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The Emissary of Allah, the Teacher

Synopsis: The Emissary ; the Teacher and his methods of instruction- Shaykh 'Abdul Fatah Abu Ghuddah

A course based upon a book written and compiled, over some thirty years, by the late scholar and ḥadith specialist, Shaykh 'Abdul Fattaḥ Abū Ghuddah, in which he devises his book into two sections.
The first section is dedicated to the reasons, ‘why’ the Emissary of Allāh is to be hailed as a teacher, of unique standing; and the second section highlights 40 practical methods employed by the Emissary of Allāh to convey the divine message.

Text: Al-Rasul al-Mu'allim wa asalibuhu fi al-ta'lim by Shaykh Abdul-Fattah Abu Ghuddah

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Course outline:

SECTION I

1) The Emissary; the teacher - the Qurā'nic and Ḥadith text which affirms him as a teacher

2) The Prophet's general manners of instruction and their all encompassing nature, bear testimony of him being the first teacher.

3) History is a witness to his effective instructional techniques. His encouraging to do away with ignorance and cautioning against being complacent when it comes to seeking knowledge and teaching.

4) A caution against acquiring knowledge of no benefit and a description of some of his noble traits. A tradition from 'Alī b. Abī Ṭālib describing his assembly

5) His humility towards the student, questioner, and those of slow understanding

6) Imam al-Māwardī's words on why the Emissary is the most perfect of human beings, in form, character, words and actions.

SECTION II

The Emissary of Allāh’s teaching methods in 40 techniques

1) His teaching by way of character and fine conduct

2) The instructions of Divine Law being gradually

3) Him always being aware of moderation and distancing from boredom.

4) Him observing individual differences among his students. with various examples

5) His use of discussion and questioning

6) His use of conversation and rationality in dispelling false notions or making a point of truth firmly grasped

7) His questioning of his companions to reveal their intelligence and understanding

8) His use of analogy

9) His use of similitude

10) His use of diagrams

11) His combing of words and indication.

12) The raising of his hand to emphasis the prohibition of a thing.

13) His addressing a matter prior to his companions bringing it up.

14) His response to a variety of questions.

15) Him giving an answer more than what was asked.

16) Him drawing the questioners attention to a matter of more importance than his question.

17) His seeking the repeating of a question.

18) Him letting his companions answer a question he had been asked in order to train them.

19) His testing of a person seen to be knowing of that thing, to then praise them if they were correct.

20) His teaching them by reaming silent.

21) His making use of opportunities as they presented themselves for relevant instruction.

22) His teaching by way of being lighthearted

23) His teaching by making an oath out of emphasis

24) His repeating a matter three times

25) His changing of posture and repeating a matter to illustrate its importance.

26) His getting the attention of the listener by postponing a response despite repetitive attempts.

27) His taking hold of the one being spoken to by the shoulders to bring attentiveness

28) Him being ambiguous in order to incite the listener to try and find out what was meant, as an encouragement or a censure.

29) His stating a matter in general terms, then following it with explanation..

30) Him generally enumerating a thing and then making further explanation.

31) His teaching by way of sermonizing and reminding.

32) His teaching by using encouragement and censure.

33) His conveying of history and narratives of people of the past.

34) His appropriateness in teaching sensitive matters

35) His teaching by indicating matters that are of embarrassment

36) His concern for teaching women and sermonizing them

37) Him being cross and stern because the situation required such.

38) His use of the written word as a means to teach and convey

39) His commanding some of his companions to learn other languages, noting its importance in order to convey the message of Islam

40) His osmotic influence .

Course Instructor: Shaykh Thaqib Mahmood
Start Date: Thursday 6th May 2010 (Weekly Class)
Duration: 15 weeks
Time: 7:30pm- 9:30pm

Registration Status: Open
Entry requirements: Preferably the students should have a basic knowledge of Islam and the Prophet's life

Registration Fee: £35, no charge to WLSIS Student Pass holders.
Registration Deadline: 27th May 2010

Registration:

Please ensure you bring a copy of your paypal payment to to the course.

WLSIS Student Pass:

All Student Pass applications should be submitted at least 3 days prior to the course start date.

To register using an alternate method, please send an email to admin@wlsis.org including:

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Payment can be made in advance by post, or in person at the first day of the course. It is strongly advised for students to arrange advance payment to guarantee their place. Please note registration is not complete until both student details and payment are processed.

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