Interpreting Shariah using ijtihad
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the meaning of ijtihad and how it might be interpreted and applied by Muslims today.
Key learning points
- Muslim thinking has developed since Prophet Muhammad. A challenge has been to respond to ideas not in Qur'an or Hadith.
- The term ‘ijtihad’ comes from the word jihad, which means struggle, effort or fight.
- Ijtihad is the method of using the principles of the Qur'an and Hadith to identify the best action.
- Using ijtihad may result in different interpretations which lead to diversity of thought amongst different Muslims.
Keywords
Hadith - the recorded words of the Prophet Muhammad
Ijtihad - the human effort and reasoning used to work out the Shariah
Interpretation - the action of explaining the meaning of something
Shariah - a set of moral and religious laws that guide Muslims
Common misconception
All Muslims will come to the same conclusion about a moral or social issue.
Different scholars will interpret sources differently meaning there is a diversity of opinion about issues such as the Eid moon sighting, and wearing of trousers and beards.
Teacher tip
Connect ijtihad to real-life situations students can relate to e.g., social media, AI, climate change, or everyday moral dilemmas.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.The two sources used to make Shariah are the Qur’an and the ...
Q2.What is Shariah?
Q3.Actions that are allowed or encouraged are called ...
Q4.What is the Hijra?
Q5.Muslims believe full Shariah guidance began in ...
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What challenge did Muslims face after Prophet Muhammad’s death?
Q2.What is ijtihad?
Q3.Ijtihad may guide Muslim views on modern weapons like weapons.
Q4.What is one result of ijtihad being used by different scholars?
Q5.Some scholars rely on moon while others use calculations to determine the start of Eid.
To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: Interpreting Shariah using ijtihad, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: Interpreting Shariah using ijtihad, 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 3 religious education lessons from the Religious law: What is the social context and relevance today? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.