Understanding Islamic Prayer Beads

Lesson Overview

• Subject: Religious Education
• Year Group: Year 3
• Lesson Duration: 60 minutes
• Class Size: 24 students
• Curriculum Link: UK National Curriculum – Religious Education
  • Key Attainment Target: Understanding religious practices and objects (KS2)
  • Focus: Understanding the significance of Islamic prayer beads (Misbaha/Subha)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, children will:

1. Understand what Islamic prayer beads (Misbaha/Subha) are and their significance in Islamic worship.
2. Identify how and why Muslims use prayer beads for reflection and prayer.
3. Compare prayer beads to similar objects in other religions.
4. Reflect on personal objects that help them with mindfulness or reflection.

Resources Needed

• A real or replica set of Islamic prayer beads
• High-quality images of Misbaha/Subha
• A short video showing how prayer beads are used (optional)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed templates for students to design their own prayer beads

---

Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (10 minutes) – Mystery Object Challenge

• Teacher's Action: Hold up or show an image of Islamic prayer beads without naming them.
• Engagement Strategy: Ask students:
  • "What do you think this object is?"
  • "What might it be used for?"
  • "Have you seen something similar before?"
• Discussion: After suggestions, reveal that it is a set of Islamic prayer beads (Misbaha/Subha). Explain that different religions have special objects for prayer and reflection.

---

2. Main Teaching (15 minutes) – Understanding Misbaha/Subha

• What are Islamic Prayer Beads?
  • Explain that Misbaha (or Subha) beads are used by Muslims to count prayers and to focus on reciting the names of Allah.
  • Most Misbaha have 33 or 99 beads representing different attributes of Allah.
  • They are often made from wood, ivory, or other materials.
• How are they used?
  • Muslims use the beads to say special phrases such as “Subhanallah” (Glory be to God), “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to God), and “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest).
  • Sometimes used quietly in daily life for reflection and mindfulness.
• Comparison with Other Religions
  • Briefly mention that other religions also use prayer beads, such as the Christian Rosary and Hindu Japa Mala.

---

3. Group Activity (15 minutes) – Design Your Own Reflective Beads

• Task: Students will design their own meaningful set of beads on a worksheet.
  • They should think of emotions, values, or personal reflections to represent on each bead (e.g., kindness, gratitude, love).
  • Colour and create patterns for their design.
• Class Discussion: Ask pupils to share the meaning behind their designs, linking the activity back to the idea of prayer and reflection.

---

4. Reflection & Plenary (15 minutes) – Mindfulness Moment

• Gather students in a quiet circle. Guide them in a simple reflection moment:
  1. Ask them to close their eyes and think of three things they are grateful for.
  2. Encourage them to imagine using a bead for each thought, like the Misbaha.
  • Discussion: How did it feel reflecting in this way?
  • Link Back to Learning: Explain that prayer beads are not only for prayer but also for helping people focus and feel calm.

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Questioning: Throughout the lesson to check understanding.
• Class Discussion: Monitor participation and comments.
• Bead Design Activity: Include self-reflection in designs.
• Plenary Discussion: Assess understanding of reflection and use of beads.

Extension Activities

• Creative Writing: Write a short paragraph describing how using beads might help someone feel peaceful or connected to their faith.
• Drama & Role Play: Act out a scene where someone uses prayer beads, showing how they reflect or pray.

---

Adaptations & Differentiation

• For SEN/Lower Ability: Provide a pre-drawn template with explanations of colour meanings. Provide verbal prompts and extra support.
• For Higher Ability: Assign additional research on different types of religious beads worldwide.

---

Teacher's Closing Reflection

• Did students engage with the concept of Islamic prayer beads?
• Were they able to connect the activity to their own experiences of reflection?
• How can this lesson be expanded in future learning?

---

This lesson plan ensures an engaging, interactive, and reflective session that aligns with UK Religious Education standards, catering to a range of learning styles.