SUBJECT

subject	Beginnings and Endings
topic	Creation of the Universe
grade	Four
time	30 minutes
objective	To enable students to understand what the Quran says about the Creation of the Universe.
instructional material	Info Sheet 4b - Creation of the Universe Worksheet 4b - What would you do if you were given a planet?

INTRODUCTION

(this lesson to be used in conjuction or prior to lesson 4K: Social Justice – Fairness)

In Islam, God created the planet in two days, and the rest of the universe in four days. It is noted that one of God’s days is equivalent to a thousand of our years! Look at these verses from the Quran :

“Your guardian Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then he settled Himself on the Throne. He draws the night as a veil over the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession. And the sun, the moon, and the stars, all are subserviant by His command. Verily, His are the creation the command blessed be Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds.” (7:54)

“For those who asked God, the Lord of the worlds, has created the Earth, set it on mountains and blessed it in two days and calculated its resources (provisions) in four full days.” (41:9-10)

DEVELOPMENT

Let students read the info sheet.

REINFORCING ACTIVITIES

Let students get into groups of 3 or 4 and let each group do the worksheet.

INFO SHEET 4b - Creation of the Universe

“For those who asked God, the Lord of the worlds, has created the Earth, set it on mountains and blessed it in two days and calculated its resources (provisions) in four full days.” (41:9-10)

“He directs the affairs from the heavens to the earth, then it ascends unto Him, on a day the measure of which is a thousand years of your reckoning. Such is He, the Knower of all things, hidden and open; the Exalted (in power), the Merciful. He wo created all things in the best way and He began the creation of man from clay. But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed unto him of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and understanding. Little thanks do you give!” (32:5-7, 9)

“Assuredly the creation of the heavens and the earth is a greater matter than the creation of men; yet most men know not.” (40:57)

“Allah is He who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see; then He established Himself on the throne. He has subjected the sun and the moon! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He does regulate all affairs, explaining the signs in detail, that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord. And it is he who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and (flowing) rivers; and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two. He draws the night as a veil over the day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who consider. And in the earth are tracts (diverse though) neighbouring, and gardens of vines and fields sown with corn, and palm trees - growing out of single roots or otherwise; watered with the sem water, yet some of them We make more excellent then others to eat. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who understand.” (13:2-4)

WORKSHEET 4b - What would you do if you were given a planet?

Scientists say that Earth is getting very crowded, and one day, it won’t be able to support all the humans on it. The suggestion of starting life on another planet is actually being discussed! Suppose you and three others were given a planet to be responsible for, and the technology to put whatever you wanted on this new planet. Of course, the air is breathable, and there is already water available. What would you do then?