Human responsibility and freedom
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what belief in predestination is and how this can relate to the idea of human freedom in Islam.
Key learning points
- Many Muslims believe that Allah is both ominpotent and omniscient.
- Many Muslims believe that human actions are Allah's will, and are predestined.
- Muslims also believe humans have free will.
- Humans are repsonsible for their actions, freely chosen, on the Day of Judgement.
Keywords
Free will - being able to choose between different actions
Omnipotent - Allah is all powerful
Omniscient - Allah is all knowing
Predestination - Allah has pre-decided everything that happens
Responsibility - free will makes humans accountable for their deeds
Common misconception
That all Muslims believe all actions are predestined.
Whilst most Muslims believe that some events and actions are predestined, there is a diversity of opinion on this within Islam.
Teacher tip
Teachers and students can further explore the debates around predestination and free will in Islam through researching the Mutazilite and Asharite schools of thought who developed Islamic philosophical answers to this question.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Souls are questioned in Barzakh until the they are resurrected.
Q2.Some Muslims believe angels are present at of important Muslims.
Q3.What is the meaning of the term ‘Barzakh’ in Islam?
Q4.Which group of Muslims is more likely to believe in free will over predestination?
Q5.What role do angels play in Barzakh?
Q6.Why do some Sunni Muslims not visit shrines?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Some Muslims believe humans are to choose their actions, even though Allah knows the outcome.
Q2.Muslims believe Allah is all (omnipotent), meaning He is in control of everything that happens.
Q3.What do Muslims mean when they say Allah is omniscient?
Q4.Which belief helps Muslims feel reassured about the future?
Q5.How do many Muslims describe the balance between free will and predestination?
Q6.Why is the phrase “insha’Allah” used by Muslims?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Human responsibility and freedom, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Human responsibility and freedom, 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: Beliefs and teachings unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.