Teachers Book Surah Al-Fatihah

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah SURAH 1: AL-FĀTIḤAH ‫سورة الفاتحة‬ The Opening Learning Outcomes: At the end of this Surah, the students will learn: 1. The main themes of this Surah that encompasses the whole Quran. 2. The purpose of life, and the path towards it. 3. Reciting al-Fātiḥah correctly and to read it inside prayer. SURAH OVERVIEW Al-Surah al-Fatihah is a Meccan surah. It is the first surah in the Quran but is not the first to be revealed. Al-Fatihah means “The Opener”, corresponding to its position at the beginning of the Quran. Al-Fatihah is a surah that sums up the whole Quran. It basically describes the main purposes of the revelation of the Quran being revealed – to remind us of Allah’s attributes and Power and to call us to worship and glorify Him alone. TAFSIR CORNER 1. Begin with Allah’s name: “In the name of Allah, the All Merciful, the Ever Merciful” The surah begins with the invocation of Allah’s name. This is a signal that whatever comes forth in the Quran after this verse comes from Allah. We should begin all our affairs with this invocation as a remembrance that all forms of capacity are in Allah’s power. Therefore, we must always ask for His aid in everything that we do, for only with His mercy (al-Rahman) we are able to do things and only with his special compassion (al-Rahim) we are able to do things with guidance. 2. Praising Allah: “All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds” Allah teaches us how to praise Him in gratitude to Him. He is the only One deserving of praise as He is the Lord that owns everything. He owns and maintains all of the worlds, seen or unseen. 3. Allah’s all-encompassing Mercy: “The All Merciful, the Ever Merciful” Allah is the entirely Merciful Benefactor of all things, alive or not. He provides sustenance freely to everyone and everything, whether they realize it or not. So let us strive to be among those who receive His mercy, in this world and in the hereafter.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah 4. Allah is Just: “Sovereign of the Day of Judgment” Allah is also the King of the Day of Judgment. ‘Al-Din’ means religion but it also means ‘judgment’, ‘law’, and ‘debt’. It is the day where Allah is the Ultimate Judge, Who will judge everyone fairly based on their actions and intentions. That is why guidance is most important in our worldly life, so that we live our lives according to Allah’s law. 5. Relying only on Allah: “It is You we worship and You we ask for help” In the first four verses, Allah tells us about His attributes. Because He is Merciful Lord of the Worlds who creates and sustains all life, He is the only One deserving of our worship. He is also the only One we should seek help from as He is the One who controls all of creation. 6. We must ask Allah for guidance: “Guide us to the straight path” The straight path is a life lived in worship of Allah, obeying His commands and avoiding what He dislikes. We must ask Allah to show us this path and to help us remain on this path as it is only He who can grant us the strength and wisdom to remain on the right way. 7. The path to Allah’s blessing: “The path of those You have blessed, not those who earned Your anger nor those who went astray” This is the path of those upon whom Allah bestows them limitless favour, that is, the favour of guidance and mercy. It is the path followed by the prophets, the messengers, and the pious. May Allah protect us from being led into the path of those who anger Him by disobeying Him. This short surah summarises the whole Quran and comprises all matters of the essential branches of the religion of Islam; creed (Aqidah); worship (Ibadah); injunctions and laws (Shariah); belief regarding the hereafter (Yawm al-Din); Allah’s Divine Attributes (Sifat al- Ilahiyyah); prayers (al-Du’a); truth (al-Haqq); guidance (al-Huda); error (al-Dalal); stories of the people of the past (Umam al-Sabiqah); and many more. This is why Al-Fatihah is considered the parent of all surahs and is also named Ummu al-Kitab (the Mother of the Book).

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah LESSON 1: INTRO TO SURAH AL-FĀTIḤAH Introduction: This activity introduces surah al-Fātiḥah in a general way to the students. Set Induction: In this activity, we will be introducing surah al-Fātiḥah. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to acquire the general picture of surah al- Fātiḥah. Materials: 1. LCD projector 2. Video Procedure: 1. Instruct the students to sit properly and comfortably. 2. Play the video. 3. Have a discussion on the themes of surah al-Fātiḥah. Lessons: Surah al-Fātiḥah is known as the “umm al-kitāb” because it encompasses all of the themes in the Quran. The themes are: 1. Allah is the Most Merciful and Compassionate. He is the Lord of all worlds and the Judge of the Day of Judgment. 2. And He is just towards all creations. 3. It reminds us to only worship Him and ask Him for help. We must only depend on Him and remember Him. 4. The straight path is the path of worship, that directs us towards profit and happiness. 5. We must always pray that we are guided on the straight path. Lesson Assessment: 1. What is the meaning of al-Fātiḥah? 2. When was al-Fātiḥah revealed? 3. Why was al-Fātiḥah revealed? 4. What are the themes of al-Fātiḥah? 5. What are the other names of surah al-Fātiḥah?

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah LESSON 2: #DONE BISMILLAH (CHECKERS GAME) Introduction: This activity focuses on verse 1-2. The focus is given to the two expressions that open the surah, which are Basmalah and Taḥmīd. Let’s conducts an activity that is related to the Basmalah. Set Induction: If we wish to open a door, what should we use? A key. Do you know that the Quran has its own door, which is al-Fātiḥah? But what is the key used to open the door? Let us find out! Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to understand the meaning and the importance of Basmalah. Materials: 1. Flour/chalk Procedure: 1. Divide the students into groups of six. 2. The teacher draws a square of 8x8 on the floor with flour or chalk. 3. The students stand in the boxes according to the arrangement of the game of checker. 4. This game is played according to the rules of the checkers. 5. Every time a student begins his move, he recites al-Fātiḥah. 6. And for every killing move, they must recite “Bismillah, Allahu akbar”. 7. A student is considered to have forfeited if he forgets to recite “Basmalah” or is killed. Lessons: 1. Imam Jaafar bin Sadiq mentions that the contents of al-Quran are contained in surah al-Fātiḥah. 2. And all of the contents of al-Fātiḥah are in the Basmalah. 3. Basmalah is the opener of everything that is contained in the Quran. 4. Basmalah is also the initiator of every deed that we do because we belong to Allah. 5. Therefore, everything that we do belongs to Him. Lesson Assessment: 1. What is the short form of Bismillah? 2. What are the specialities found in Basmalah? 3. Why do we need to read Basmalah when we start reading the Quran? 4. Why do we read Bismillah every time we perform our daily tasks?

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah LESSON 3: NOW YOU SEE ME Introduction: This activity focuses on the expression of Taḥmīd. Set Induction: In verse 2, Allah mentions praise for Himself. Why does Allah begin the surah by praising Himself? What does Allah wish to convey? Let’s explore. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to understand the concept of shukr and the relationship with verse 2 al-Fātiḥah. Materials: 1. School area Procedure: 1. The teacher has to bring the students on a short trip around the school. 2. During this trip, the teacher points out 'little things' and discusses with the students why they are important. Relate them with the concept of shukr. 3. Examples: Carpets make the floor more comfortable. The fan keeps the room cool. Colour pencils, help make beautiful art. 4. Lastly, relate the concept of shukr to its effect –preserving and keeping all those things in good condition. Lessons: Besides encouraging thankfulness, this activity helps students be more aware of their surroundings and shows that we can find a connection to Allah in all things, big or small. Lesson Assessment: 1. What is the meaning of “al-Ḥamd”? (Praise). 2. To whom the praise is directed? (Allah). 3. Why is the praise only worthy for Allah? (Because He has created and preserved the universe). 4. How do we convey shukr? (By preserving all the goodness that He has bestowed for us). 5. What do we say to show shukr? (Taḥmīd, which is “alhamdulillah”)

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah LESSON 4: MINI ECOSYSTEM Introduction: Last 3 activities provide the foundation for the first theme of surah al-Fātiḥah, which is the introduction of Allah’s attributes. Meanwhile, here, let’s describe the relationship between Allah and His creation, especially humans. This activity emphasizes the position of God as the ‘Rabb’ by explaining the manner in which God administrates the universe. Set Induction: In the past session, we have learned about mentioning taḥmīd as praise for Allah. This is because He has created and preserved the world. How does Allah create and preserve the world? Let us explore. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to: 1. Understand the role of ‘rabb al-ʿālamīn’ mentioned in verse 2. 2. Understand how an ecosystem function. Materials: 1. Two large plastic bottles 2. Craft knife 3. Tape 4. Cotton string 5. Soil 6. Plant seeds. Eg; beansprout Procedure: 1. Cut a bottle in half. 2. For the top half, invert it and fill it with soil. And then fix some seeds in the soil. 3. As for the bottom half, fill it with water until half-full. 4. Then, fit the top half into the opening of the bottom half. 5. The students have provided a place for the seeds to germinate and grow. 6. Observe the growth. Lessons: 1. Allah declares Himself as ‘rabb al-ʿālamīn’ which means the Lord of all worlds. 2. How does Allah preserve the world? By creating everything with its proper functions. 3. For example, all plants produce oxygen needed for respiration by other living beings. 4. And other living beings produce carbon dioxide needed for photosynthesis by plants. Lesson Assessment: 1. What is meant by rabb al-ʿālamīn’? 2. How does Allah preserve the world? 3. Give some examples for question 2.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah LESSON 5: WORSHIP Introduction: This activity touches on the first implication of the awareness of His place, which is the surrendering of the self to Him. Set Induction: In the previous session, we learned about the role of Allah as the Lord of all worlds. If we know the place of God as the Lord of all worlds, then what is the attitude that we should have? Let’s learn about it. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to Understand the meaning of ibadah mentioned in verse 5. Materials: 1. White A4 paper 2. Printed pictures 3. Mah-jong paper Procedure: Before class: 1. Print out pictures of some of Allah’s creations (planets, flowers etc) from the online portal. In class: 2. Tell students to sit properly. 3. Ask students about what Allah has created in this world. 4. Let students paste the pictures on the mah-jong paper. 5. Explain to them that all of creation is from Allah. Lessons: 1. Because Allah is the creator of the worlds, therefore this world is His. 2. Therefore, humans also belong to Him. Therefore, we need to follow His commands. 3. And His command is for us to worship Him. Lesson Assessment: 1. Who is the Owner of the whole universe? 2. What does the Owner want? 3. Who is worthy of worship?

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah LESSON 6: THE WHEELS OF DUʿĀ Introduction: This activity touches on the second implication of the awareness, which is asking for His help. Set Induction: In the previous session, we learned about the implication of knowing Allah as God, that is, we have to surrender ourselves in worship to Him. This worship must be done by obeying His commands. What about the situations where we are not worshipping Him ritually? Do we need to remember Him too? Let us find out. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to understand the meaning of ibadah more comprehensively based on verse 5. Materials: 1. Paper plates 2. Scissors 3. Thumbtacks 4. Colour pencils Procedure: 1. Cut out a triangle from one paper plate. 2. Colour or decorate it as you wish. 3. Next, take another paper plate. Draw four different pictures of your daily activities. Don’t forget to colour them. 4. On the drawings, write out the duʿā for the action – sleeping, eating, bathroom, waking up, getting into the car, etc. 5. Now, pin the first plate to the second one using the push-pin. 6. Now you have your wheel of duʿā. Turn the wheel whenever you do something and recite the duʿā. Lessons: 1. Worship is not limited to the pillars of Islam only. However, it encompasses our whole life. 2. In fact, even in worldly matters, we must always remember God by reciting the duʿā before everything that we do. 3. Our whole life must be a form of worship to Him. Lesson Assessment: 1. Is worship limited to the pillars of Islam only? 2. Can you give some examples of the duʿā for these activities? a. Sleeping b. Eating c. Driving d. Entering a toilet

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah LESSON 7: BALANCING BALLOON Introduction: The next activities focus on the second part of Surah al-Fātiḥah, which encompasses verse 5- 7. It touches on the themes that are closely related to each other. This activity touches on the theme of balance. Set Induction: In the previous lesson, we learned about the implication of realizing the place of God as the Creator, which is to surrender ourselves in worship to Him. However, is the effort of surrendering oneself easy? Let us play a game to understand its reality. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to understand the meaning of the straight path based on verse 6. Materials: 1. Towels 2. Balloons Procedure: 1. Hold the edge of one end of the towel while your friend holds the other edge. Stand apart so the towel is straight. 2. Then, put a balloon on the towel. 3. Next, shake the towel but make sure the balloon does not fall. 4. Continue to shake it as you add another balloon. 5. Continue for 30 seconds after you’ve added all the balloons and replace any balloons that fall. Lessons: 1. Worshipping God demands a very great effort. 2. Every servant is like a balloon that is always bounce by the towel. 3. We are always tested with the tests of life. Sometimes, we fail. 4. Hence, we are always in need of help and guidance from Allah. 5. Therefore, we must always pray to Allah so that he guides us in the daily activities that we do. Lesson Assessment: 1. Is surrendering yourself in worship an effortless task? 2. Why is surrendering yourself to God so hard? 3. How can we overcome the difficulties of surrendering ourselves?

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah LESSON 8: BALANCING ACT Introduction: And this balance is achieved through balancing our focus between the dunyā and the ākhirah. Set Induction: We now know how to balance things, but what can make us focus on balancing it. Let’s play this! Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to understand the importance of balancing between the dunyā and the ākhirah to remain on the straight path. Materials: 1. Three pencils 2. Tapes 3. Threads 4. Candies Procedure: 1. Firstly, tape 3 pencils together – side by side. 2. Then, tie a long piece of yarn to each end of the pencils. 3. Next, place the pencils on the floor and wrap the yarn around your ears. 4. Put 3 pieces of candy on the pencils. 5. Pull the pencils up to your mouth without dropping the candy. Lessons: 1. The balance between the dunyā and the ākhirah is key in practising Islam. 2. Belief in Allah helps us to overcome any obstacles. Lesson Assessment: 1. Is it important to have a balance between dunyā and ākhirah? 2. How can we achieve the balance?

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah LESSON 9: IHDINA! Introduction: This activity stresses that the balance can only be achieved by asking for help and guidance from Allah. Set Induction: Have you failed to focus on the balancing game before? No worries, Allah taught us another way to help us overcome failure. That is by asking from Allah to show us where should we stand in focus! Let’s play this! Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to understand the importance of asking for hidāyah from Allah. Materials: 1. Marbles 2. Spoon 3. Chalk Procedure: 1. Draw two parallel lines on the floor to create a “path”. Place obstacles in the path using chairs, boxes etc. 2. Divide the students into groups. 3. Each student is given a spoon with a marble. They must cross the obstacle path while carrying the marble on the spoon using their mouth only. 4. 50 marks are given to each group at the beginning of the game. 5. 1 mark is deducted if the marble is dropped (they can pick up the marble and continue their game). 6. 1 mark is deducted if a student crosses the lines and goes out of the path. Lessons: 1. Overcoming every obstacle is difficult if we cannot identify the obstacles that are in our way. 2. Therefore, we need to always pray to Allah so that He may help us to identify the obstacles and overcome them. Lesson Assessment: 1. Why do we need the help of Allah in attaining hidāyah? 2. Because we are not able to identify the obstacles and overcome them by ourselves.

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah LESSON 10: WALK THE PLANK! Introduction: The next activities focus on the last themes of al-Fātiḥah, based on verse 6-7. This activity conducts an activity that is related to the importance of holding on to the commands of God as the guidance of life. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to understand the meaning of verse 7 visually. Materials: 1. Bricks 2. Plank Procedure: 1. Place two bricks on flat ground. 2. Put a plank with both of its ends on the bricks. Add some more bricks in the middle if needed. 3. Ask the students to walk across the plank. Hold their hand and guide them until they finish. Lessons: 1. This activity reflects the understanding of verse 6. 2. We must be cautious in finding the balance in life. 3. If the students succeed in crossing the plank, it reflects the success of a person in living his life. LESSON 11: WATER AND OIL Introduction: This activity stresses the difference between the groups of people mentioned in verse 7 and how these groups will be demarcated clearly on the Day of Judgment. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to: 1. Understand the message of verse 5-7 on the unmixed truth of Islam with other religions. 2. Relate the findings of the experiment with verse 5-7. 3. Understand and explain the concept of density and its effects. Materials: 1. Water 2. Oil. 3. Glass jar

ILQ | Teachers’ Book Al-Fātiḥah Procedure: 1. Pour the water into the glass jar. 2. Then, pour the oil on top of the water in the jar. 3. Observe what will happen to both the water and the oil. Lessons: This activity will sharpen the students’ memorisation of the surah, as well as enhance their understanding of the surah. Lesson Assessment: 1. What is the message of verse 5-7? 2. What is the relationship between the experiment with verse 5-7? 3. If the objects of the experiment can be compared to truth and falsehood, what do water and oil represent respectively? Water=truth, oil=falsehood. 4. What is density? The degree of compactness of an object’s molecules. 5. What makes different objects have different densities? Ans: The number and distance of molecules in an object. 6. What is the effect of density difference? Denser objects tend to move downwards and sink. LESSON 12: JOURNAL OF SURAH AL-FĀTIḤAH Set Induction: Let us write a journal to record everything that we have learned. Lesson Outcome: At the end of the lesson, students will be able to recall all the lesson of this surah. Materials: 1. Papers 2. Colour pencils 3. Paper decorations Procedure: 1. Give the students a few pieces of paper and let them write down what they have been learning about surah Al-Fātiḥah throughout the month. 2. They also can draw extra pictures by themselves of what they have been learning throughout the month about surah Al- Fātiḥah. 3. They may decorate their papers as they wish! The teacher will check their journal once a month. Lessons: Repetition and self-directed learning are part of effective revision. The student can revise what they learnt throughout the surah.