Transcript KS1 03 Why is God important for Muslims

Wiltshire RE Starter Stimulus
Starter ideas for the following key question from the 2011 Agreed Syllabus:
KS1.3 Why is God important for Muslims?
This resource aims to provide some stimulus texts and ideas to help children
begin to address the above question.
It links to the following learning outcomes from p36 of the syllabus:
Pupils can:
• Identify some ways a Muslims might describe God
• Choose some of the 99 names of Allah and say what they symbolise about
God
• Respond sensitively to what matters to Muslims and what matters to them
Many of the slides have notes to give suggestions for use. Look at the
slide show in Normal mode and look for the notes at the bottom of the
page.
© Wiltshire Council
What do these names
mean?
Oliver…
Olive tree
Alice…
Of noble kind
Sophie…
Wisdom
Aaron…
Mountain of strength
What does your name
mean?
God
German
Dieu
Greek
Gott
French
Theos
Arabic
Allah
English
The 99 Beautiful Names of Allah
Merciful
All-peaceful
Protector
Mighty
King
Creator
Maker
Provider
Judge
All-knowing
Watchful
Gentle
Forgiving
Supreme
With-holder
First
Last
Just
Hidden
Exalted
Generous
Patient
Guide
Afflicter
Light
Wise
The 99 Beautiful Names of Allah
Merciful
All-peaceful
Protector
Mighty
King
Creator
Maker
Provider
Judge
All-knowing
Watchful
Gentle
Forgiving
Supreme
With-holder
First
Last
Just
Hidden
Exalted
Generous
Patient
Guide
Afflicter
Light
Wise
Some ideas for using this resource:
1. Artwork
Have a look at some examples of Islamic art based on the 99 Beautiful
Names. Hafeez Shaikh has designed some colourful pieces of art.
http://www.arthafez.com/gallery.html
Use these to inspire your children to produce their own artwork on the
Names of God. They should be careful not to try and draw living forms in
their artwork, but can use colour and patterns to express the meaning of
the name. They could copy the Arabic script or try some decorative
versions of the English.
Those who are able might write a sentence to explain their artwork.
2. Meeting needs
The language on slides 6-13 is difficult. You might instead choose 8
names and ask children when a person might be pleased to have
someone around who is patient / gentle / forgiving / creator / guide / allknowing etc.
If Muslims believe that God is all of these things to them, ask the children
to talk about why God is important to Muslims. Try and get them to give
concrete examples, linked with their ideas from the previous
conversation. Record and gather their ideas together a class statement:
“We think God is important for Muslims because…”