1. What are the Five Pillars of Islam? Lesson Objectives: To know the five main principles that Muslims follow to show their commitment to Allah To understand why these principles are important to Muslims To consider the encouragements and challenges of having to follow the pillars and evaluate whether people should have to worship in a set way.

2. Each and everyone of us will do certain things in life which reflect our beliefs and priorities. Using the sheet, write down some of the things that you do/believe are important to do. Compare these with a partner when you have finished: are there any similarities?

3. The foundational beliefs of Islam All Muslims strive to follow these five main principles in order to show their commitment to Allah

4. A declaration of belief a Muslim must make that there is no other god but Allah and that Muhammad is his prophet. Muslims will recite this declaration daily.

5. Muslims will pray to Allah five times a day at specific times, which change with the seasons These prayers are performed in a set way. Muslims will stop what they are doing in order to pray at this time, wherever they are

6. Muslims are required to give at least 2.5% of their annual income to the poor and needy. Muslims do this to show their belief that everything they have is from Allah and they should use it in a way that pleases him. However, Muslims believe that all aspects of life should be characterised by generosity – we should give more of our money and time. Any good deed done for the sake of Allah and others (not for selfish reasons) is known as sadaqah.

7. Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadan During this time, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset Fasting during this time helps Muslims to develop self-restraint and focus and depend on Allah. It also helps them to empathise with those do not have reliable access to food and water.

8. Muslims, if they are able, must travel to the holy city of Makkah (sometimes written Mecca), which is where the Prophet Muhammad was born, at least once in their lifetime. Hajj helps Muslims connect to Allah and other believers in a deep and meaningful way

9. Working with a partner, complete the table, thinking about what the encouragements and challenges of trying to follow each pillar might be for Muslims. Extension: which pillar do you believe is the most important to follow and why? Write an answer to this question in your book, giving reasons for your answer

10. Write an answer to this question, making sure that you look at both sides of the argument.

11. 1.What two things do Muslims declare in the Shahadah? 2.What percentage of their income must Muslims give? 3.Where do Muslims go on Hajj? 4.Why do Muslims fast? 5.Give one challenge of following the five pillars 6.Give one benefit of following the five pillars

12. Write a paragraph explaining what personal qualities you think a Muslim would develop if he/she were to follow the Five Pillars. Make sure you refer to specific pillars to support your answer – e.g. A Muslim would need to be organised and disciplined in order to be able to stick to a specific prayer schedule.