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      Different Muslim approaches to music

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain some Muslim beliefs about music.

      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).

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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 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

      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.

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