Ashura
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what Ashura is and its importance to Muslim communities today.
Key learning points
- Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad was martyred at the Battle of Karbala.
- Shi'a Muslims commemorate this each year with Ashura.
- There is a diversity in practice for how Shi'a Muslims commemorate Ashura today.
- Some Sunni Muslims complete a non-obligatory fast on Ashura as the Prophet Muhammad did.
Keywords
Ashura - important festival in Shi’a Islam, to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain
Commemoration - a ceremony or occasion which honours someone's memory
Karbala - a city in modern day Iraq where Imam Hussein was martyred
Martyr - a person who suffers death rather than give up their religion, belief or other important cause
Common misconception
Ashura is an important day only for Shi'a Muslims.
All Muslims, including Sunni and Shi'a Muslims commemorate this day but for differing reasons.
Teacher tip
Students can research the Shi'a pilgrimage of Abra'in one of the largest pilgrimages in the world. This is when Shi'a Muslims take part in a pilgirmage at Karbala, the site where Imam Hussain was Martyred.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Id ul-Adha follows the pilgrimage and commemorates sacrifice.
Q2.Who do Muslims believe Prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice?
Q3.What is the act of sacrificing an animal during Id ul-Adha called?
Q4.How is the meat from the sacrificed animal typically divided?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Imam Hussain was at the Battle of Karbala.
Q2.How do many Shi’a Muslims express grief during Ashura?
Q3.Why might some Shi’a Muslims donate blood during Ashura?
Q4.Sunni Muslims may fast on Ashura as a act.
Q5.What do both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims do on Ashura, though for different reasons?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Ashura, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Ashura, 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 4 religious education lessons from the Islam: Practices unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.