Starter: Odd one out

L earning Objectives: 1.To describe what Sawm is 2.To give examples of what it involves 3.To make connections between Islam and our own lives L earning Objectives: 1.To describe what Sawm is 2.To give examples of what it involves 3.To make connections between Islam and our own lives What is Sawm, and why do Muslims do it?

Intro: How would it affect you if you’d had no food since 6am?

How many people said they’d be very tired? Just thought…

TASK List every thing you ate yesterday. Include: Every meal you had Any snack you had (even if it’s a crisp from your friend’s packet!) Every drink you had

Think… Imagine if you couldn’t eat anything ALL DAY for a MONTH. Imagine if you couldn’t eat anything ALL DAY for a MONTH. This is what Muslims do during Ramadan. To go without food for a while is called FASTING. This is what Muslims do during Ramadan. To go without food for a while is called FASTING. Muslims fast during daylight hours- when it’s dark they can eat again. Muslims fast during daylight hours- when it’s dark they can eat again.

Ramadan is actually the name of the month in which Sawm, the fast, takes place. It is the fast of food and drink and also sex, and is compulsory for all* Muslims who have reached puberty.

Exemptions - Travellers Pregnant women The sick or infirm Anyone who misses the fast either has to make up the missed days later, or, if this is not possible, pay money to a charity. Those who cheat at Ramadan also have to fast again later.

The fast takes place between dawn and sunset So, obviously, when Ramadan falls in winter it is easier than when it comes in the summer The fast is during daylight.

“ O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183)

‘ Self Restraint ’ is translated from the Arabic word ‘ taqwaa ’ Muslims take part in Ramadan to gain taqwaa. Taqwaa is a fear of Allah, bringing the faster into a respectful relationship with God.

The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most holy. During the last ten nights, one of the odd numbered nights, normally the 27 th, is celebrated as being ‘ Lailat Al- Qadr ’ Many Muslims take ‘ seclusion ’ in the last ten days to fully dedicate themselves to worshipping Allah. This is called being in masjid.

Lailat Al-Qadr This night in Ramadan remembers when Muhammed had the Quran revealed to him. The night is known as the ‘ Night of Power ’, it is seen as a special night and is said to be ‘ better than a thousand months ’

Allah has said that “ Fasting is for me and I reward it ”. It is because of this that the Sawm is so important, it is a duty to Allah and it comes with benefits

These benefits include - Patience A greater knowledge of Islam Submission to Allah Community with other Muslims all over the world A better understanding of the unfortunate Discipline Fasting can also promote better bodily health

Watch the video Complete a Spider Diagram and mention as many: 1) 1) Facts about SAWM 2) 2) Benefits of fasting THINK: What do you show commitment and dedication to, even though it is hard work?

What does it feel like to fast? What do Muslims think about during Ramadan? religion/religious-traditions/great-british- ramadan religion/religious-traditions/great-british- ramadan As you watch the video, think about these questions

Only two of us canteen workers are Muslims. The other one was pregnant last Ramadan so she couldn’t fast, but usually she does. During Ramadan, if we need to check something like salt, one of the other cooks tastes it. While the others have elevenses, we just sit outside or carry on working. Normally, when we’ve served our meals and cleared up, we al have our dinner before going home. In Ramadan I go home as soon as I have cleared up. I try to have a lie-down before my children get home.

The mornings are ok when we are fasting. The afternoons are harder. A Ramadan day is quite different from any other. We start fasting before dawn and finish after sunset. When Ramadan falls in summer, we get up very early, before its light, then go back to bed until it’s time to go to school or work. My husband works in a factory. In Ramadan, when he’s on the night shift, he can eat during breaks, but when he’s on days it’s not so good. There’s only the cafeteria for people to go to. Explain why fasting during Ramadan can cause problems for Muslims living in the UK. (Give examples of occupations in your answer)

What could the managers of the factory do during Ramadan to make the conditions better?

TASK Muslims celebrate the festival of …… Muslims celebrate the festival of …… During this month, they fast. This means….. During this month, they fast. This means….. During the festival, Muslims think about… During the festival, Muslims think about… Muslims might think that fasting is difficult because… Muslims might think that fasting is difficult because… However, they might also think fasting is a good thing, because… However, they might also think fasting is a good thing, because… It would be even better if you could include some of the key words you have just learnt.

To finish… Can you use key words and your knowledge from this lesson to tell me something about these pictures?

What key word can we use to describe this?

Why is this important?

What is happening here? How do you think these people are feeling?

What do these have to do with Ramadan?

Eid-Ul-Fitr At the end of Ramadan Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid-Ul-Fitr. It marks the end of a difficult month of fasting. Before the festival begins Muslims observe Zakat- ul-Fitr. This means giving money for the poor. It is usually the amount of money it would cost for a family to eat a meal. The idea is that everyone should have enough to celebrate the feast.

People Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr People Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr

The first day of the festival begins with a light meal. Then Muslims meet at the mosque. Eid-il- Fitr is a time for meeting friends And relatives, so it is common for large groups to meet at the Mosque for prayer. The special prayers take place from dawn till noon. Then they visit friends and family. There are often parties and sugary sweets are eaten. Children often wear new clothes. Many Muslims also send cards to each other.