Human Heritage: A World History

Chapter 22: The Spread of Islam

Web Activity Lesson Plans

“Exploring Islam”

Introduction
Students have read about the teachings of Muhammad and the beginning of the Islamic religion. In this exercise, students will examine the fundamentals of the Islamic religion.

Lesson Description
Students will use information from the Religion of Islam Web site to learn about the fundamentals of Islam. They will read descriptions of the five pillars of faith. Students will then answer four questions about what they have read and apply this information by creating a Venn diagram illustrating the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam.

Instruction Objectives

1. Students will be able to identify and describe the fundamentals of Islamic beliefs.
2. Students will be able to use this knowledge to create a Venn diagram illustrating the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. It is the declaration of faith. "There is no god worthy of worship except God (Allah) and Muhammed (peace be upon Him) is His messenger."
2. Islam reveres Abraham, Moses, and Christ. It shares with Christianity a sacred history, the basic ethical teachings found in the Ten Commandments and a belief in one god.
3. dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and nightfall
4. Pilgrims circle the Ka'aba seven times, and go between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. Then the pilgrims stand together on the plain of Arafa and join in prayers for God's forgiveness.
5. Students' Venn diagrams will vary but should include the characteristics referenced above.