Knowledge and Education in Islam (4/4)

Narrative stories

Story telling is a brilliant, enjoyable, and effective method to teach children beliefs, values, and morals. This is particularly true for young children who have short attention spans and require attention­ holding interactions. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) often used this method with his Companions. On one occasion, it is reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “Allah is more pleased  with the repentance  of His believing slave-servant than that of a person who set out on a journey with a provision of food and drink on the back of his camel. He went on until he came to a waterless desert and he felt like sleeping. So he got down under the shade of a tree and was overcome by sleep, and his camel ran away. As he got up he tried to see it (the camel) standing upon a mound, but did not find it. He then got upon the other mound, but could not see anything. He then climbed upon the third mound, but did not see anything until he came back to the place where he had been   sleeping   previously.    And   as   he   was   sitting   (in utter disappointment) there came to him his camel, till that (camel) placed its halter in his hand. Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His slave than the person who found (his lost camel) in this very state.”[1]

Making oaths

At times, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would gain a person's attention by means of an oath. This is a valuable technique, particularly for the purpose of emphasizing   significant concepts.  Abu Shurayh reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “By Allah, he does not believe!  By Allah, he does not believe!  By Allah, he does not believe!”  It was said: Who is that person, O Allah's   Messenger?   He answered: “That person is he whose neighbour   does not feel safe from his evil.”[2]

Gradualness

Understanding the complexities and difficulties of life, Prophet Muhammad   (Peace be upon him) took a gradual approach in teaching several of the principles of the religion. 

This was most often used in the prohibition of   social   evils   such   as alcohol, but it can also be applied to commandments as well. 

The rationale   for this method   is to take the time needed to change hearts and minds   through   persuasion and education,   rather   than simply   imposing   rules   and laws.  

This   will ensure that children accept the customs of Islam by their own choice, rather   than   being   forced   to accept   them. 

Practical    examples    of application   may   include   wearing   the hijab,   learning   how   to pray correctly,   fasting   during   Ramadan,   and so forth.

Offering a viable alternative

When correcting   people's mistakes, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would offer a feasible alternative to the inappropriate behaviour of the individual.   Doing this saved   the person   from   embarrassment and reduced the likelihood   that she would be resistant to change.  In one hadith   it is  narrated   that  “The   Prophet   saw   some   sputum   in  the direction   of  the  qibla[3]  and  this  upset  him  so  much  that  his  anger could  be seen on his face.  He stood up and removed   it with his hand, then said: When anyone   of you stands up to pray, he is talking to his Lord. His Lord is between him and the qibla, so no one should spit in the direction of the qibla; he should spit to his left or under his feet. Then he took the edge of his cloak, spat on it and rubbed part of it against another part and said: Or do like this.”[4]

Paying attention to inherent aspects in human nature The Prophet (Peace be upon him)   understood the nature of human beings and the natural feelings and emotions that they are likely to experience. For this reason, he was patient with other people's faults or improper conduct. This concept can certainly be applied in the case of children who often act through natural instincts. “The Prophet was with one of his wives when another of the Mothers of the Believers sent a big vessel full of food to him. The wife whose house the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was visiting struck the servant's hand, and the vessel fell and broke in two. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) picked up the pieces and put them together, then he gathered up the food that had been in the vessel and said: Your mother is jealous. Then he asked the servant to wait until he was given the vessel belonging to the wife in whose house he was, and he sent the whole vessel to the wife whose vessel had been broken, and kept the broken  vessel in the house of the one who had broken it.”[5]

There are many more examples of the Prophet's method of education. It is beyond the scope of this book to cover the topic in depth. A few have been covered to provide suggestions for parents.[6]