The Teacher: Prophet Muhammad
(Peace & blessings of Allah be upon him)
And Verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character. (68:04)
The Prophet Muhammad is a role model for humankind. Allah has commanded us to follow and obey the Prophet; following the Prophet guarantees the pleasure of Allah and attaining Paradise. The Prophets actions, sayings and approvals cover all aspects of life. He came to teach us Islam. His message was revolutionary and his teaching methods can inspire and guide many contemporary teachers.? The Prophet Muhammad was the greatest teacher. By studying his biography and following his example we can learn to perfect our teaching.
What kind of teacher was the Prophet?
- He had a set goal and remained focused. When the Quraish wanted him to leave his belief, his reply was that if he was given the moon on his left hand and the sun on his right, he would still not give up worshipping Allah.
- He was sincere and gave 100 % commitment to his responsibilities. He knew that Allah will ask us about how we fulfilled our responsibilities.
- He had thorough knowledge and ensured that what he said was from Allah.
- He had a noble and honest character and earned the respect of his companions. He was nicknamed Al-Ameen ? the truthful or trustworthy.
Abu Dharr narrated: The Prophet said: Fear Allah wherever you are, and follow up a bad deed with a good one and it will wipe it out, and behave well towards the people. (at-Thirmidhi)
- He was patient and never wavered. Thirteen years of prosecution in Makkah did not deter him from carrying out his mission.
- He always controlled his temper.
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: The strong man is not the one who wrestles well but the strong man is the one who controls himself when he is in a fit of rage. (Sahih Muslim)
- He was moderate
Narrated by Asiah (ra): The Messenger of Allah, whenever he is given the opportunity to choose between two affairs, he always chooses the easiest and most convenient. But if he is certain that it is sinful, he will be as far as he could from it. (Sahih Bukhari)
- He took care of his appearance: his clothing was perfumed and would always clean his teeth with the siwak.
Narrated by Anas (ra): I have never smelt ambergris or musk or any other thing sweeter than the scent and smell of the Messenger of Allah. (Sahih Bukhari)
- In his dealings with people, he was very caring and thoughtful. He was an approachable character who would smile and was gentle to his subjects.
- He identified and nurtured an individuals potential such as when Usama ibn Zayd a young man aged 18 years old was given the command of the Muslim army.
- He was moderate in his speech by giving short sermons. People could count on their fingers what he said; his directness and clarity ensured easy memorisation. There was never a marathon speech which lasted hours.
Abu Huraira narrated: the Prophet said: Let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day either speak good or keep silent. (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
- He had great wisdom: he applied different strategies for different people; such as giving advice that was suitable for one person or he would speak according to a persons intellectual level.
- He would often repeat his message three times.
- He often questioned his companions to get them involved: O Umar, do you know?
Who is an immigrant? The one who leaves what Allah has forbidden.?Who is a Muslim? The Muslim is the one who other people are safe from his hand and his tongue.
Who is a bankrupt? The person who comes on the Day of Judgement losing all his good deeds because of the harm that he caused others.
- He told stories and used analogies to relate the content to his students and derive morals and lessons.
He once asked his companions ? what would happen to a man if he lives next to a river and washes himself five times a day? They replied that he would become clean. He replied that this is what happens with the daily prayer.
- He used hand movements to explain certain things. The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said: the one who supports an orphan will be like this with me in Paradise – he placed his index and middle finger together.
- He knew the importance of using visuals. On an occasion he drew on the sand to clearly impart his message. He drew a straight line on the sand and from this he drew other lines ? while the people were looking at the line ? he told them that the straight line represents the path to Allah while the narrow lines represent the deviance from Allah.
- He emphasised the importance of glorifying and asking Allah for help. He taught us how to attain Allahs blessing in our gatherings by making dua: Glory is to You, O Allah, and Praise is to You. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to you.
An excellent model you have in Allahs messenger, for all whose hope is in Allah, and in the final day and who often remember Allah. (Chapter Al-Ahzab, verse 21)
Mariam Seddiq