Muslims and Shariah Law
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what is meant by Shariah and how many Muslims explain its origins.
Key learning points
- The word Shariah means path to a water source. This is interpreted by many Muslims as an attractive path to follow.
- Most Muslims have two main sources of authority; the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
- These two sources make up the Shariah.
- The Shariah came about at a time of Muslim migration as the first Muslim communities were being established.
Keywords
Shariah - a set of moral and religious rules that guide Muslims
Hadith - the recorded words of the Prophet Muhammad
Halal - actions or things which are permitted within Islam
Haram - any actions or things which are forbidden within Islam
Hijra - refers to the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers
Common misconception
Halal and haram just applies to food and dietary laws.
Anything that is acceptable or forbidden in Islam is known as halal and haram.
Teacher tip
The distance from Makkah to Madinah is approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles) by road. Ask pupils to consider the challenges that the first Muslim community would have faced, making that journey by foot or camel.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match each term to its meaning.
relating to what is morally right or wrong
a system of rules recognised and enforced by society
selfless and unconditional love
Q2.Christians can use the teachings of as a guide when applying situation ethics.
Q3.What does situation ethics focus on?
Q4.Who developed the term situation ethics?
Q5.Which Bible story shows Jesus not condemning a lawbreaker?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Shariah is often translated as a to a water source, symbolising guidance for how to live.
Q2.The Qur’an and the Sunnah are based on the teachings and example of the Muhammad.
Q3.What is the Hijra?
Q4.What are the two main sources that make up the Shariah?
Q5.Halal and haram only refer to food rules.
To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: Muslims and Shariah Law, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: Muslims and Shariah Law, 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.