Ashura in Britain and worldwide
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
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is the correct definition of jihad?
Q2.Jihad is one of the Ten Obligatory Acts in Islam
Q3.Which example best illustrates lesser jihad?
Q4.Lesser jihad involves physical struggle and has strict to be valid.
Q5.Why is the greater jihad often considered more important than lesser jihad?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was at the Battle of Karbala, an event mourned by Shi’a Muslims on Ashura.
Q2.How do Sunni Muslims typically observe Ashura?
Q3.What varies among Shi’a communities during Ashura?
Q4.What is one way Shi’a Muslims may commemorate Ashura today?
Q5.Ashura is commemorated by both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims, though for reasons.
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Ashura in Britain and worldwide, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Ashura in Britain and worldwide, 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.