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      Shahadah as one of the Five Pillars

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the Shahadah as part of the Five Pillars and its importance for Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.

      Key learning points

      1. 'Shariah' 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

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

      Common misconception

      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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a key difference between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims?

      they believe in different prophets
      Correct answer: they disagree on who should have led the Muslim community after Muhammad
      they follow different holy books

      Q2.
      Why is the Qur’an considered to be the most important source of authority in Islam?

      it contains laws from Muslim scholars
      it only contains stories
      Correct answer: it is believed to be the literal word of Allah

      Q3.
      Which of the following best describes the role of prophets in Islam?

      Correct answer: they deliver messages from Allah
      they are worshipped alongside Allah
      they write their own holy books

      Q4.
      What is the term for the worldwide Muslim community?

      the Hadith
      Correct answer: the Ummah
      the mosque

      Q5.
      Muslims believe in life after death, known as .

      Correct Answer: Akhirah, akhirah

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The Five are important acts of worship for Sunni Muslims.

      Correct Answer: Pillars, pillars

      Q2.
      Which two religious groups share a belief in the Five Pillars?

      Jews and Christians
      Hindus and Buddhists
      Correct answer: Sunni and Shi'a Muslims

      Q3.
      What does the term 'shariah' mean in Islam?

      'the fruits of paradise'
      Correct answer: 'the straight path'
      a celebration

      Q4.
      Which Pillar of Islam does the Shahadah belong to?

      prayer
      pilgrimage
      Correct answer: declaration of faith
      charity

      Q5.
      Why is the Shahadah considered the most important practice in Islam?

      it is performed only once a year
      it involves giving money
      Correct answer: it expresses the core belief of the religion

      Q6.
      What do some Shi’a Muslims add to the Shahadah?

      the name of Hussein
      Correct answer: the statement that “'Ali is the friend of Allah”
      another name for Muhammad

      To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Shahadah as one of the Five Pillars, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...