New
New
Year 4
Karbala: a Shi'a place of pilgrimage
I can describe the importance of a pilgrimage to Karbala for Shi'a Muslims.
New
New
Year 4
Karbala: a Shi'a place of pilgrimage
I can describe the importance of a pilgrimage to Karbala for Shi'a Muslims.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Karbala is a city in Iraq and is a shrine for Shi'a Muslims.
- Pilgrimage to Karbala is called Arba'een.
- Shi'a Muslims visit Karbala to remember Hussain and his death in battle.
- Many Shi'a Muslims can be profoundly affected by a pilgrimage to Karbala.
Keywords
Shi'a - the second largest branch of Islam
Karbala - a sacred place for Shi'a Muslims
Arba'een - the pilgrimage to Karbala
Hussain ibn Ali - grandson of the Prophet Muhammad
Common misconception
The Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah is the only pilgrimage for Muslims.
Karbala is a place of pilgrimage for Shi'a Muslims. Jerusalem is also a place of pilgrimage for Muslims.
You might want to encourage pupils to compare the pilgrimage to Karbala with Hajj? How is it similar, how is it different? Note that Shi'a Muslims may go on Hajj and to Karbala. You could use other video clips to look more at the moukib and the generosity shown there.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What is a pilgrimage?
an adventure to unknown lands
a time of prayer and fasting
a special act of worship
Q2.
In which modern country is Makkah?
Q3.
Which of these statements about the Ka'bah are true?
It's in Jerusalem.
It's the name of a mosque.
Q4.
Put these steps of Hajj in the correct order.
Q5.
Match each keyword to the correct definition.
a special item, time or place for believers
the worldwide community of Islam
a Muslim man who has completed Hajj
a person of any faith or belief who goes on journey to a sacred place
Q6.
Which of these statements about Hajj are correct?
Only men go on Hajj.
Hajj is one of the three pillars of Islam.
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
In which modern country is Karbala situated?
Q2.
Which of these statements about Arba'een are correct?
It is a holy city in Iraq.
It is a special eating place for pilgrims.
Q3.
Which of these statements about the journey from the airport to Karbala are correct?
Most pilgrims share taxis.
A special bus is organised for most pilgrims.
Many people share tandem bicycles because they are cheaper.
Q4.
What is a moukib?
a young pilgrim under the age of 16
a pet that is permitted to accompany a pilgrim
a small hotel where pilgrims can find a bed for the night
Q5.
What is the second largest branch of Islam?
Q6.
Which of these are key parts of Arba'een for pilgrims?
bathing their feet after a long walk from the airport
throwing stones at the Jamarat
Additional material
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