Skip to content

Five Pillars of Islam KS2

Teach your KS2 class about the five pillars of Islam with this ready-to-teach lesson. This lesson introduces your class to the Islamic religion and what the Five Pillars of Islam are. Children will also learn about where Muslim communities are around the world, and why it can be important to be a part of a community of faith. In their independent activities, they will explore the five pillars of Islam in more detail.

 

This Five Pillars of Islam KS2 RE lesson includes:

  • a detailed lesson plan with differentiated activities
  • a slideshow for the teaching input
  • a range of printable resources for independent learning activities

This lesson is part of an Islamic Rites of Passage RE scheme of work for Year 3 and Year 4.

Five Pillars of Islam KS2 Lesson Pack

£2.99

Scroll through the pictures for a preview of the lesson's resources:

Five Pillars of Islam KS2 slideshow example 1
Five Pillars of Islam KS2 slideshow example 2
Five Pillars of Islam KS2 slideshow example 3
Five Pillars of Islam KS2 slideshow example 4
Five Pillars of Islam KS2 slideshow example 5
Five Pillars of Islam KS2 slideshow example 6
Five Pillars of Islam KS2 slideshow example 7
Five Pillars of Islam KS2 worksheet example 1
Five Pillars of Islam KS2 worksheet example 2
Five Pillars of Islam KS2 lesson plan example 1

Five Pillars of Islam

What are the five pillars of Islam?

The five pillars are duties that each Muslim is expected to fulfill. They are:

  • Shahadah
  • Salat
  • Zakat
  • Sawm
  • Hajj

What is the Shahadah?

The first pillar of Islam is the Shahadah. It is a declaration of faith. In Arabic, Muslims recite words that translate as, 'There is no god but God' and 'Muhammad is the messenger of God'. These words are said five times a day during prayer.

What is Salat?

The second pillar of Islam is Salat. This is prayer. Prayers are said at set times five times a day - before sunrise, at midday, before sunset, after sunset and at night. The prayers must be said facing Mecca (a holy place for Muslims). Prayers can be performed anywhere, but a mosque is preferable.

A young Muslim praying

A young Muslim praying

What is Zakat?

The third pillar of Islam is Zakat. This is charity. Muslims are required to give 2.5% of their income to help those in need.

What is Sawm?

The fourth pillar of Islam is Sawn. This is fasting. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn until dusk. Fasting allows Muslims to seek forgiveness from God and be aware of people in need.

What is Hajj?

The fifth pillar of Islam is the Hajj. This is a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is a journey. Muslims travel to a town called Mecca in Saudi Arabia where they gather together and perform group prayers. The Hajj is a devotion to God, and after the journey Muslims are well-respected in their community. All Muslims are expected to make this pilgrimage once in their lives.

 

Muslims in Mecca, praying together around the Kaaba

Muslims in Mecca, praying together around the Kaaba (a holy shrine)

Why are the five pillars of Islam important?

The five pillars give structure to a Muslim's life, and encourage them to put their faith first. These duties help Muslims to live a good and responsible life.