New
New
Year 3

Different Muslim approaches to music

I can explain some Muslim beliefs about music.

New
New
Year 3

Different Muslim approaches to music

I can explain some Muslim beliefs about music.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Nasheeds are songs in many styles used by some Muslims to praise God (Allah) and express Islamic values.
  2. Voices and harmony can be used by some Muslims to create a sense of harmony with God.
  3. Music is a tradition among Sufi Muslims as a way of connecting with Allah.
  4. Muslims will have different perspectives on using music in worship.

Keywords

  • Harmony - a pleasing combination of sounds

  • Nasheed - Islamic vocal music

  • Sufi - a Muslim who uses music and singing in worship

Common misconception

Muslims don’t compose or perform music for worship.

Some Muslims do compose or perform music to worship God (Allah).


To help you plan your year 3 religious education lesson on: Different Muslim approaches to music, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Be aware of sensitivities around music - there are different opinions and perspectives within and between Muslim groups. Look online for modern and traditional Islamic music, including nasheeds and songs for children e.g. 'MiniMuslims' or songs by Muslim musicians - Sami Yusuf and Dawud Wharnsby.
Teacher tip

Equipment

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

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What is the name of the Muslim place of worship?

church
Correct answer: mosque
temple

Q2.
Who do Muslims believe in?

Correct answer: Allah
Buddha
Jesus only

Q3.
What is the name of the Muslim holy book?

Bible
Correct answer: Qu'ran
Torah

Q4.
What do Muslims do during Ramadan?

eat lots of sweets
go on holiday to rest
Correct answer: fast during the day

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their meanings.

Correct Answer:harmony,a pleasing combination of sounds

a pleasing combination of sounds

Correct Answer:nasheed,Islamic vocal music

Islamic vocal music

Correct Answer:Sufi,a Muslim who uses music in worship

a Muslim who uses music in worship

Q2.
What is the purpose of a nasheed?

Correct answer: to praise Allah and share Islamic values
to tell pop music stories
to replace the call to prayer

Q3.
What might Sufi Muslims use in their worship?

silence only
Correct answer: music and singing
only written prayers

Q4.
Muslims don’t compose or perform music for worship.

True – all Muslims avoid music.
False – all Muslims must sing in worship.
Correct answer: False – some Muslims use music to worship Allah.