Sample Lesson Plan: Teaching about the Significance of Al-Aqsa

Lesson 1: Al-Aqsa Mosque and Its Importance

Grades: K-2

Objective: Students will understand the significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and why it is an important place for Muslims.

Vocabulary: Al-Quds, Al-Aqsa, Qabbatus Sukhra, Masjid Al-Qibli

Materials:  

• Pictures of Al-Aqsa Mosque Masjid Al-Aqsa Compound, Masjid Al-Aqsa
• Large map of the world or Middle East
• Crayons, markers, and paper 

Teaching points: 

• Show students a picture of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Explain that it is one of the holiest places for Muslims, located in Al-Quds. 
• Show a video about the importance of the Al Aqsa compound. There are two good choices below.
• Locate the area on a map. Point out where Palestine is, Al Quds, and the location of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Let them identify other countries nearby and their country on a world map. 
• Show pictures of the Al-Aqsa compound and clarify that the whole area is known as Al-Aqsa Mosque. Explain the names of the golden dome (Qabbatus Sukhra)  and the grey dome (Masjid Al-Qibli).
•  Discuss why Muslims need to protect and respect the Al-Aqsa compound, as it is the second-ever masjid built on the Earth. The first was the Kaaba. 

Coloring Activity: 

• Give students outline pictures of the Qabbatus Sukhra and Masjid Al Qibli to color. Encourage them to use the pictures as a color reference. 
• Label each one. 
• Encourage students to share their colored drawings and say one thing they learned about Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Additional Resources: 

Aqsa Week Kids - Day 1 - Masjid Qibly (9:45)

Why is Al-Aqsa important for Muslims? (4:25)

How To Draw An Al Aqsa With 4 Dots Easy | Art On Old Building In Jerusalem | Al Aqsa Drawing

Lesson 2: The Night Journey (Isra and Miraj)

Objective:  Students will learn the story of the Night Journey (Isra and Miraj) and its importance in Islam.

Vocabulary: Makkah, Al-Quds, Al-Aqsa, Isra, Miraj

Materials:  

• Simple story cards or illustrations for Isra and Miraj
• Star stickers and crayons
• Large black construction paper for each student

Teaching points:

• Introduce the story of Isra and Mi'raj, explaining that it was a special journey. Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, traveled on Buraq (supernatural winged horse-like creature) from the Kaaba in Makkah to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds and then ascended to the heavens.
• Explain how Prophet Muhammad , may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, led all the prophets in prayer. 
• Show the video linked below and explain.
• Use story cards or illustrations to recall the story of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and his journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and then to the heavens.
• Discuss briefly about how this journey shows that Masjid Al-Aqsa is a holy place and must be protected by Muslims.

Activity: Starry Night Art  

• Give each student a black piece of construction paper and let them make  a ‘night sky’ with star stickers and drawings. 
• They can draw a simple image of Al-Aqsa Mosque at the bottom to show where the journey started.
• Encourage students to share their  artwork and say one thing they remember from the story of Isra and Miraj.

Additional Resources:

Story of Al-Isra’ and Al- Mi’raj. Great miracle of The Night Journey and The Ascension for children (4:57)