Places of Worship videos - Islam

Video duration: 10 minutes approximately.

The Mosque

This film follows Samreena Kamran, a teacher, Muhammad Dhu'lfiqr, a trainee teacher and the congregation of Birmingham Central Mosque on a tour of a major English Mosque and the worship found there.

This purpose built Mosque is one of the most important in England and many thousands of Muslims worship here each week. it has a large area for men to worship, with features that demonstrate the importance of the location of Makkah. Details of the special areas set aside for ritual washing are included here.

In this film, Samreena outlines the important features of the Mosque and Muhammad introduces certain core beliefs of Islam. Samreena also explains the place of various artefacts used in worship, and explains the symbolism associated with them. Muhammad demonstrates the centrality of worship and the Qur'an in his life.

Places of Worship videos:

Introduction • Buddhism • Christianity - Anglican • Christianity - Baptist • Christianity - Orthodox • Hinduism • Judaism • Sikhism

TEACHERS NOTES

This film is in line with the national expectations for Religious Education as outlined by the QCA non-statutory guidelines for RE. Learning objectives for levels 1-8 in both attainment targets, Learning about Religions & Learning from Religions can be drawn from this film.

Students should be able to recognize, identify, describe and show understanding of the features of religious life and practice in Islam. They should also be able to explain the beliefs and teachings arising from the film and relate some religious practices seen here to the lifestyles of the worshippers.

By comparing the lifestyles of Muslims with their own, and identifying what influences these people of faith, students should be able to come to a greater appreciation of what it is to be a person of faith and the importance it holds for that person.

SUGGESTED QUESTIONS

1. The congregation in the mosque are performing congregational worship. What are the main features of Muslim worship? What benefits arise from the prayers? What do you think people gain from such an act of worship?

2. Mosques are sacred spaces where believers think they come closer to Allah. In what ways does the architecture and layout of a mosque help this to happen?

3. Muslim devotions can be both congregational and individualistic. What does this mean? What are the important features of offering congregational prayers and individual prayers?