Sample Lesson Plan: Teaching about Genocide

Teaching about genocide

Teaching about genocide is a sensitive and challenging task, especially when considering the developmental stages of elementary and secondary students. The approach must be age-appropriate, ensuring that the gravity of the topic is conveyed while being mindful of the student's emotional and cognitive maturity. A point of reflection is that babies are living a genocide and being traumatized beyond comprehension. Below are suggestions for teaching about genocide at both the elementary and secondary levels, including methods and activities that can be used.

Elementary Students (Ages 8 -11)

Duration: 120 minutes

Grades: 3-6

Objective: Students will understand the concepts of compassion, justice, and the importance of standing up for others through contemporary stories of heroes in Palestine and teachings from Islamic history and the Qur’an.

Materials:

Story books about Palestine: Yassini Girls- A true Palestinian story that ricochets between generations – Shereen Malherbe
Story of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him): Prophet Yusuf AS Story - Stories of the Prophets for Kids in English - Part 1
Story of Salahuddin Ayubi: Al-Aqsa for kids | Salahuddin Ayyubi | Palestine for kids | Islamic Stories for Kids
Whiteboard and markers
Worksheets for reflection and discussion
Craft supplies

Methods:

1. Storytelling:

Use age-appropriate stories or books that touch on themes of persecution, discrimination, and standing up for others
Tell the story of children in Palestine today showing resilience in the face of persecution.
Narrate biographies about historical figures who stood up against injustice (e.g., Salahuddin Ayubi)

2. Class Discussions:

Discuss the concept of justice in Islam and how Allah commands believers to stand up against oppression. What does it mean to speak against Munkar (evil)?
Example: Discuss the verse from the Quran and Hadith mentioned in the article.

3. Art and Creative Expression:

Encourage students to express their feelings about the persecution of Muslims through drawing, painting, or writing simple poems.
Make a class mural or collage reflecting the importance of Muslim unity.

4. Books and Visual Media:

Use Islamic children's books or short animated stories that discuss the importance of justice and the protection of the weak.
Example: Tell the story about the life of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and discuss how he faced and responded to injustice with patience and faith.

Secondary Students (Ages 12-18)

Duration: 120 minutes

Grades: 7-12

Objective: Students will explore the ethical, moral, and historical aspects of genocide through the lens of Islamic teachings through case studies.

Materials:

Interactive map of Palestine
Media links below
Multimedia

Methods:

1. Historical Case Studies:

Introduce case studies from Islamic history where Muslims faced oppression and how they responded.
Discuss the genocide of Muslims in Al-Andalus (Spain), where Muslims were persecuted and forced to convert or face death. Analyze the response of Muslim Khailfah of the time and the lessons we can learn today.
Example: Sultan Beyazid sent ships to rescue Muslim and Jewish people from Spain and offered them protection in the Uthmani Khilafah.
Research historical documents for project work.

2. Discussion and Debate:

Facilitate discussions on the Islamic principles of justice, mercy, and standing against tyranny, comparing these principles with the historical events of genocide.
Example: Discuss the actions of Muslim leaders like Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi, who was known for his justice even towards his enemies during the Crusades, in contrast to those who committed genocide.

3. Survivor Testimonies and Documentaries:

Show documentaries or share stories about recent genocides against Muslims, such as in Bosnia or the Rohingya, and discuss how these events relate to Islamic teachings on justice and the protection of the oppressed.
Example: Discuss the Quranic verse:

"And what is the matter with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, 'Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?'" (Surah An-Nisa, 4:75)

4. Literature and Films:

Assign Islamic literature or films that explore themes of justice, sacrifice, and standing against oppression.
Example: Explore media about Kashmir and Palestine as a result of settler-colonial policies.

5. Research Projects:

Assign students to research specific genocides where Muslims were the victims, focusing on the historical background, the impact on the Muslim community, and the lessons we can draw from these events.
Example: Research the Bosnian Genocide and discuss the broader implications of UN apathy that enabled the Srebrenica massacre in a “safe-haven.”

General Guidelines for Both Levels:

Empathy Building: Use activities that foster empathy and a sense of responsibility towards the oppressed, helping students understand their role as Muslims in promoting justice.
Community and Global Perspective: Encourage students to see the connection between local actions and global issues, fostering a sense of Ummah (global Muslim community) and the importance of supporting those in need, regardless of their background.

By incorporating Islamic examples and teachings, educators can help students connect history lessons with their faith, building a solid foundation for understanding justice and the importance of standing against genocide and oppression in all its forms.

Additional Resources

Resource material related to genocide of Muslims in Spain in 1492 and Bosnia 1992

What happened with the Muslim Majority of Spain?

Sultan Bayezid II and the Jews expelled from Spain

Turkish Jews remember being welcomed in Ottoman lands | Daily Sabah

Resource for Bosnia Genocide

Srebrenica was rooted in anti-Muslim hate – Bosnian genocide survivor

Resource for survivors testimonies, Bosnia

A Srebrenica massacre survivor tells his story

Resource for settler colonial policies in Kashmir

Are India’s Policies in Kashmir Colonialism in Disguise?

Resource for settler colonial policies of Zionsim