Values in the Bible and Qur'an
Primary 4 · Social and Religious Studies
Values in the Bible and Qur'an
Lesson 2 of 5
13 min
When Habimana's grandfather comes to visit, Habimana runs to carry his bag, gives him the best chair and brings him a cup of milk. Later, a neighbour's child who has lost her parents comes by, and Habimana's mother shares their supper with her. "In our home," she says, "we care for our elders and for anyone in need."
"Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the LORD your God gives you." (Exodus 20:12)
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1)
"And We have commended unto man kindness toward parents." (Qur'an 46:15)
"Commended" means "told" or "ordered". Both faiths teach children to honour, obey and be kind to their parents, and to care for them when they grow old.
You can show this every day: listen to your parents, help at home, speak politely, and look after grandparents.
Social values guide how we live with neighbours and the community.
"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
"Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)
"Bear one another's burdens" means help carry each other's problems. Hospitality means welcoming guests and strangers kindly.
"(Show) kindness unto parents, and unto near kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and unto the neighbour who is of kin (unto you) and the neighbour who is not of kin, and the fellow-traveller and the wayfarer ..." (Qur'an 4:36)
"Kindred" means relatives, and a "wayfarer" is a traveller far from home. This verse lists people we should be kind to: parents, relatives, orphans, poor people, neighbours (related to us or not) and travellers.
| Value | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Respect for elders | Greeting them politely, giving them your seat |
| Sharing | Sharing food with a hungry neighbour or classmate |
| Hospitality | Welcoming visitors with a smile and something to drink |
| Caring for orphans and the needy | Helping with school materials, clothes or food |
| Working together | Taking part in umuganda and helping neighbours |
Tip
Home first, then everyone. Honour your parents at home, then carry that kindness out of the door to neighbours, orphans, the needy and strangers.
Answer: "Honour your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12).
Answer: Kindness toward parents.
Answer: Welcoming guests and strangers kindly.
Answer: Any three: parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, neighbours, fellow-travellers, travellers far from home.
Answer: Any sensible answer, e.g. helping a classmate who is struggling with homework, or carrying things for a friend who is hurt.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
The rest of the lesson, including the practice questions, is written by Ganzaa.
Quick check
Match each value to what it looks like.
Tap one on the left, then its partner on the right.
