Basic 7 · Religious and Moral Education · Christian and Islamic Religious Songs and Recitations
Religious and Non-Religious Songs
In this topic you will differentiate between religious and non-religious songs, identify Christian and Islamic religious songs, and explain the purposes and moral messages of songs.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain the differences between religious and non-religious songs
- Identify and sing Christian and Islamic religious songs
- Explain the purposes and moral messages of religious songs
What you already know
- Worship and prayer
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Religious Practices
- Sub-strand
- Christian and Islamic Religious Songs and Recitations
- Indicator
- B7.2.2.1.1 – Differentiate between religious songs and non- religious songs
Introduction
A hymn sung in church and a highlife song played at a party can both be enjoyable, but they have different purposes and messages.
1. Religious Songs
Religious songs: Songs that praise, worship or teach about God and faith, sung in places of worship or during religious activities.
Religious songs include Christian hymns, choruses, anthems and gospel songs; Islamic songs and chants that praise Allah and the Prophet; and traditional religious songs sung at festivals, rituals and funerals to honour God, the gods and the ancestors.
2. Non-Religious (Secular) Songs
Non-religious songs: Songs about everyday life, such as love, work, sports, politics or fun, that are not mainly about God.
Examples include highlife, hiplife, Afrobeats, reggae, patriotic songs such as the national anthem, work songs, lullabies and play songs. Some secular songs carry good moral messages, while others may contain language or ideas that are not suitable for children.
| Feature | Religious songs | Non-religious songs |
|---|---|---|
| main theme | God, faith, worship | everyday life, love, fun |
| where sung | church, mosque, shrine, prayer meetings | parties, radio, clubs, schools, events |
| purpose | praise, worship, teach faith | entertain, inform, celebrate |
| language | often scripture words | everyday language, sometimes slang |
3. Similarities
Both kinds of songs use rhythm, melody and musical instruments such as drums, guitars and keyboards. Both can unite people and express feelings. Some gospel songs use highlife or hiplife styles, and some secular songs mention God, which shows that the line between them is not always sharp.
4. Choosing Good Songs
Young people should choose songs with positive messages. Ask: Does the song encourage good behaviour? Is the language respectful? Does it insult other people or religions? Good songs, whether religious or secular, can inspire, comfort and teach.
5. Songs at Different Occasions
In Ghana, religious and secular songs are both heard at weddings, funerals and festivals. At a funeral, a choir may sing hymns while a band plays highlife dirges. Knowing which songs suit each occasion shows respect for the people and the event.
6. Traditional Religious Songs
African Traditional Religion also has religious songs. Priests and priestesses sing to call the gods during rituals, and festival songs thank God and the ancestors for a good harvest. Dirges sung at funerals mourn the dead and speak of the journey to the land of the ancestors. These songs are usually accompanied by drums, bells and rattles, and the audience joins in with responses.
New words
- hymn
- A religious song of praise, usually sung by a congregation.
- secular
- Not connected with religion.
- gospel music
- Christian religious music, often in modern styles.
- anthem
- A solemn song, such as a national or church anthem.
Summary
- Religious songs praise and teach about God; non-religious songs are about everyday life.
- They differ in theme, place, purpose and language, but share music and the power to unite.
- Choose songs with positive, respectful messages that suit the occasion.
Class activity: Song Sorting
- List ten songs you know.
- Sort them into religious and non-religious songs.
- Explain the message of one song from each group.
You need: Hymn book, Qur'an, Wooden clappers
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A hymn is a…
- A. religious song
- B. party song
- C. lullaby
- D. advert jingle
Show answer
Answer: religious songPraise to God.2. The national anthem is an example of a…
- A. non-religious (patriotic) song
- B. hymn
- C. Islamic chant
- D. dirge
Show answer
Answer: non-religious (patriotic) songSecular.3. Some secular songs carry good moral messages.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: Truee.g. about hard work.4. Songs not connected with religion are called ______ songs.
Show answer
Answer: secularNon-religious.5. State two differences between religious and non-religious songs.
Show answer
Answer: Religious songs are about God and sung in worship; non-religious songs are about everyday life and sung at social events.Theme and place.6. Why should young people choose songs carefully?
Show answer
Answer: Songs influence thoughts and behaviour, so songs with positive, respectful messages are better.Influence.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Religious Practices
- Sub-strand
- Christian and Islamic Religious Songs and Recitations
- Indicator
- B7.2.2.1.1 – Differentiate between religious songs and non- religious songs
Introduction
Music is a powerful part of worship. Christians sing hymns and choruses, and Muslims chant praises of Allah and the Prophet. Singing together lifts the spirit and teaches faith.
1. Christian Songs
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| hymns | songs with several verses from hymn books | "Amazing Grace", "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" |
| choruses | short, repeated songs, often clapped | "This is the day that the Lord has made" |
| anthems | choir pieces in several parts | anthems sung at festivals |
| gospel songs | modern Christian songs in many styles | songs by Ghanaian gospel artists |
| local-language songs | songs in Twi, Ewe, Ga and other languages | singing band songs |
2. Islamic Songs and Chants
Islamic devotional songs include nasheeds (songs praising Allah and teaching Islamic values) and qasidas (poems praising the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), often sung during Maulid celebrations of the Prophet's birthday. Some are sung without instruments or with only drums such as the daf. Muslims also chant phrases like "SubhanAllah" (Glory be to Allah) and "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest).
3. Purposes of Religious Songs
- To praise and thank God.
- To teach beliefs and scripture.
- To prepare hearts for prayer.
- To comfort the sorrowful, as at funerals.
- To celebrate festivals such as Christmas, Easter and the Eids.
- To unite worshippers.
4. Moral Messages in Songs
"Amazing Grace" teaches about God's forgiveness and the joy of a changed life. Many choruses teach thankfulness and trust in God. Nasheeds encourage honesty, kindness to parents and patience. Singing these songs regularly helps believers remember and live by their values.
5. Singing with Respect
When singing religious songs, sing with understanding, stand or sit as the leader directs, and respect the songs of other faiths. Do not use religious songs to mock others or in ways that would offend believers.
6. Religious Music in Ghana Today
Religious music is very popular in Ghana. Gospel concerts fill stadiums, church choirs compete at music festivals, and radio stations play gospel songs every day. Muslim groups perform qasidas at Maulid gatherings in towns such as Tamale and Accra. Many Ghanaian gospel songs use local languages and highlife rhythms, showing how faith and culture come together in music.
New words
- chorus
- A short, repeated religious song.
- nasheed
- An Islamic devotional song.
- qasida
- A poem praising the Prophet Muhammad.
- Maulid
- The celebration of the Prophet's birthday.
Summary
- Christian songs include hymns, choruses, anthems, gospel and local-language songs.
- Islamic devotional songs include nasheeds and qasidas, and chants such as "Allahu Akbar".
- Religious songs praise God, teach faith, comfort and unite, and carry moral messages.
Class activity: Song Performance
- Choose a religious song from your faith or a song that praises God in general terms.
- Practise it with clapping or wooden clappers.
- Perform it and explain its message.
You need: Hymn book, Qur'an, Wooden clappers
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A short repeated Christian song is a…
- A. chorus
- B. anthem
- C. qasida
- D. nasheed
Show answer
Answer: chorusSimple and repeated.2. "Allahu Akbar" means…
- A. Allah is the Greatest
- B. Glory be to Allah
- C. In the name of Allah
- D. Praise be to Allah
Show answer
Answer: Allah is the GreatestIslamic chant.3. Religious songs can comfort people at funerals.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueComfort.4. An Islamic devotional song is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: nasheedPraise song.5. State three purposes of religious songs.
Show answer
Answer: Praise God, teach beliefs, comfort the sorrowful (or celebrate, unite).Any three.6. Explain the moral message of a religious song you know.
Show answer
Answer: e.g. "Amazing Grace" teaches God's forgiveness and the joy of a changed life.Any correct.
Homework
- Write the words of one religious song and one non-religious song with a good moral message, and explain each.