New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Ashura in Britain and worldwide

I can explain what Ashura is and its importance to Muslim communities today.

New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Ashura in Britain and worldwide

I can explain what Ashura is and its importance to Muslim communities today.

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Lesson details

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. There is a diversity in practice for how Shi'a Muslims commemorate Ashura today.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Ashura in Britain and worldwide, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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

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5 Questions

Q1.
What is the correct definition of jihad?
punishment
charity
Correct answer: struggle
Q2.
Jihad is one of the Ten Obligatory Acts in Islam
Correct Answer: Shi’a, shi’a
Q3.
Which example best illustrates lesser jihad?
giving to charity
fasting in Ramadan
Correct answer: defending Islam through a just war
Q4.
Lesser jihad involves physical struggle and has strict to be valid.
Correct Answer: criteria, Criteria
Q5.
Why is the greater jihad often considered more important than lesser jihad?
it's easier
it earns more money
Correct answer: it focusses on changing in the long term

Assessment exit quiz

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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.
Correct Answer: martyred, Martyred
Q2.
How do Sunni Muslims typically observe Ashura?
by taking part in mourning processions
by performing Hajj
Correct answer: by fasting, as the Prophet Muhammad did
Q3.
What varies among Shi’a communities during Ashura?
whether they eat meat
whether they pray
Correct answer: how they express grief
Q4.
What is one way Shi’a Muslims may commemorate Ashura today?
Correct answer: through plays and processions
by decorating their homes
only by fasting
Q5.
Ashura is commemorated by both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims, though for reasons.
Correct Answer: different, Different

Additional material

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