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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what Ashura and Id-ul-Ghadeer are and their importance to Shi'a Muslims.

      Key learning points

      1. Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad was martyred at the Battle of Karbala.
      2. Shi'a Muslims commemorate this each year with Ashura.
      3. Shi'a Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad announced Imam Ali to be his successor at Ghadeer Khumm.
      4. Shi'a Muslims celebrate the announcement each year with Id-ul-Ghadeer

      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

      • Mawla - a term understood within Shi’a Islam to mean protector, guardian and leader

      Common misconception

      That Shi'a Muslims believe Ali was a 'prophet' following Muhammad.

      Both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims believe Muhammad was the final 'seal of the prophets' but Shi'a Muslims believe Allah chose Ali to be Muhammad's successor, and that Muhammad announced this at Ghadeer Khumm.

      Teacher tip

      Students can research the Shi'a pilgrimage of Abra'een where Muslims visit the walk to Imam Hussain at Karbala, 40 days after Ashura.

      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

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Id ul-Adha remembers the story of Prophet , who was willing to sacrifice his son.

      Correct Answer: Ibrahim, ibrahim

      Q2.
      What is the act of animal sacrifice during Id ul-Adha called?

      Correct answer: Qurbani
      Salah
      Sawm

      Q3.
      The meat from the Qurbani is shared with family, friends, and the .

      Correct Answer: poor, Poor

      Q4.
      What does Id ul-Fitr celebrate?

      The start of Hajj
      Correct answer: The end of Ramadan
      The first battle of Islam

      Q5.
      What is a common tradition during Id ul-Fitr?

      Correct answer: Celebratory meals and community gatherings
      Fasting all day
      Sacrificing animals

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Imam Hussain is remembered for his martyrdom at the Battle of .

      Correct Answer: Karbala, karbala

      Q2.
      What does Ashura commemorate for Shi’a Muslims?

      The Night Journey
      Correct answer: The martyrdom of Hussain
      The revelation of the Qur’an

      Q3.
      Ashura is observed on the 10th day of the month of .

      Correct Answer: Muharram, muharram

      Q4.
      Which Muslim group celebrates Id-ul-Ghadeer?

      Correct answer: Shi’a Muslims
      Sunni Muslims
      Sufis only

      Q5.
      Why is Ghadeer Khumm significant to Shi’a Muslims?

      It’s where the Prophet passed away
      Correct answer: It’s where Ali was named as successor
      It was the last battle of the Prophet

      To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Id-ul-Ghadeer and Ashura, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...