Book & Author
Shaykh Abdul Fattah (RA): Prophet Muhammad (SAW) — The Teacher — And His Teaching Methodologies
By Dr Ahmed S. Khan
Chicago, IL
“Thus We have sent among you a Messenger of your own to recite Our revelations to you, purify you and teach you the Book and wisdom, and to teach you what you did not know.”
—English translation of Qur’an, Chapter 2, verse 151.
Prophet Muhammad (salla allahu alayhi wasallam [SAW], peace and blessings of Allah SWT be upon him) was an unlettered person, but Allah SWT chose him to be the teacher for humanity: “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often (Qur’an 33:21).” Indeed, what an excellent teacher he has been, for the past 1400 years billions of people have benefited from his teachings in worldly and spiritual domains.
Pursuit of knowledge is one of the major themes of the Qur’an. The very first revelation of the Qur’an focused on seeking knowledge: “Recite in the name of your Lord who created [all that exists] (Qur’an 96:1).” Tafakkur (to intellectually contemplate) is also one of the most frequently occurring words in the Qur’an. Allah SWT has asked man to do Tafakkur; to look around and reflect, and ponder over the existence of various entities of the cosmos. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has highlighted the importance of seeking knowledge in his ahadith (sayings): “Seek knowledge from the Cradle to the Grave,” and “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”
Today in the 21st century pedagogy — the art of teaching — has evolved into a well-established science. New research has led to formation of new teaching theories and methods, but fourteen hundred years ago Prophet Muhammed’s (SAW) teaching methodologies encompassed the essence of teaching theories being formulated today. He (SAW) has set benchmark standards of teaching methods.
“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) — The Teacher, and His Teaching Methodologies” by Shaykh Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah (rahmatullahi alayh [RA]: a graduate of Academy of Islamic Studies, Aleppo, Syria and Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, is a unique book. It chronicles various teaching techniques and methods employed by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to teach his companions (RA) about affairs related to deen (religion) and dunya (world). The book has been translated into English from Arabic by Maulana Mahomed Mahomedy.
The book has two parts: in part-I the author expounds on the personality and traits of Prophet Muhammad (SAW): the teacher, and in part-II, the author outlines and analyzes forty teaching methodologies of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In part one, describing the personality of Rasulullah (SAW) the author explains that the Qur'an affirms the fact that Rasulullah (SAW) is a teacher to the people and to all humanity despite his illiteracy and his desert environment. Allah SWT says: "It is He who sent among the illiterate ones a Messenger from among them — reciting to them His verses, purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom. Although they were in manifest error before this" (62: 2). Allah SWT says: "We sent you to the people as a Messenger. Allah is sufficient as a witness" (4: 79). Allah SWT says: "We sent you to all the people as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. But most people do not know" (34: 28). The author also quotes three ahadith (sayings of Prophet Muahmmed (SAW) to show that the Sunnah also testifies that Rasulullah (SAW) is a teacher.
In part two, referring to Rasulullah’s (SAW) teaching methodologies, the author observes: “When teaching someone, Rasulullah (SAW) used to choose the most beautiful and best methodologies. He chose methodologies that had the greatest effect in the heart of his addressee, which were closest to his level of understanding and intellect, the most consolidating in the mind of the addressee, and the most helpful in making clear to him. A person who studies the books of the Sunnah and reads them in depth will see that Rasulullah (SAW) used to resort to distinctive styles of speaking to his companions…” The author has outlined and analyzed the following forty teaching techniques and methods of Prophet Muahmmed Rasulullah (SAW):
I. Rasulullah [SAW] teaches by his beautiful way of life and great character: One of the most important, greatest and obvious methodologies of Rasulullah (SAW) in teaching was through his actions, adopting a beautiful way of life and a great character. When Rasulullah (SAW) used to instruct and recommend anything, he would first practice it himself and thereafter the people would emulate him, and do it as they observed him.
2. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches aspects of the Shari’ah in stages: The Prophet (SAW) used to consider a gradual approach in teaching. He presented the most important aspects first and then the less important and so on. He used to teach step by step, little by little, portion by portion so that the intended message could be easily absorbed and be more effective on the heart in regard to memorizing and understanding.
3. Rasulullah (SAW) follows a moderate way in teaching and in trying to remove boredom [from his students): The Prophet (SAW) used to take into consideration the times and circumstances of his companions when advising and teaching them so that they did not get disinterested and bored.
4. Rasulullah (SAW) takes into consideration the individual differences of his students: The Prophet (SAW) was extremely watchful of the individual differences and learning styles of the students whom he addressed and who questioned him. He (SAW) therefore addressed each one according to the level of his understanding and learning style, and in a way that was appropriate for that person's rank.
5. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches through dialogue and questioning: One of Prophet’s (SAW) most salient methods of teaching was through interaction viz a viz dialogue and questioning in order to prompt the attention of the listeners, to instill in them a desire for the answer, and to stimulate their minds to find an answer so that the answer of the Prophet — if they are unable to provide an answer — will be the easiest to understand and have the greatest impact on their minds.
6. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches through conversation and rational comparison: Among the Prophet’s (SAW) teaching methodologies was that he employed the way of rational cross-questioning; he used to pose a question and then ask for an answer.
7. Rasulullah (SAW) questions his companions in order to gauge their intelligence and knowledge: Rasulullah (SAW) used to question his Sahabah (RA) about a particular matter despite knowing the answer. He (SAW) used to question them in order to stimulate their acumen, stir up their minds and impart knowledge in the form of a deliberation to assess their knowledge.
8. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches by analogy and comparison: He (SAW) used to explain and compare the injunctions to his companions if the procedures thereof were confusing to them or the rules thereof were difficult to comprehend. By employing analogies and comparisons, the intended message was understood clearly.
9. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches by similes and examples: Very often he (SAW) used appropriate examples to expound on the message he (SAW) wanted to convey. The examples he (SAW) used were such that people could see with their own eyes, taste with their tongues, which they could perceive, and which were within their reach.
10. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches by drawing on the ground: At times Rasulullah (SAW) used to expound a matter by illustrating a concept visually by drawing on the ground and in the sand. The use of visuals enhances learning of a concept.
11. Rasulullah (SAW) combines speech and hand actions in teaching: Rasulullah (SAW) used to combine both verbal speech and hand actions when teaching something. He used this methodology to clarify whatever he was saying and in order to bring to the attention of his addressees the importance of topics of the discussion.
12. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches by raising a prohibited item with his hand in order to emphasize its prohibition: At times, Rasulullah (SAW) used to carry a prohibited item in his hand and raise it in front of his audience. In doing so, he used to prohibit them from a particular thing by his speech and by letting them see it with their own eyes. This would therefore create a greater impression in the minds and would be more explicit in demonstrating its prohibition and unlawfulness.
13. Rasulullah (SAW) commences teaching his companions without their asking him: Many a times, Rasulullah (SAW) used to commence teaching his companions without their asking anything in this regard. This was especially so with regard to important matters which every person was not aware of until he was asked about it. Rasulullah (SAW) thus used to teach his companions the answers to doubts before they can occur lest they occur in their minds, remain therein, and have evil consequences.
14. Rasulullah (SAW) answers according to the question posed to him: He (SAW) taught many laws, injunctions, and fundamentals of religion by answering the questions of his companions. He used to urge his companions (RA) to ask questions with regard to different situations and problems which they faced and sought appropriate rules and regulations.
15. Rasulullah (SAW) replies to more than what he was asked: Rasulullah (SAW) used to give a reply that was more detailed than what the person had asked about. He did this when he felt that the person needed to know more about what he actually asked. This illustrates his perfect kindness and consideration for his students and those who came to seek knowledge and understanding.
16. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches by turning the attention of the questioner away from the actual question which was posed: This, he (SAW) did because of some great wisdom. This methodology of turning the attention of the questioner away — from the actual question— is known as the methodology of a wise person (uslubul hakim). It entails replying to a questioner with something other than what he asked and directing him towards something that concerns him, that is more important than what he asked or what is more beneficial to him.
17. Rasulullah (SAW) asks for the question to be repeated so that he may give a full response: He (SAW) used to ask the person to repeat his question — despite fully knowing the question —to enhance person’s knowledge or comprehension of the issue, before expounding on the issue in the response.
18. Rasulullah (SAW) asks another companion to reply to a question in order to train him: He (SAW) used to hand over the responsibility of answering a question to a Sahabi (RA) in order to train and familiarize him to giving replies in matters of Islam.
19. Rasulullah (SAW) tests a learned person on a particular aspect in order to praise him if he is correct: He (SAW) would ask a Sahabi (RA) on a particular aspect in order to assess his intelligence and cognizance. If he were correct, he would praise him, congratulate him, and tap him on his chest — drawing attention to the fact that such a person was deserving of Rasulullah’s (SAW) love and valuing him because of his correct response.
20. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches by remaining silent over what occurred in his presence: This is one of the categories of the Sunnah. The scholars refer to it as taqrir (or iqrar). If any Muslim says or does something in the presence of the Prophet (SAW) and the Prophet (SAW) agrees to it by remaining silent or by displaying his pleasure with it, then this is an indication from the Prophet (SAW) that that particular act [which was done in his presence] or speech [which was uttered in his presence] is permissible. Many important matters were learned from Rasulullah (SAW) in this manner.
21. Rasulullah (SAW) makes use of temporary opportunities in teaching: Many a time, he (SAW) used to take appropriate opportunities [that were presented before him] in teaching whatever he wanted. In this way, he used to combine that opportunity together with the knowledge which he wished to spread and proliferate.
22. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches by joking and humor: Subtle humor provides amusement, and a diversion to a person. It lightens the burden of fatigue which a person experiences. A person has to experience difficulties and hardships in life. It is humor that lessens the burden of these difficulties and hardships. A person can learn through a smiling person more than what he can learn from a stern and frowning person. Continuous seriousness is burdensome on the mind. The use of occasional humor reduces stress and refreshes and reinvigorates a person.
23. Rasulullah (SAW) emphasizes what he is teaching by taking an oath: Many a time, Rasulullah (SAW) used to commence his speech by taking an oath in the name of Allah SWT in order to draw attention to the importance of what he was about to say, to strengthen it, and in order to emphasize it.
24. Rasulullah (SAW) repeats his words three times in order to emphasize his subject matter: He (SAW) used to repeat his words in order to emphasize his subject matter and to draw attention to its importance to his audience. And so that the person may understand it and fully comprehend it.
25. Rasulullah (SAW) bears in mind the importance of changing his posture and repeating what he said: At times he (SAW) used to change his sitting posture and his position together with repeating what he said in order to emphasize the importance and gravity of what he was saying or to warn against it.
26. Rasulullah (SAW) gets the attention of his addressee by repeating a call while delaying the answer: On certain occasions, he (SAW) used to repeat his call to a person while delaying the answer to emphasize the need for attentiveness, in order for that person may give due regard to what is going to be said, and so that he may focus and concentrate in trying to understand and remember what is going to be said.
27. Rasulullah (SAW) grasps the hand or shoulder of his addressee in order to draw the latter's attention: At times Rasulullah (SAW) used to grasp the hand or shoulder of his addressee in order to draw the latter's attention so that it may increase his attentiveness to what he is being taught, so that he may give his ears, eyes and heart to it, and so that it may be most effective in remembering it.
28. Rasulullah (SAW) says something ambiguous in order to prompt the listener to inquire more about it so that it would increase his desire towards it or reprimand him from it.
29. Rasulullah (SAW) says something in general terms and then expounds on it so that it may be clearer and easier to remember and understand: He (SAW) used to first present an idea in general terms giving an opportunity to the addressee to ask more details about it; he (SAW) would then expound on it further in detail in a manner of making it easier for the addressee to comprehend and remember it.
30. Rasulullah (SAW) used to enumerate certain things and then he would explain them one by one so that it may have a greater impact on the addressee and be easier for him to remember and understand.
31. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches through admonishment and reminder: This methodology was adopted in emulation of the order of the Qur'an wherein Allah says: "Remind, because reminding benefits the believers." (51: 55) "You [O Muhammad!] are solely a reminder." (88: 21)
32. Rasulullah (SAW) used to encourage good by mentioning its reward and drawing attention to its benefits: He (SAW) used to warn against evil by mentioning its punishment and drawing attention to its harms. He used to combine both aspects in his words and speeches.
33. Rasulullah (SAW), many times, used to teach his companions by narrating to them stories and anecdotes of past peoples. This would have a significant impact on the minds of his addressees and the best way of guidance. It would also gain their utmost interest and attention. Furthermore, it would settle in their hearts and ears in the best way possible.
34. Rasulullah (SAW) commences with a subtle preliminary when teaching something which could be embarrassing. At times he (SAW) used to pave the way with a subtle preliminary [with the help of practical demonstration of the issue at hand] when he wanted to teach his companions something that, had it been said openly, could cause embarrassment.
35. Rasulullah (SAW) suffices with mere allusion when teaching something that is embarrassing. At times he (SAW) used to suffice with mere allusion and reference when teaching something that could be embarrassing or related to private issues.
36. Rasulullah (SAW) pays particular attention to teaching and educating women. Rasulullah (SAW) used to pay particular attention to teaching women matters that they needed to learn. He (SAW) used to have special lectures and gatherings for them.
37. Rasulullah (SAW) shows anger and reprimand in teaching if the situation demands. He (SAW) used to get extremely angry if a student transgressed in his delving and questioning about something that he should not delve into or should not ask about.
38. Rasulullah’s (SAW) used writing as one of teaching methodologies: He (SAW) had more than fifteen scribes who used to write down the Qur'an from him. He had other scribes who were specifically designated to write his letters to various places and different rulers, conveying Islam to them and inviting them towards it. He had yet other scribes who were designated to other tasks.
Rasulullah (SAW) sent many letters with his (SAW) noble name therein to different lands and rulers. Some of them contained an invitation towards Islam and belief in Allah SWT. Others contained an explanation of the rules and injunctions of Islam that were applicable to those who embraced Islam. The books of biography (Seerat un Nabi) of Rasulullah (SAW), Hadith, and Islamic history have preserved the texts and words of those noble letters.
39. Rasulullah (SAW) orders some of his companions to learn the Suryini language. He (SAW) established the practice of utilizing foreign languages for teaching, inviting and propagation of Islam. Today, knowledge of languages plays a vital role in international relations, communications and education.
40. Rasulullah (SAW) teaches through his noble personality: Rasulullah (SAW) was a teacher whom Allah SWT chose to teach humanity the religion of Allah SWT and His final and eternal message. The perfection of his (SAW) noble personality is methodology in itself — teaching all other teachers to be like him and to follow his sublime way. One of the most important attributes of a teacher is that he should be of perfect qualities in his personal self be they with regard to his intellect, his merits, his knowledge, his wisdom, his pleasing appearance, his elegance and refined manners, his activity and his inactivity, his good speech, his good scent, his clean clothes, his beautiful appearance, his beautiful way of speaking, behavior and management of affairs.
All these qualities were found in the personality of the Messenger (SAW) — the teacher — in the most complete form and in the highest form of beauty and perfection. Through his noble and exemplary personality, he is a teacher to every teacher and educator. He is, thus, an embodiment of the peak of teaching through its various methodologies. Each of those methodologies are directed at Muslims to be an embodiment of the words: "You are the best of nations chosen for the people." This all-embracing perfection in Rasulullah (SAW) is found in the utmost limit in all the different methodologies of teaching. It entails the cream and essence of teaching and instruction. His noble personality has acquired the highest, the most magnificent and most unique praise - fully emphasized by Allah SWT: ‘You are certainly on an exalted standard of character (68:4).’”
“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) — The Teacher, and His Teaching Methodologies” is a unique book that illustrates and expounds on the teaching methodologies of Prophet Muhammed (SAW), the unique teacher sent for the guidance of the humanity. All readers especially the teachers can benefit greatly by incorporating the teaching methodologies of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in their curricula to enhance teaching and learning about worldly and spiritual domains.
[Dr Ahmed S. Khan (dr.a.s.khan@ieee.org) is a Fulbright Specialist Scholar (2017-2022)]
