Year 10

Sunni/Shi'a split

In this lesson, we will focus on the story of Islam after the death of Muhammad and the emergence of two main denominations. We will explore the key similarities and differences between the denominations, the emergence of different types of leaders (caliph/Imams). and the key beliefs of Sunni (six articles) and Shi'a (five roots).

Year 10

Sunni/Shi'a split

In this lesson, we will focus on the story of Islam after the death of Muhammad and the emergence of two main denominations. We will explore the key similarities and differences between the denominations, the emergence of different types of leaders (caliph/Imams). and the key beliefs of Sunni (six articles) and Shi'a (five roots).

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The emergence of Islam after the death of Muhammad.
  2. Key similarities and differences between the denominations.
  3. The emergence of different types of leaders (caliph/Imams).
  4. The key beliefs of Sunni (six articles) and Shi'a (five roots).

Equipment

You will need two different coloured pens: black or blue and another coloured pen, such as green or red.

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

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5 Questions

Q1.
Why was Muhammad unhappy with the situation in Mecca?
People were littering
Correct answer: People were misusing the Kaaba
People were not kind to Muhammad
Q2.
Who did Muhammad meet in the cave he would go to in order to get away from the community?
Hagar
Ibrahim
Ishmael
Correct answer: Jibril
Q3.
What does 'Medina' mean?
City of Muhammad
City of the Kaaba
City of the Muslims
Correct answer: City of the Prophet
Q4.
What did Muhammad insist upon after the battle of Badr?
That he be given a title for his victory
That Muhammad could keep all of the prisoners
Correct answer: That prisoners could be released if they were taught how to read and write
That there wouldn't be a war again
Q5.
What does 'seal of the prophets' mean when Muslims speak of Muhammad?
That he is the first, and other prophets will be sent
That he is the first, another prophet will not be sent
Correct answer: That he is the last, another prophet will not be sent
That he is the last, but another prophet may be sent

5 Questions

Q1.
From a historical point of view, Muhammad did not make it clear on who should lead after his death.
False
Correct answer: True
Q2.
Ali became the first caliph.
Correct answer: False
True
Q3.
What is a caliph?
Separate branch / group of a common faith
Someone who leads spiritually not politically
Correct answer: The leader of an Islamic state
Q4.
Which of these statements is true?
Only Sunnis follow the five pillars
Correct answer: Shi'a Muslims pray five prayers but pray at three separate times a day
Sunni and Shi'a Muslims don't believe Muhammad was the final prophet
Sunnis are not Muslim
Q5.
Which denomination has additional acts alongside the five pillars?
Correct answer: Shi'a
Sunni