Activity Overview
Researching real people who practice Islam or Muslim deities and legendary figures from Muslim texts and mythology help students to gain greater insight into this fascinating religion. It helps students go beyond simply memorizing facts to acquire a more substantial view of Islam and its followers. In this activity, students will create a biography poster for one person relating to Islam. Teachers can assign students a specific person or they may give students a choice.
These posters can be printed out, laminated, and hung around the room as a visual reminder of notable people from the time of Islam. Students can also present their posters to their classmates, sharing their knowledge about their person, thus combining research, writing and public speaking skills into one powerful assignment.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Suggested Islamic Figures in History
- Muhammad (570 – 632) *Please note that it is considered disrespectful to depict Muhammad, peace be upon him, and students and teachers should be very mindful of this.
- Abu Jafar Muhammad (900 – 971)
- Saladin (1137 – 1193)
- Rumi (1207 – 1273)
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876 – 1948)
- Malcolm X (1925 – 1965)
- Muhammad Ali (1947 – 2016)
- Shirin Ebadi ( 1947 – )
- Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam (1948 – )
- Mo Farrah (1983 – )
- Malala Yousafzai (1997 – )
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Research a person past or present related to Islam. Create a poster that includes important details and engaging imagery.
Student Instructions:
- Using school resources, conduct research on a person of significance past or present that is related to Islam. Take notes using a graphic organizer.
- On the poster, include your person’s name and dates of birth, death (if applicable) and major accomplishments in sequence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate each cell.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, major accomplishments and images to enhance the poster.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least five important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than five important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items that are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. They enhance the poster by symbolizing or illustrating important facts about the figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items is too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Researching real people who practice Islam or Muslim deities and legendary figures from Muslim texts and mythology help students to gain greater insight into this fascinating religion. It helps students go beyond simply memorizing facts to acquire a more substantial view of Islam and its followers. In this activity, students will create a biography poster for one person relating to Islam. Teachers can assign students a specific person or they may give students a choice.
These posters can be printed out, laminated, and hung around the room as a visual reminder of notable people from the time of Islam. Students can also present their posters to their classmates, sharing their knowledge about their person, thus combining research, writing and public speaking skills into one powerful assignment.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Suggested Islamic Figures in History
- Muhammad (570 – 632) *Please note that it is considered disrespectful to depict Muhammad, peace be upon him, and students and teachers should be very mindful of this.
- Abu Jafar Muhammad (900 – 971)
- Saladin (1137 – 1193)
- Rumi (1207 – 1273)
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876 – 1948)
- Malcolm X (1925 – 1965)
- Muhammad Ali (1947 – 2016)
- Shirin Ebadi ( 1947 – )
- Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam (1948 – )
- Mo Farrah (1983 – )
- Malala Yousafzai (1997 – )
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Research a person past or present related to Islam. Create a poster that includes important details and engaging imagery.
Student Instructions:
- Using school resources, conduct research on a person of significance past or present that is related to Islam. Take notes using a graphic organizer.
- On the poster, include your person’s name and dates of birth, death (if applicable) and major accomplishments in sequence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate each cell.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, major accomplishments and images to enhance the poster.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least five important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than five important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items that are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. They enhance the poster by symbolizing or illustrating important facts about the figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items is too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Key Figures in Islam
How to guide students in respectful research of Islamic figures
Ensure students understand cultural sensitivities when researching Islamic figures. Discuss why some images or depictions may be inappropriate and highlight the importance of respect for beliefs.
Help students select a diverse range of Islamic figures
Encourage students to choose figures from different time periods, genders, and backgrounds. Display a list or timeline on the board to spark ideas and promote inclusivity.
Teach effective research and note-taking strategies
Model how to use graphic organizers for gathering facts. Show students how to identify reliable sources and explain the value of paraphrasing information.
Support students in creating visually engaging biography posters
Guide students in combining text and images thoughtfully. Remind them to include key facts and creative visuals that reflect each figure's impact.
Facilitate meaningful classroom presentations
Organize poster-sharing sessions where students present their work. Encourage classmates to ask questions and offer positive feedback to build confidence and foster discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Key Figures in Islam
What is a biography poster activity for teaching about key figures in Islam?
A biography poster activity involves students researching an important figure related to Islam, then creating a poster that highlights their name, birth/death dates, major accomplishments, and imagery. This method helps students engage with Islamic history and notable people more deeply.
How can teachers help students choose a person to research from Islamic history?
Teachers can assign a specific Muslim figure to each student or offer a list of significant individuals—such as Muhammad, Rumi, Malala Yousafzai, or Saladin—for students to choose from, ensuring a diverse and meaningful learning experience.
Why is it important not to depict Muhammad in classroom activities?
In Islam, depicting Muhammad is considered highly disrespectful, as it goes against religious beliefs. Teachers should emphasize cultural sensitivity and avoid visual representations of Muhammad in student projects.
What should be included in a biography poster about a Muslim figure?
A quality biography poster should feature the person’s image (if appropriate), name, birth and death dates, major accomplishments, and relevant images or scenes that illustrate their life and contributions.
How does researching key figures in Islam enhance student understanding?
By researching real people connected to Islam, students move beyond memorizing facts and gain a richer, more personal perspective on Islamic culture, history, and the impact of Muslim figures worldwide.
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