Teaching is a vital necessity in our lives for which there are numerous methods and techniques. What may work for one student, may not do the trick for another and what may be appropriate for a topic, may not be for another. The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ knew this and beautifully executed his teaching methods each and every time.
Below are ten examples of his teaching methods so that we may learn and adopt them in our teaching, inshā’Allāh.
His ﷺ Teaching Methods
▪ Combining between speech and indications.
Sometimes, the Messenger ﷺ would speak and make indications with his blessed hands to clarify what he meant or to bring the addressees’ attention to what he was saying.
Abū Mūsā al-Ashʿarī رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said: ‘The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the bricks of) a building, each strengthens the other.’ He ﷺ illustrated this by interlacing the fingers of both his hands. [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī][1]رواه البخاري في كتاب المظالم (باب نصر المظلوم) وفي (باب تعاون المؤمنين بعضهم بعضا)، ومسلم في كتاب البر والصلة … المزيد
Sahl ibn Saʿd رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘I will be like this in Jannah with the person who takes care of an orphan.’ And the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ raised his forefinger and middle finger by way of illustration. [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī][2]رواه البخاري في كتاب الطلاق (باب اللعان)، وفي كتاب الأدب (باب فضل من يعول يتيما).
▪ Raising a prohibited item with his blessed hands to emphasis its prohibition.
Sometimes, the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ would lift something so the addressees could see it. In this way, they would hear what was prohibited together with seeing it so that there was no doubt in their minds.
ʿAli رضي الله عنه reported: ‘I saw the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ holding a piece of gold in his left hand and a silk in his right hand. Then he said: “These two are forbidden for the males of my Ummah.”’ [Sunan Abū Dāwūd][3]رواه أبو داود في كتاب اللباس (باب في الحرير للنساء)، والنسائي في كتاب الزينة (باب تحريم الذهب على الرجال)، وابن … المزيد
▪ Initiating a lesson without any prior question from his companions.
Often, the Messenger ﷺ would inform his companions رضي الله عنهم of a benefit without being asked a question, especially regarding those matters which may go unnoticed. Hence, he used to teach them the answer to a doubt before it occurred, fearing that it might settle in their hearts.
Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger ﷺ said: ‘The devil comes to one of you saying: “Who created this? Who created that?” Until he says: “Who created your Lord?” When he gets to that point, seek refuge in Allāh and give up such thoughts.’ [al-Bukhārī][4]وراه البخاري في كتاب بدء الخلق (باب صفة إبليس وجنوده)، وفي كتاب الاعتصام بالكتاب والسنة (باب ما يكره من كثرة … المزيد
▪ Answering a question to the point.
The Messenger ﷺ used to answer the questions of his companions and encourage them to ask questions so that they may understand whatever concerned and confused them. He taught a great deal of Islamic law and sciences through answering the many questions of his companions رضي الله عنهم.
Jābir رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger ﷺ said: ‘The only cure for perplexity is to ask.’ [Sunan Abū Dāwūd][5]رواه أبو داود في كتاب الطهارة (باب في المجروح يتيمم)، ولهذا الحديث شاهد من حديث ابن عباس أخرجه أبو داود أيضا … المزيد
Nawwās ibn Samʿān reported: ‘I stayed with Allāh’s Messenger ﷺ for one year. What obstructed me to migrate was (nothing) but (persistent) inquiries from him (about Islām). (It was a common observation that) when anyone of us migrated (to Madinah), he ceased to ask (too many questions) from Allāh’s Messenger ﷺ. So, I asked him about virtue and vice.
Thereupon Allāh’s Messenger ﷺ said: Virtue is an excellent disposition and vice is what wavers in your mind and what you disapprove to be disclosed to people. [Ṣahīh Muslim][6]رواه مسلم في كتاب البر والصلة (باب تفسير البر والإثم).
Rāfiʿ ibn Khadīj رضي الله عنه is reported to have said: ‘O Allāh’s Messenger ﷺ! We are going to face the enemy tomorrow and we do not have knives.’ He said: ‘Hasten (in killing the animal). If the killing tool causes blood to flow out and the Name of Allah is mentioned, eat (of the slaughtered animal).
But do not slaughter with a tooth or a nail. I will tell you why: As for the tooth, it is a bone; and as for the nail, it is the knife of Ethiopians.’ [Ṣahīh Muslim][7]رواه البخاري في كتاب الذيائح والصيد (باب: لا يذكى بالسن والعظم والظفر) و(باب ما ند من البهائم فهو بمنزلة … المزيد
▪ Replying to more than what was asked.
Sometimes, the Messenger ﷺ would give an answer to more than what was asked when he saw a need for it. This is from his impeccable compassion and care for his students.
Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrated that a man asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ: ‘O Messenger of Allāh! We travel on the sea and take a small quantity of water with us. If we use this for ablution, we would suffer from thirst. Can we perform ablution with sea water?’ The Messenger ﷺ replied: ‘Its water is pure and what dies in it is lawful food.’ [Sunan Abū Dāwūd][8]رواه الإمام مالك في الموطأ في كتاب الطهارة (باب الطهور للوضوء)، وأبو داود في كتاب الطهارة (باب الوضوء بماء … المزيد
This addition in the answer; ‘and what dies in it is lawful food’ is extremely important because it explains that the water of the sea still remains pure even if something dies in it while also explaining the ruling of the corpse.
Ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنه said that a woman lifted her child and asked: ‘Can this (child) be credited with having performed Ḥajj?’ He replied: ‘Yes, and you will have a reward.’ [Ṣahīh Muslim][9]رواه مسلم وأبو داود في كتاب الناسك (باب في الصبي يحج)، والنسائي في كتاب مناسك الحج (الحج بالصغير).
This addition; ‘and you will have a reward’ is a great encouragement for her and those who wish to imitate her in enduring the difficulties of Ḥajj with their children.
▪ Turning the attention of the questioner away from the question posed.
Sometimes, the Messenger ﷺ would turn the questioner’s attention away from his question due to his wisdom and foresight.
Anas bin Mālik رضي الله عنه narrated that a man asked the Prophet ﷺ: ‘When will the Hour be established, O Allāh’s Messenger ﷺ?’ The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘What have you prepared for it?’
The man said: ‘I haven’t prepared much of prayers or fast or alms for it, but I love Allāh and His Apostle.’ The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘You will be with those whom you love.’ [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī][10]رواه البخاري في كتاب المناقب (باب مناقب عمر بن الخطاب)، وفي كتاب الأدب (باب علامة الحب في الله)، وفي كتاب … المزيد
The Messenger ﷺ turned his attention away from questioning the establishment of the Hour, the answer to which is only known by Allāh to something which is more necessary and beneficial. He also added that a person would be raised with those whom he loves as a warning and enlightenment for us to choose our loved ones wisely.
This approach is termed as uslūb al-ḥakīm (approach of the wise) in literature which means to inform a questioner of that which concerns him and that which is more important and beneficial than what he asked.
Ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنه narrated that a man asked: ‘O Allāh’s Apostle! What kind of clothes should a muḥrim wear?’ The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘A muḥrim should not wear a shirt, or a turban, or a cap, or trousers, or a cloth touched with flemingia macrophylla (al-wars)1Al-Wars is a yellow dye from a perennial plant cultivated in Yemen, identified usually as Memecylon tinctorium or Melastomataceae. According to Abū Ḥanīfa al-Dīnawarī it is found only in Yemen https://thetibbenabvi.com/warss. or saffron.
In the case where he does not find shoes, he should wear khuffayn and trim them (in such a way) that it should be lower than the ankles. [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī][11]وراه البخاري في كتاب العلم، (باب من أجاب السائل بأكثر مما سأل) ومسام في كتاب الحج.
As you can see, the Messenger ﷺ was asked what a muḥrim should wear but answered what he shouldn’t wear. He did this since the clothes which a muḥrim shouldn’t wear are limited while that which can be worn is not. Hence, he directed his attention to that which was easier to remember and grasp.
▪ Requesting the repetition of the question so that a full reply may be given.
Sometimes, the Messenger ﷺ would request that a question be repeated so that he may increase the questioner’s knowledge with more information regarding his question, or to amend what he already answered or to explain further.
It has been narrated on the authority of Abū Qatādah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ stood up amongst his companions to deliver his sermon in which he told them that jihād in the way of Allāh and belief in Allāh are the most meritorious of acts. A man stood up and said: ‘O Messenger of Allāh. Do you think that if I am killed in the way of Allāh, will my sins will be expiated?’
The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said: ‘Yes, in case you are killed in the way of Allāh and you were patient and sincere and you always fought facing the enemy, never turning your back upon him.’ Then, he added: ‘What did you said?’ (Wishing to have further assurance from him for his satisfaction). He asked (again): Do you think that if I am killed in the way of Allāh, will my sins will be expiated?’
The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said: Yes, it you were patient and sincere and always fought facing the enemy and never turning your back upon him, (all your lapses would be forgiven) except debt. Jibrīl has told me this. [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim][12]رواه مسلم في كتاب الإمارة (باب من قتل في سبيل الله كفرت خطاياه إلا الدين)، والنسائي في كتاب الجهاد (من قاتل في … المزيد
▪ Assigning another person to answer the question in order to train him.
The Messenger ﷺ used to appoint one of his companions to answer a question which was raised to him in order to train the companion to answer questions of dīn in the future.
ʿUqbah ibn ʿĀmir al-Juhanī رضي الله عنه said: ‘Two parties came arguing to the Messenger of Allāh. He then said to me: “Stand O ʿUqbah, and pass a judgment between them.” I said: “O Messenger of Allāh, you are more deserving of this than I.”
He said: “Even so, pass a judgement between them. If you reach a legal judgment through reasoning and are correct, you will attain ten blessings. And if you reach a legal judgment through reasoning and are incorrect, you will attain one blessing.”‘ [Musnad Aḥmad][13]رواه أحمد في مسنده وقال الهيثمي في مجمع الزوائد: رجاله رجال الصحيح. والدارقطني في سننه وفيه ضعف، قاله الحافظ … المزيد
▪ Testing a learned person on a certain issue to praise him if he answers correctly.
Sometimes, the Messenger ﷺ would test some of his companions and ask them a question to uncover their intelligence and knowledge. If they answered correctly, he would praise them and strike their chest as an indication that they deserve his love and veneration for their excellent response.
Ubayy ibn Kaʿb رضي الله عنه said: ‘Allāh’s Messenger ﷺ asked: “O Abū al-Mundhir! Do you know which verse of Allāh’s Book that you have is greatest?” I replied: “Allāh and His Messenger know best.” He repeated his question and I said: “Allāh, there is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal.” Thereupon he struck me on the breast and said: “May knowledge be pleasant for you, O Abū al-Mundhir!”’ [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim][14]رواه مسلم في كتاب صلاة المسافرين (باب فضل سورة الكهف وآية الكرسي).
Muʿādh ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه said: ‘When Allāh’s Messenger sent me to Yemen, he asked me: “How would you judge when the occasion arises.” I replied: “I would judge in accordance with Allāh’s Book.” He then asked: “What would you do if you do not find guidance in Allāh’s Book?” I replied: “I would act in accordance with the sunnah of His Messenger.”
He then asked: “What would you do if you do not find guidance in the sunnah of His Messenger?” I replied: “I shall do my best to reach a legal opinion and I shall spare no effort.” The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ then patted him on the chest and said: “Praise be to Allāh Who has helped the messenger of the Messenger of Allāh to find something which pleases the Messenger of Allāh.”’ [Sunan Abū Dāwūd][15]رواه أبو داود في كتاب الأقضية (باب اجتهاد الرأي في القضاء)، والترمذي في كتاب الأحكام (باب ما جاء في القاضي كيف … المزيد
▪ Teaching by remaining silent over what occurred in his presence.
This is a type of sunnah which scholars of uṣūl al-fiqh and ḥadīth have expressed as tacit approval (al-taqrīr). Actions which were witnessed by the Messenger ﷺ and statements which were made in his presence for which he remained silent; indicating his approval is his acknowledgement that such actions and statements are permissible. And many academic matters were extracted from his sunnah through this medium.
ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ said: ‘I had a sexual dream on a cold night in the battle of Dhāt al-Salāsil. I was afraid if I performed ghusl, I would die. I therefore performed tayammum and led my companions in the dawn prayer. They mentioned that to the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ. He said: “O ʿAmr! You led your companions in prayer while you were sexually impure?”
I informed him of the cause which impeded me from performing ghusl. And I said that I heard Allāh saying: “Do not kill yourself, verily Allāh is merciful to you.” The Messenger of Allah ﷺ laughed and did not say anything.”’ [Sunan Abū Dāwūd][16]رواه أبو داود في كتاب التيمم (باب إذا خاف الجنب البرد).
These ten teaching methods of the Messenger ﷺ were extracted from the work of Shaykh ʿAbd al-Fattāḥ Abū Ghuddah (may Allāh have mercy on him); Al-Rasūl al-Muʿallim. Read the Teaching Methods of the Messenger ﷺ (Part One) which contains ten teaching methods as well. You can also find Part Three here. May Allāh grant us wisdom and the ability to apply these teaching methods correctly in our teaching. Āmīn.
Footnotes
- 1Al-Wars is a yellow dye from a perennial plant cultivated in Yemen, identified usually as Memecylon tinctorium or Melastomataceae. According to Abū Ḥanīfa al-Dīnawarī it is found only in Yemen https://thetibbenabvi.com/warss.
الحاشية
