you plan your 4 religious education lesson on: The childhood of Prophet Muhammad, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...