Prophetic Methods of Teaching: 5 Parenting Tips for Muslim Parents

Prophetic Methods of Teaching: 5 Parenting Tips for Muslim Parents

1. Ask Questions to Engage & Stimulate Thought

The Prophet often used questions to engage his companions and provoke deeper reflection. Or as in the famous hadith of Jibreel asking about Iman (Bukhari 50)

"Do you know who the bankrupt is?"

The Prophet used this question to teach his companions the true meaning of being bankrupt, which wasn't just financial. This method encouraged thinking and reflection.

(Sahih Muslim 2581)

2. Repeat Key Points for Clarity & Retention

Repetition helps ensure the message is understood and retained. The Prophet would repeat important teachings multiple times.

"Whenever the Prophet (4) spoke a sentence (said a thing), he used to repeat it thrice so that the people. could understand it properly from him and whenever he asked permission to enter, (he knocked the door) thrice with greeting." (Sahih Bukhari 95)

3. Be Gentle & Correct Mistakes with Patience

The Prophet exemplified gentleness in his approach, even when correcting mistakes, and was patient with others.

"While we were in the mosque with Allah's Messenger (), a desert Arab came and stood up and began to urinate in the mosque..." (Sahih Muslim 285)

The Prophet corrected his companions with kindness, ensuring they didn't feel ashamed or discouraged.

4. Speak Clearly, Slowly, with Pauses, and to the Point

The Prophet spoke clearly, slowly, and with pauses, ensuring everyone could understand him.

"The Messenger of Allah () did not speak quickly like you do now, rather he would speak so clearly, unmistakably, that those who sat with him would memorize it." (Tirmidhi 3639)

He would also focus on being concise and to the point and not use unnecessary words.

5. Listen Attentively & Face the Person Speaking

Listening is key to effective teaching. The Prophet was patient and would give his full attention to his companions when they spoke.

The Prophet would turn his entire body towards the person speaking, listening carefully to what they had to say, not interrupting. He demonstrated patience in learning and teaching, showing that knowledge is absorbed over time.