Calligraphy and its importance to Muslims
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why and how some Muslims use calligraphy.
Key learning points
- Calligraphy is decorative writing.
- It is often used by Muslims as a form of art.
- This is because Muslims believe that it is wrong to depict living beings.
- There are many great Muslim works of calligraphy.
Keywords
Calligraphy - a visual art related to writing
Haram - forbidden for Muslims
Figurative art - representing forms that are recognisably taken from life
Common misconception
Calligraphy is just pretty writing.
Calligraphy is an art form that communicates meaning.
Teacher tip
Pupils should be taught how Muslims value the word of God, even when it is in printed or in written form. Muslim calligraphy should not be written over or disfigured, but can be coloured-in or decorated. Any printouts must be carefully handled, not thrown away or discarded - shred them if possible.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is the word for God in Islam?
Q2.Where do Muslim go to join together in worship?
Q3.What word in Islam means 'fasting'?
Q4.What word in Islam refers to the statement of faith?
Q5.Who was the final prophet in Islam?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which of these keywords means 'the art of beautiful writing'?
Q2.Art that shows recognisable human people or animals is called ...
Q3.Where might you see examples of Muslim calligraphy?
Q4.What word means 'forbidden' in Islam?
Q5.Why do many Muslims regard figurative art as haram?
To help you plan your 4 religious education lesson on: Calligraphy and its importance to Muslims, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 religious education lesson on: Calligraphy and its importance to Muslims, 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 Spirituality: how is art used in religions and beliefs? unit, dive into the full primary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.