New
New
Year 10
AQA

Shahadah - the declaration of faith

I can explain what the Shahadah is as part of the Five Pillars.

New
New
Year 10
AQA

Shahadah - the declaration of faith

I can explain what the Shahadah is as part of the Five Pillars.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. 'Sharia' means 'the straight path' and halal actions are those that are permitted for Muslims.
  2. The Five Pillars are important practices for both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.
  3. The Shahadah is the declaration of faith for Muslims and forms part of the Five Pillars.
  4. The Shahadah states there is only one God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.

Keywords

  • Halal - actions or things which are permitted within Islam, such as eating permitted foods

  • Haram - any actions or things which are forbidden within Islam, such as eating forbidden foods

  • Shahadah - the statement of faith in Islam

  • Sharia - a set of moral and religious rules that guide Muslims, based on the teachings of the Qur'an and the Hadith

Common misconception

That the Shahadah is only said by Sunni Muslims.

The Shahadah is important to all Muslims, but some Shi'a Muslims state that 'Ali is a friend of Allah' in addition to the statement that Sunni Muslims say.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Shahadah - the declaration of faith, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

If pupils are not aware of the debate around the succession after the death of the Prophet Muhammad that has informed some differences in practices between Sunni and Shi'a branches of Islam, then pupils could cover this before any lessons which introduce these differences.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following best describes the role of prophets in Islam?
they rule over the Muslim community
Correct answer: they deliver messages from Allah
they write their own holy books
Q2.
What is the term for the worldwide Muslim community?
mosque
Hadith
Correct answer: ummah
Q3.
What is the role of angels in Islam?
they are former humans
they only appear in dreams
Correct answer: they bring messages from Allah and record deeds
Q4.
Why is the Qur’an considered the ultimate source of authority in Islam?
it was edited by religious leaders
it includes poetry and songs
Correct answer: it is believed to be the exact word of Allah
it was written by the Prophet Muhammad
Q5.
The belief in prophets in Islam is called .
Correct Answer: Risalah, risalah
Q6.
In Islam, angels are believed to record every person’s good and bad .
Correct Answer: deeds, Deeds

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
'Shariah' means 'the path' and guides Muslims on how to live a good life.
Correct Answer: straight, Straight
Q2.
What are the Five Pillars in Islam?
Correct answer: acts of worship and devotion
historical figures
important cities
Q3.
What must someone say to become a Muslim?
a prayer
Correct answer: the Shahadah
the adhan
a verse from the Qur’an
Q4.
What concept is reinforced by the phrase “There is no god but Allah”?
polytheism
atheism
Correct answer: monotheism
Q5.
What is the key difference between Sunni and Shi’a views of the Shahadah?
the language used
the number of prayers included
Correct answer: the mention of Ali
Q6.
Which of these practices is not one of the Five Pillars of Islam?
prayer (salah)
charity (zakat)
Correct answer: reading the Qur'an
fasting (sawm)