GRADE 8 islamic religious education Pillars of Iman – Belief in revealed scriptures Notes

1. a) Identify the revealed scriptures to strengthen their Iman.
2. b) Assess the importance of believing in the revealed scriptures as a pillar of Iman.
3. c) Explain the reasons for the revelation of the revealed scriptures as a guide for mankind.
4. d) Identify the similarities in the revealed scriptures for religious tolerance.
5. e) Describe ways of showing respect for the revealed scriptures to promote religious tolerance.
6. f) Practise tolerance towards people of other faiths for peaceful co-existence.
7. g) Acknowledge the revealed scriptures as part of faith.
8. h) Demonstrate understanding of belief in revealed scriptures.

Muslims believe Allah revealed guidance to humanity through books (scriptures). Major books mentioned in the Qur'an and Islamic teaching:

• Suḥuf (Scrolls) — e.g., the Scrolls of Abraham and Moses (early revelations).
• Tawrāh (Torah) — revealed to Prophet Mūsa (Moses).
• Zabūr (Psalms) — revealed to Prophet Dawūd (David).
• Injīl (Gospel) — revealed to Prophet ʿĪsā (Jesus).
• Qur'ān — final and preserved revelation to Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him).

• To guide people to worship one God (Tawḥīd) and live righteously.
• To give moral teachings and laws for safe, fair communities.
• To teach stories and lessons through prophets so people learn from past mistakes.
• To confirm earlier messages and to correct changes or misunderstandings over time.
• To remind and strengthen people’s faith and good character.

• It completes the Muslim's faith — belief in scriptures is a part of Iman (faith).
• It helps Muslims follow Allah’s guidance and judge right from wrong.
• It builds connection with earlier prophets and teaches humility (we learn from others).
• It encourages respect for truth and for people who follow other revealed books.

These common messages make it easier for people of different faiths to respect each other:

• Belief in one God and calls for worship and obedience.
• Emphasis on good character: honesty, kindness, charity, caring for the poor.
• Stories of shared prophets (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus).
• Rules promoting justice, family care and community peace.
• Teachings against harming others and encouraging forgiveness.

1. Handle scripture copies carefully: keep them clean and place them respectfully (not on the floor).
2. Listen politely when others read or explain their scriptures.
3. Learn about each other's scriptures with curiosity, not mockery.
4. Use respectful language when discussing differences and agreements.
5. Work together on community projects inspired by shared values (helping the poor, school clean-up).

Kenya is religiously diverse. Practising respect and tolerance helps communities live in peace:

• Know that the Constitution protects freedom of religion — respect others' right to worship.
• Use friendly greetings and visits to schools, churches and mosques during festivals (with permission).
• Avoid insulting symbols, books, or places of worship — this prevents conflicts.
• Include classmates of different faiths in group work and community service (Harambee spirit).

• Learn short verses and their meanings from the Qur'ān and prophets' stories.
• Recite, reflect and act on teachings — reading is not enough without good deeds.
• Teach younger siblings the importance of respect for all revealed books.
• Say with humility: "I believe in the revealed books" and show it by behaviour.

• Matching game: match scripture names with the prophet and short purpose (cards or paper slips).
• Group discussion: "One teaching we all share" — groups list similar moral teachings from different books and present.
• Role-play: Practice respectful conversation when visiting someone of another faith (appointment, greetings, asking permission).
• Art task: Draw a poster showing 3 shared values (e.g., kindness, honesty, charity) to display in class.

• Organise a school Harambee community service inspired by teachings from revealed scriptures (collect food for needy families).
• Invite a respectful speaker from a different faith to explain one teaching that promotes peace.
• Visit (with permission) a place of worship and observe rules of respect (shoes off, quiet, modest dress where required).

• Iman — Faith or belief in the unseen (including belief in revealed books).
• Tawḥīd — Oneness of Allah (God).
• Qur'ān — Final revealed book in Islam.
• Tawrāh, Zabūr, Injīl — Earlier revealed scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel).
• Tolerance — Respecting others' rights and beliefs for peaceful living.

• Short Qur'anic verses in English/Swahili appropriate for 13-year-olds (teacher-selected).
• Children's storybooks on prophets (ensure accurate, age-appropriate sources).
• Local community leaders or interfaith groups for respectful guest talks.

• Ensure examples respect all faiths and avoid controversial claims about other scriptures.
• Encourage students to express what they learned in their own words.
• Plan one cooperative activity with learners of different faiths if possible.
• Use local context (Kenya’s diversity) to discuss peaceful co-existence.

Note: Teach with kindness and respect. The aim is to strengthen students’ Iman while promoting understanding and peaceful living with people of all faiths in our Kenyan community.