Sample Lesson Plan: Teaching about Peace and Justice for Palestine

Elementary Students  – Dialogic Strategy

Duration: 120 minutes

Grades: 3-6

Lesson 1: The Language of Peace

Objective: Introduce children to the concept of peace and justice in Palestine, focusing on the values of compassion and unity.

Key Discussion Points:

• Definition of peace in Islam (Salam meaning peace and justice)
• Importance of greetings in Islam (As salamu alaikum)
• Discuss how Muslims around the world are connected

Activity: Teach children how to say “As salamu alaikum” and discuss how peace starts with our words and actions.

Lesson 2: History of Palestine 

Objective: Provide a brief history of Palestine, focusing on Khalifah Umar's conquest and the importance of justice.

Key Discussion Points:

• Khalifah Umar bin Al-Khattab’s fair treatment of people in Palestine
• Explain the challenges Palestinians face today using simple language

Activity: Create a timeline or map to show the location of Palestine and key events, encouraging children to explore geography and history.

Lesson 3: Islamic Teachings on Justice and Unity

Objective: Highlight Islamic values regarding justice, brotherhood, and the sanctity of Muslim lands.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Hadith about the sanctity of life, property, and honor
• The importance of standing firm for justice

Activity: Ask children to share ways they can be fair and kind in their daily lives (at home, school, with friends).

Lesson 4: Role Models in Islamic History

Objective: Introduce the children to historical figures like Salahuddin Ayubi and Sultan Abdul Hamid II, emphasizing their dedication to justice and protecting Palestine.

Key Discussion Points:

• Salahuddin Ayubi’s leadership to free Palestine from Crusader occupation
• Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s refusal to sell Palestinian land

Activity: Role-playing or storytelling about Salahuddin Ayubi’s bravery and commitment to justice, encouraging children to think about how they can stand up for what is right.

Lesson 5: The Role of Unity in Islam

Objective: Teach the concept of the Ummah (Muslim community) and the importance of standing together for justice.

Key Discussion Points:

• Hadith on the unity of Muslims and standing up against injustice
• Explain the importance of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam

Activity: Draw or write about how Muslims around the world are connected and how they help each other, focusing on compassion and community support.

Middle and High School Level – Dialogic Strategy 

Duration: 120 minutes

Grades: 9-12

Lesson 1: Understanding the Concept of Peace and Justice in Islam

Objective: Introduce the deeper meanings of peace in Islam and its connection to justice, especially in the context of Palestine.

Key Discussion Points:

• Define peace (Salam) and how it extends beyond the absence of war
• Peace in Palestine is tied to the establishment of justice
• The Islamic perspective on justice and standing up for the oppressed

Activity: Discuss what justice means to them and how it differs from simply maintaining peace. Reflect on current world events.

Lesson 2: Historical Context of Palestine and Islamic Leadership

Objective: Provide a historical overview of the significance of Palestine and the role of key Muslim leaders in its protection and justice.

Key Discussion Points:

• Khalifah Umar bin Al-Khattab’s conquest of Palestine and the establishment of justice through the Umari Treaty
• The challenges faced by Palestine from the 1940s until today, including the creation of Israel and the occupation of Palestinian lands

Activity: Assign learners to research significant leaders like Umar ibn Al-Khattab, Salahuddin Ayubi, and Sultan Abdul Hamid II, discussing their roles in Islamic history.

Lesson 3: Analyzing Peace Agreements and Their Failures

Objective: Help critically analyze the various peace agreements since 1948 and why they have not resulted in lasting peace for Palestine.

Key Discussion Points:

• Overview of key peace agreements (Oslo Accords, Camp David, Abraham Accords)
• Discuss how these agreements often benefitted one side more than the other, leading to continued conflict
• Why justice must be part of any true peace effort

Activity: Have learners analyze one of the peace agreements in a brief essay, focusing on why it failed from the perspective of justice.

Lesson 4: Islamic Teachings on Justice, Unity, and Leadership

Objective: Examine how Islamic teachings emphasize justice, leadership, and unity, particularly in the context of Palestine.

Key Discussion Points:

• Hadith on the sanctity of Muslim life, property, and honor
• How the Muslim Ummah is like a single body, and the importance of standing up for oppressed members
• The role of leaders in protecting Muslim lands and standing for justice, referencing the Hadith, “The best jihad is speaking a word of truth to an unjust ruler.”

Activity: Encourage learners to identify an instance of injustice in their own community or globally and discuss how they might take a stand, either through advocacy, education, or other means.

Lesson 5: The Role of the Ummah in Supporting Palestine

Objective: Empower learners to understand their role as part of the global Muslim Ummah in supporting justice for Palestine.

Key Discussion Points:

• The concept of collective responsibility in Islam: how we are all part of a larger body that feels the pain of others
• Examples of Muslim solidarity movements that have supported Palestine
• The importance of educating oneself and others about the truth of the Palestinian struggle

Activity: Have learners create an awareness project—this could be a presentation, social media campaign, or article—that educates others about the history and current issues in Palestine from an Islamic justice perspective.

Lesson 6: Leadership in Islam and the Struggle for Palestinian Liberation

Objective: Inspire learners with examples of leadership in Islamic history and the importance of standing up for truth and justice, particularly in the context of Palestine.

Key Discussion Points:

• Salahuddin Ayubi’s leadership in liberating Palestine from the Crusaders
• Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s refusal to sell Palestinian land and his dedication to protecting Islamic lands
• The ongoing struggle for Palestinian liberation and the need for a new generation of leaders to speak up for justice

Activity: Role-play a debate where learners take on the roles of historical figures or modern leaders, discussing how they would solve the Palestinian issue.

Resources
For details about Islamic guidance and historic events related to Palestine, see Can there be peace in Palestine?