Author: Rachel Brown Publisher: self-published Pub, Date: 2001 Available From Rachel Brown, rachel-brown@medianone.net Theme and Description This curriculum introduces students and teachers to the basic teachings and traditions of Islam.Throughout the course of the unit, students will be exposed to and work with the following topics/content:
Basic teachings of Islam, including the Five Pillars: Shahadah, declaration of faith; Salaat, prayer; Zakaat, giving to charity; Sawm, fasting; Haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Prophets of Islam and their connection to the Judaic and Christian traditions.
History, structure and writings of the Quran (Koran).
Story of the life of the Prophet Muhammad.
Cultural and artistic expressions of Arabic Islam.
Geographical location of Muslims around the world, including, if possible, a local mosque.
Design elements and the functions of mosques.
History of Black Muslim movement in America.
Church/society/community members who are practicing Muslims.
Media bias against Muslim people.
Differences between Islamic teachings/beliefs and the groups of people who follow these teachings/beliefs.
Connections and differences among Unitarian Universalism, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
Goals for Participants
A study of Islam is intended to fulfill the following Religious Education goals:
to help students develop an awareness and sensitivity to other cultures and religions, and
to expose students to different religious experiences they may later use as they shape their own spiritual path.
Age Range Ages 10-13 Size of Group 6 to 15 Space Requirements An average-sized room; larger activity room for role play of pilgrimage to Mecca, if possible
Number of Sessions 9 Length of Sessions 60 minutes Leader Training Lessons are designed for people new to both Islam and the religious education classroom and provide a fairly high level of structure for each session. It is expected that teachers (particularly those with more experience in classroom teaching and/or with Islam) will modify and adapt as needed/desired.
Leader Preparation 1 to 2 hours per session Strengths
* Addresses a sensitive and timely topic
* Lessons blend discussion with engaging activities
* Includes discussion questions and teaching tips
* Include a resource list of support materials (books, videos, web sites)
Limitations
* Best if supplemented with print, video and Web resources
* Lessons are designed for a very full hour; teachers may need to shorten or cut activities.
Adaptability Many activities are appropriate for older children (grades 7-8).
Development The initial development of this curriculum was made possible by a grant from the Unitarian Sunday School Society, awarded to the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis in 1999. First taught by Rachel Brown and Becky Richardson with a wonderful group of 6th graders at the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, Winter 2000, this curriculum was then pilot-tested by four other churches before being revised by the author.
Unitarian Universalist Values
The inherent worth and dignity of every person; Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
